Dynamo Wave Patterns inside of the Sun Revealed by Torsional Oscillations

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2019

Abstract

Torsional oscillations represent bands of fast and slow zonal flows around the Sun, which extend deep into the convection zone and migrate during solar cycles toward the equator following the sunspot "butterfly" diagram. Analysis of helioseismology data obtained in 1996-2018 for almost two solar cycles reveals zones of deceleration of the torsional oscillations inside of the Sun due to dynamo-generated magnetic field. The zonal deceleration originates near the bottom of the convection zone at high latitudes, and migrates to the surface revealing patterns of magnetic dynamo waves predicted by Parker's dynamo theory. The analysis reveals that the primary seat of the solar dynamo is located in a high-latitude zone of the tachocline. It suggests a dynamo scenario that can explain "extended solar cycles" previously observed in the evolving shape of the solar corona. The results show a substantial decrease of the zonal acceleration in the current solar cycle and indicate a further decline of activity in the next solar cycle. Although the relationship between the magnitude of zonal deceleration and the amount of emerged toroidal field that leads to formation of sunspots is not yet established, the results reveal a new perspective for solar cycle modeling and prediction using helioseismology data.

Identifier

85062014895 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Astrophysical Journal Letters

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/aafe82

e-ISSN

20418213

ISSN

20418205

Issue

2

Volume

871

Grant

NNX14AB70G

Fund Ref

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS