Intensification of magnetic fields by conversion of potential energy

Citation
M. Rempel et M. Schussler, Intensification of magnetic fields by conversion of potential energy, ASTROPHYS J, 552(2), 2001, pp. L171-L174
Citations number
19
Categorie Soggetti
Space Sciences
Journal title
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
ISSN journal
0004637X → ACNP
Volume
552
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Part
2
Pages
L171 - L174
Database
ISI
SICI code
0004-637X(20010510)552:2<L171:IOMFBC>2.0.ZU;2-1
Abstract
A strong superequipartition magnetic field strength on the order of 10 T (1 0(5) G) has been inferred at the bottom of the solar convection zone. We sh ow that the "explosion" of weak magnetic flux tubes, which is caused by a s udden loss of pressure equilibrium in the flux loop rising through the supe radiabatically stratified convection zone, provides a mechanism that leads to a strong field: the flow of high-entropy material out of the exploded lo op leads to a significant intensification of the magnetic field in the unde rlying flux sheet at the bottom. In contrast to the amplification by differ ential rotation, this process converts the potential energy of the stratifi cation into magnetic energy and thus is not dynamically limited by the back -reaction on the flow field via the Lorentz force.