Cyclic variations of the structure and energetics of solar magnetic fields

Abstract

ABSTRACT The solar cycle is a complex phenomenon, a comprehensive understanding of which requires the study of various tracers. Here, we consider the solar cycle as manifested in the harmonics of the solar large-scale surface magnetic field, including zonal, sectorial, and tesseral harmonics, divided into odd and even relative to the solar equator. In addition to considering the amplitudes of the harmonics, we analyse their contribution to the magnetic energy. It turns out that the relative contribution of different types of harmonics to the magnetic energy is virtually independent of the cycle height. We identify different phases of the activity cycle using harmonics of different symmetries. A possible way to incorporate the obtained result into the solar dynamo theory is proposed.