Hydrodynamic instabilities in the solar tachocline

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

2

Hydrodynamics, Instabilities, Sun: Interior

Scientific paper

Aims: We consider the stability of simple hydrodynamic models of the solar tachocline. This study addresses only the non-magnetic instabilities. In our model there is a strong radial shear, which because of the rotation is coupled to a latitudinal temperature gradient. We also assume there is a strong stable stratification, appropriate for the slow tachocline. Methods: These instabilities are calculated by finding the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions using a matrix-based collocation method. We also find analytic expressions for the key instabilities in the relevant asymptotic limits of strong stable stratification and small Prandtl number. Results: We find two distinct types of instability, axisymmetric modes of the Goldreich-Schubert type, and three-dimensional Eady-type modes. Both types of mode are affected by thermal diffusion. We find that the axisymmetric modes considered by Knobloch & Spruit ([CITE], A&A, 113, 261) are likely to dominate in the slow tachocline. The non-axisymmetric baroclinic instability of Eady-type may be important in the layers closer to the base of the convection zone.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Hydrodynamic instabilities in the solar tachocline does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Hydrodynamic instabilities in the solar tachocline, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hydrodynamic instabilities in the solar tachocline will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1289931

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.