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The Solar Dynamo

delete2008-10-01
delete33
PRE
AI
N
N. O. Weiss
M
M. J. Thompson *
DOI:10.1007/s11214-008-9435-zdelete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
It is generally accepted that the strong toroidal magnetic fields that emerge through the solar surface in sunspots and active regions are formed by the action of differential rotation on a poloidal field, and then stored in or near the tachocline at the base of the Sun's convection zone. The problem is how to explain the generation of a reversed poloidal field from this toroidal flux-a process that can be parametrised in terms of an alpha-effect related to some form of turbulent helicity. Here we first outline the principal patterns that have to be explained: the 11-year activity cycle, the 22-year magnetic cycle and the longer term modulation of cyclic activity, associated with grand maxima and minima. Then we summarise what has been learnt from helioseismology about the Sun's internal structure and rotation that may be relevant to our subject. The ingredients of mean-field dynamo models are differential rotation, meridional circulation, turbulent diffusion, flux pumping and the alpha-effect: in various combinations they can reproduce the principal features that are observed. To proceed further, it is necessary to rely on large-scale computation and we summarise the current state of play.
Keywords:
Sun
Sunspots
Magnetic fields
Dynamos

Journal

Space Science Reviews cover
Space Science Reviews
IF:
7.4
Papers:
4.2K
Citations:
1.8W

Organization

U
University of Sheffield
Scholars:
3.0W
Papers: 2.9W
Citations: 3.9W
U
University of Cambridge
Scholars:
7.7W
Papers: 7.1W
Citations: 13.7W