Intensification of magnetic fields by conversion of potential energy

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.