Physics
Scientific paper
May 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010aas...21631902h&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #216, #319.02; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.909
Physics
Scientific paper
Our observations of the transport of magnetic elements across the Sun's surface indicate that the speed of the meridional flow varies systematically over the solar cycle - faster at minimum and slower at maximum. The flow speed on the approach to this (Cycle 24) minimum was substantially faster than it was at the last minimum. This increased flow speed should have produced a short Cycle 23 with strong polar fields in the flux transport dynamos used to predict Cycle 24 - contrary to what we have seen. The latitudinal structure of the meridional flow also varies systematically. The average latitudinal structure is a simple sinusoid that extends to the poles and peaks at about 45 degrees latitude. As the cycle progresses a pattern of inflows toward the active latitudes develops and moves equatorward in conjunction with the activity. In addition, counter-cells occasionally form at high latitudes. These meridional flow variations are accompanied by changes in the differential rotation. The in-flows toward the active latitudes are accompanied by the torsional oscillations - slower rotation on the poleward sides and faster rotation on the equatorward sides of the active latitudes. The counter-cells at the poles are accompanied by slower rotation in the polar regions. These associations are consistent with the effects of the Coriolis force on the meridional flow.
We gratefully acknowledge our funding sources. David Hathaway was supported by a grant from NASA through the Heliophysics Causes and Consequences of the Minimum of Cycle 23/24 Program. Lisa Rightmire was supported as a Summer Intern at Marshall Space Flight Center by a grant from the Space Grant Consortium.
Hathaway David H.
Rightmire Lisa
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