Solar torsional oscillations as a signature of giant cells

Details Solar torsional oscillations as a signature of giant cells Solar torsional oscillations as a signature of giant cells

Aug 1987

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1987natur.328..696s&link_type=abstract

Nature (ISSN 0028-0836), vol. 328, Aug. 20, 1987, p. 696-699. NSF-supported research.

Physics

32

Convection, Solar Oscillations, Solar Rotation, Angular Momentum, Latitude, Solar Temperature, Sunspot Cycle

Scientific paper

The existence of giant cells as the fundamental mode of solar convection has long been proposed on theoretical grounds. During one search, using Mount Wilson magnetograph data, Howard and La Bonte discovered a pattern of latitudinal velocity bands that move from the poles towards the equator in synchrony with the sunspot cycle, and they interpreted this pattern as a torsional wave or "oscillation" with wavenumber k = 2 hemisphere-1. Here the authors suggest that this signal is not in fact an oscillation but represents a modulation of the mean differential rotation caused by a system of giant convective rolls which start at the poles at 11-yr intervals and migrate to the equator in a period of 18 - 22 yr. Additional evidence for the presence of these rolls is found in the zero offsets in the Mount Wilson data and in latitude variations of the limb temperature.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Solar torsional oscillations as a signature of giant cells 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 Solar torsional oscillations as a signature of giant cells, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Solar torsional oscillations as a signature of giant cells will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1341990