An M Dwarf’s Chromosphere, Corona, and Wind Connection via Nonlinear Alfvén Waves

Abstract

Abstract An M dwarf’s atmosphere is expected to be highly magnetized. The magnetic energy can be responsible for heating the stellar chromosphere and corona and driving the stellar wind. The nonlinear propagation of Alfvén waves is a promising mechanism for both heating the stellar atmosphere and driving the stellar wind. Based on this Alfvén wave scenario, we carried out a 1D compressive magnetohydrodynamic simulation to reproduce the stellar atmospheres and winds of TRAPPIST-1, Proxima Centauri, YZ CMi, AD Leo, AX Mic, and the Sun. The nonlinear propagation of Alfvén waves from the stellar photosphere to the chromosphere, corona, and interplanetary space is directly resolved in our study. The simulation result particularly shows that the slow shock generated through the nonlinear mode coupling of Alfvén waves is crucially involved in both the dynamics of the stellar chromosphere (stellar spicule) and stellar wind acceleration. Our parameter survey further revealed the following general trends of the physical quantities of the stellar atmosphere and wind. (1) The M dwarf coronae tend to be cooler and denser than the solar corona. (2) The M dwarf stellar winds can be characterized by a relatively faster velocity and much smaller mass-loss rate compared to those of the solar wind. The physical mechanisms behind these tendencies are clarified in this paper, where the stronger stratification of the M dwarf’s atmosphere and relatively smaller Alfvén wave energy input from the M dwarf’s photosphere are remarkable.