ISSN:
1573-093X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract We investigate the physical processes occurring in the supergranule boundary cylinder layer (SBCL). Taking into account the Coriolis force, we obtain an expression for the ϕ component of the magnetic field and velocity in the SBCL. Within the framework of linear MHD, we consider the formation and coalescence of magnetic tubes, i.e. spicules, in the course of the reconnection of the SBCL magnetic field. The estimated number of spicules appearing on each supergranule cell is in agreement with observations. This number depends on the solar latitude ϑ: (1) if the normal component of the magnetic fieldB z is assumed to be independent of ϑ, then the maximum number of spicules should be at ϑ = 71°; (2) ifB z is assumed to be the component of the dipolar fieldB z ∼ sin ϑ, then the maximum number should be at the pole: ϑ = 90°. The timescale of the formation and the coalescence of the magnetic tubes is 10–20 min, which is of the order of the observed lifetime of the spicules.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00838469
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