On the formation of current sheets in the solar corona

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (42) References (14) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS On the Formation of Current Sheets in the Solar Corona Karpen, Judith T. ; Antiochos, Spiro K. ; DeVore, C. Richard Abstract Several theoretical studies have proposed that, in response to photospheric footpoint motions, current sheets can be generated in the solar corona without the presence of a null point in the initial potential magnetic field. A fundamental assumption in these analyses, commonly referred to as the line-tying assumption, is that all coronal field lines are anchored to a boundary surface representing the top of the dense, gas pressure-dominated photosphere. It is shown here that line-typing cannot be applied indiscriminately to dipped coronal fields, and that the conclusions of the line-tied models are incorrect. To support the theoretical arguments, the response of a dipped potential magnetic field in a hydrostatic-equilibrium atmosphere to shearing motions of the footpoints is studied, using a 2.5-dimensional MHD code. The results show that, in the absence of artificial line-tying conditions, a current sheet indeed does not form at the location of the dip. Rather, the dipped magnetic field rises, causing upflows of photospheric and chromospheric plasma. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1990 DOI: 10.1086/185751 Bibcode: 1990ApJ...356L..67K Keywords: Current Sheets; Solar Corona; Solar Magnetic Field; Chromosphere; Magnetic Field Configurations; Mathematical Models; Photosphere; Solar Physics; HYDROMAGNETICS; SUN: CORONA; SUN: MAGNETIC FIELDS full text sources ADS |