Alfvén instability of steady state flux tubes. Isothermal flow

Abstract

Context. MHD instabilities are expected to play an important role in the dynamics and energetics of the solar atmosphere. Aims. One application of a recently discovered MHD instability to an open magnetic flux tube is investigated. The flux tube is gravitationally stratified and permeated by a smooth isothermal flow. Methods. The equilibrium structure is derived, and the stability of the tube with respect to small amplitude torsional perturbations generated at the footpoint by random convective motions analysed. Results. It is shown that torsional perturbations are exponentially amplified in time if a narrow region exists where the flux tube rapidly expands while the plasma is flowing away from the footpoint. No high flow speeds are required for the instability to set in. Conclusions. These obtained results may account for the nonthermal broadenings associated with upflows in magnetic regions of the lower solar atmosphere. However, additional studies that incorporate temperature variations are needed for more robust conclusions.