ISSN:
1572-9672
Keywords:
Sun: abundances
;
helioseismology
;
diffusion processes
;
element settling
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Element settling inside the Sun now becomes detectable from the comparison of the observed oscillation modes with the results of the theoretical models. This settling is due, not only to gravitation, but also to thermal diffusion and radiative acceleration (although this last effect is small compared to the two others). It leads to abundance variations of helium and heavy elements of ≅ 10% below the convective zone. Although not observable from spectroscopy, such variations lead to non-negligible modifications of the solar internal structure and evolution. Helioseismology is a powerful tool to detect such effects, and its positive results represent a great success for the theory of stellar evolution. Meanwhile, evidences are obtained that the element settling is slightly smoothed down, probably due to mild macroscopic motions below the convective zone. Additional observations of the abundances of both 7Li and 3He lead to specific constraints on these particular motions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1005136702891
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