Evolution Of Large-scale Magnetic Field Research Articles

Mid-term Periodicity of Coronal Mass Ejections during the Time Interval 1996–2022

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) exhibit a wide range of quasiperiodic variations and are crucial for our understanding of the cyclical evolution of large-scale magnetic fields. However, the mid-term periodicities of different types of CMEs associated with different processes at the source location need to be clearly understood. Based on the CDAW catalog released by the Large Angle and Spectroscopic Coronagraph mission on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, we investigated the period of CMEs based on the speeds and accelerations using the continuous wavelet transformation method. Our results revealed that the distribution of CMEs over time is quite distinctly different for different speeds, and there are Rieger-type periods and quasi-biennial oscillations of the CMEs. The two types of periodic signals show significant differences in solar cycles 23 and 24. Furthermore, the periodicity patterns for the northern hemisphere differ from those in the southern hemisphere. The potential mechanisms and explanations of the results are also discussed.

Long-term evolution of coronal holes on the Sun and occurrence frequencies of magnetic storms with gradual commencements

Long-term evolution of areas with open configuration of magnetic field (coronal holes) on the Sun reconstructed on the basis of H-alpha synoptic charts for the period 1887-2016 was studied and compared with annual occurrence frequencies of magnetic storms with gradual (GC) commencements. It was found that correlation between yearly values of coronal hole (CH) areas and sunspot numbers with no time shift is negative and not strong, but increases up to ∼0.6-0.7 when CH areas are delayed by 4-5 years relative to sunspot numbers. Temporal variations of CH areas in the Northern and Southern hemispheres are characterized by dominant ∼11-year periodicities; however, they differ significantly on the multidecadal time scale. The wavelet spectra of CH areas in the Southern hemisphere, unlike those in the Northern one, reveal persistent periodicities of ∼30-35 years on the studied time interval. Similar periodicities of ∼30-35 years are observed in annual occurrences of GC magnetic storms which are caused by high-speed streams of solar wind from coronal holes. The results of cross wavelet analysis of annual occurrence frequencies of GC magnetic storms and areas of coronal holes revealed common periodicities ∼11, ∼35 and ∼60 years which confirmed a close link of these storms with the evolution of large-scale magnetic fields on the Sun.

Saturation of large-scale dynamo in anisotropically forced turbulence

Abstract Turbulent dynamo theories have faced difficulties in obtaining evolution of large-scale magnetic fields on short dynamical time-scales due to the constraint imposed by magnetic helicity balance. This has critical implications for understanding the large-scale magnetic field evolution in astrophysical systems like the Sun, stars and galaxies. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) in the past with isotropically forced helical turbulence have shown that large-scale dynamo saturation time-scales are dependent on the magnetic Reynolds number (Rm). In this work, we have carried out periodic box DNS of helically forced turbulence leading to a large-scale dynamo with two kinds of forcing function, an isotropic one based on that used in Pencil-Code and an anisotropic one based on Galloway-Proctor flows. We show that when the turbulence is forced anisotropically, the nonlinear (saturation) behaviour of the large-scale dynamo is only weakly dependent on Rm. In fact the magnetic helicity evolution on small and large scales in the anisotropic case is distinctly different from that in the isotropic case. This result possibly holds promise for the alleviation of important issues like catastrophic quenching.

Global enhancement and structure formation of the magnetic field in spiral galaxies

In this paper we study numerically large-scale magnetic field evolution and its enhancement in gaseous disks of spiral galaxies. We consider a set of models with the various spiral pattern parameters and the initial magnetic field strength with taking into account gas self-gravity and cooling and heating processes. In agreement with previous studies we find out that galactic magnetic field is mostly aligned with gaseous structures, however small-scale gaseous structures (spurs and clumps) are more chaotic than the magnetic field structure. In spiral arms magnetic field often coexists with the gas distribution, in the inter-arm region we see filamentary magnetic field structure. These filaments connect several isolated gaseous clumps. Simulations reveal the presence of the small-scale irregularities of the magnetic field as well as the reversal of magnetic field at the outer edge of the large-scale spurs. We provide evidences that the magnetic field in the spiral arms has a stronger mean-field component, and there is a clear inverse correlation between gas density and plasma-beta parameter, compared to the rest of the disk with a more turbulent component of the field and an absence of correlation between gas density and plasma-beta. We show the mean field growth up to 3−10 μG in the cold gas during several rotation periods (500−800 Myr), whereas ratio between azimuthal and radial field is equal to 4/1. We find an enhancement of random and ordered components of the magnetic field. Mean field strength increases by a factor of 1.5−2.5 for models with various spiral pattern parameters. Random magnetic field component can reach up to 25% from the total strength. By making an analysis of the time-dependent evolution of the radial Poynting flux, we point out that the magnetic field strength is enhanced more strongly at the galactic outskirts which is due to the radial transfer of magnetic energy by the spiral arms pushing the magnetic field outward. Our results also support the presence of sufficient conditions for the development of magnetorotational instability at distances >11 kpc after 300 Myr of evolution.

Decay of Activity Complexes, Formation of Unipolar Magnetic Regions, and Coronal Holes in Their Causal Relation

North-south asymmetry of sunspot activity resulted in an asynchronous reversal of the Sun's polar fields in the current cycle. The asymmetry is also observed in the formation of polar coronal holes. A stable coronal hole was first formed at the South Pole, despite the later polar-field reversal there. The aim of this study is to understand processes making this situation possible. Synoptic magnetic maps from the Global Oscillation Network Group and corresponding coronal-hole maps from the Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Telescope aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory are analyzed here to study a causal relationship between the decay of activity complexes, evolution of large-scale magnetic fields, and formation of coronal holes. Ensembles of coronal holes associated with decaying active regions and activity complexes are presented. These ensembles take part in global rearrangements of the Sun's open magnetic flux. In particular, the south polar coronal hole was formed from an ensemble of coronal holes that originated after the decay of multiple activity complexes observed during 2014.

On the connections between solar and stellar dynamo models

AbstractWe here discuss the various dynamo models which have been designed to explain the generation and evolution of large-scale magnetic fields in stars. We focus on the models that have been applied to the Sun and can be tested for other solar-type stars now that modern observational techniques provide us with detailed stellar magnetic field observations. Mean-field flux-transport dynamo models have been developed for decades to explain the solar cycle and applications to more rapidly-rotating stars are discussed. Tremendous recent progress has been made on 3D global convective dynamo models. They do not however for now produce regular flux emergence that could be responsible for surface active regions and questions about the role of these active regions in the dynamo mechanism are still difficult to address with such models. We finally discuss 3D kinematic dynamo models which could constitute a promising combined approach, in which data assimilation could be applied.

The evolution of primordial magnetic fields since their generation

We study the evolution of primordial magnetic fields in an expanding cosmic plasma. For this purpose we present a comprehensive theoretical model to consider the evolution of MHD turbulence that can be used over a wide range of physical conditions, including cosmological and astrophysical applications. We model different types of decaying cosmic MHD turbulence in the expanding Universe and characterize the large-scale magnetic fields in such a medium. Direct numerical simulations of freely decaying MHD turbulence are performed for different magnetogenesis scenarios: magnetic fields generated during cosmic inflation as well as electroweak and QCD phase transitions in the early Universe. Magnetic fields and fluid motions are strongly coupled due to the high Reynolds number in the early Universe. Hence, we abandon the simple adiabatic dilution model to estimate magnetic field amplitudes in the expanding Universe and include turbulent mixing effects on the large-scale magnetic field evolution. Numerical simulations have been carried out for non-helical and helical magnetic field configurations. The numerical results show the possibility of inverse transfer of energy in magnetically dominated non-helical MHD turbulence. On the other hand, decay properties of helical turbulence depend on whether the turbulent magnetic field is in a weakly or a fully helical state. Our results show that primordial magnetic fields can be considered as a seed for the observed large-scale magnetic fields in galaxies and clusters. Bounds on the magnetic field strength are obtained and are consistent with the upper and lower limits set by observations of extragalactic magnetic fields.

CHARACTERIZING THE MEAN-FIELD DYNAMO IN TURBULENT ACCRETION DISKS

The formation and evolution of a wide class of astrophysical objects is governed by turbulent, magnetized accretion disks. Understanding their secular dynamics is of primary importance. Apart from enabling mass accretion via the transport of angular momentum, the turbulence affects the long-term evolution of the embedded magnetic flux, which in turn regulates the efficiency of the transport. In this paper, we take a comprehensive next step towards an effective mean-field model for turbulent astrophysical disks by systematically studying the key properties of magnetorotational turbulence in vertically-stratified, isothermal shearing boxes. This allows us to infer emergent properties of the ensuing chaotic flow as a function of the shear parameter as well as the amount of net-vertical flux. Using the test-field method, we furthermore characterize the mean-field dynamo coefficients that describe the long-term evolution of large-scale fields. We simultaneously infer the vertical shape and the spectral scale dependence of these closure coefficients, with the latter describing non-local contributions to the turbulent electromotive force. Based on this, we infer a scale-separation ratio of about ten for the large-scale dynamo. We finally determine scaling properties of the mean-field dynamo coefficients. The relevant component of the dynamo {\alpha} effect is found to scale linearly with the shear rate, as is the corresponding turbulent diffusion, {\eta}. Together, these scalings allow us to predict, in a quantitative manner, the cycle period of the well-known butterfly diagram. This lends new support to the importance of the {\alpha}{\Omega} mechanism in determining the evolution of large-scale magnetic fields in turbulent accretion disks.

Long-term evolution of large-scale magnetic fields in rotating stratified convection

Abstract Convective dynamo simulations are performed in local Cartesian geometry. We report the first successful simulation of a large-scale oscillatory dynamo in rigidly rotating convection without stably stratified layers. A key requirement for exciting the large-scale dynamo is a sufficiently long integration time comparable to the ohmic diffusion time. By comparing two models with and without stably stratified layers, their effect on the large-scale dynamo is also studied. The spatiotemporal evolution of the large-scale magnetic field is similar in both models. However, it is intriguing that the magnetic cycle is much shorter in the model without the stable layer than with the stable layer. This suggests that the stable layer impedes the cyclic variations of the large-scale magnetic field.

QUENCHING AND ANISOTROPY OF HYDROMAGNETIC TURBULENT TRANSPORT

Hydromagnetic turbulence affects the evolution of large-scale magnetic fields through mean-field effects like turbulent diffusion and the α effect. For stronger fields, these effects are usually suppressed or quenched, and additional anisotropies are introduced. Using different variants of the test-field method, we determine the quenching of the turbulent transport coefficients for the forced Roberts flow, isotropically forced non-helical turbulence, and rotating thermal convection. We see significant quenching only when the mean magnetic field is larger than the equipartition value of the turbulence. Expressing the magnetic field in terms of the equipartition value of the quenched flows, we obtain for the quenching exponents of the turbulent magnetic diffusivity about 1.3, 1.1, and 1.3 for Roberts flow, forced turbulence, and convection, respectively. However, when the magnetic field is expressed in terms of the equipartition value of the unquenched flows, these quenching exponents become about 4, 1.5, and 2.3, respectively. For the α effect, the exponent is about 1.3 for the Roberts flow and 2 for convection in the first case, but 4 and 3, respectively, in the second. In convection, the quenching of turbulent pumping follows the same power law as turbulent diffusion, while for the coefficient describing the effect nearly the same quenching exponent is obtained as for α. For forced turbulence, turbulent diffusion proportional to the second derivative along the mean magnetic field is quenched much less, especially for larger values of the magnetic Reynolds number. However, we find that in corresponding axisymmetric mean-field dynamos with dominant toroidal field the quenched diffusion coefficients are the same for the poloidal and toroidal field constituents.

Star formation and galactic dynamo model with helicity fluxes

We propose a possible scenario of large-scale magnetic field evolution for galaxies with star formation. An important point affecting the results of our calculations is a parametrization of dynamo-governing quantities. In comparison with previous works, we have reconsidered the views of how star formation affects the stationary magnetic field strength, viscosity, and other parameters important for galactic dynamos. The calculations have been performed by taking into account the magnetic helicity fluxes, which introduce an additional nonlinearity into the model and change the regime of galactic dynamo action. We have confirmed the previously suggested idea that for weak star formation its influence on the magnetic field strength is minor and the relationship between them clearly manifests itself only when the star formation rate reaches a certain threshold value. In this case, on the one hand, the threshold lowers-this effect manifests itself at a star formation surface density greater than that in the Milky Way by a factor of 5. On the other hand, intense star formation can cause both a monotonic decay of the large-scale magnetic field and its oscillations near some value.

Reversals of the Sun’s Polar Magnetic Fields in Relation to Activity Complexes and Coronal Holes

A spatiotemporal analysis of long-term measurements of the Sun’s magnetic field was carried out to study changes in its zonal structure and reversals of the polar fields in Cycles 21 – 24. A causal relationship between activity complexes, their remnant magnetic fields, and high-latitude magnetic fields has been demonstrated in the current cycle. The appearance of unipolar magnetic regions near the poles is largely determined by the decay of long-lived activity complexes. The nonuniform distribution of sunspot activity and its north–south asymmetry result in the asymmetry of remnant fields that are transported poleward due to meridional circulation. The asymmetry of high-latitude magnetic fields leads to an asynchrony of polar-field reversals in both hemispheres. The interaction of high-latitude unipolar magnetic regions with the polar fields affects the embedded coronal holes. The evolution of large-scale magnetic fields was also studied in a time–latitude aspect. It is shown that regular reversals of the Sun’s polar fields resulted from cyclic changes in high-latitude magnetic fields. A triple polarity reversal of the polar fields in Cycle 21 and short-term polarity alternations at the poles were interpreted taking into account the interaction of the remnant fields with the Sun’s polar fields.

Laws of the Evolution of Large-Scale Magnetic Fields in the Sun by Observations Data

On the basis of the observations data the evolution of large-scale solar magnetic fields during three solar cycles was investigated and the general picture of changing the solar cycles of weak photospheric and strong (in active regions) fields was determined. It has been found that in addition to significant differences in the evolution of weak and strong magnetic fields there is a close relationship of their behavior in the separated out strength intervals, if the growth rate of the total flow field is considered as a characteristic for comparing. At present there is no well-reasoned theoretical explanation of the found in the article connection, and the problem of its interpretation is a subject of a separate research.

3D numerical simulations of magnetic field evolution in barred galaxies and in spiral galaxies under influence of tidal forces

AbstractWe present the results of the three-dimensional, fully non-linear MHD simulations of the large-scale magnetic field evolution in a barred galaxy with the back reaction of magnetic field to gas. We also include the process of the cosmic-ray driven dynamo. In addition, we check what physical processes are responsible for the magnetic field evolution in the tidally influenced spiral galaxies. We solve the MHD equations for the gas and magnetic field in a spiral galaxy with gravitationally prescribed bulge, disk and halo which travels along common orbit with the second body. In order to compare our modeling results with the observations we also construct the maps of high-frequency (Faraday rotation-free) polarized radio emission from the simulated magnetic fields. The model accounts for the effects of projection and limited resolution.We found that the obtained magnetic field configurations are highly similar to the observed maps of the polarized intensity of barred galaxies, because the modeled vectors form coherent structures along the bar and spiral arms. We also found a physical explanation of the problem of inconsistency between the velocity and magnetic fields character present in this type of galaxies. Due to the dynamical influence of the bar, the gas forms spiral waves which go radially outward. Each spiral arm forms the magnetic arm which stays much longer in the disk than the gaseous spiral structure. The modeled total energy of magnetic field and magnetic flux grows exponentially due to the action of the cosmic-ray driven dynamo. We also obtained the polarization maps of tidally influenced spiral galaxies which are similar to observations.

Alpha effect and turbulent diffusion from convection

Aims. We study turbulent transport coefficients that describe the evolution of large-scale magnetic fields in turbulent convection. Methods. We use the test field method, together with three-dimensional numerical simulations of turbulent convection with shear and rotation, to compute turbulent transport coefficients describing the evolution of large-scale magnetic fields in mean-field theory in the kinematic regime. We employ one-dimensional mean-field models with the derived turbulent transport coefficients to examine whether they give results that are compatible with direct simulations. Results. The results for the α-effect as a function of rotation rate are consistent with earlier numerical studies, i.e. increasing magnitude as rotation increases and approximately cos θ latitude profile for moderate rotation. Turbulent diffusivity, ηt, is proportional to the square of the turbulent vertical velocity in all cases. Whereas ηt decreases approximately inversely proportional to the wavenumber of the field, the α-effect and turbulent pumping show a more complex behaviour with partial or full sign changes and the magnitude staying roughly constant. In the presence of shear and no rotation, a weak α-effect is induced which does not seem to show any consistent trend as a function of shear rate. Provided that the shear is large enough, this small α-effect is able to excite a dynamo in the mean-field model. The coefficient responsible for driving the shear-current effect shows several sign changes as a function of depth but is also able to contribute to dynamo action in the mean-field model. The growth rates in these cases are, however, well below those in direct simulations, suggesting that an incoherent α-shear dynamo may also act in the simulations. If both rotation and shear are present, the α-effect is more pronounced. At the same time, the combination of the shear-current and Ω × J-effects is also stronger than in the case of shear alone, but subdominant to the α-shear dynamo. The results of direct simulations are consistent with mean-field models where all of these effects are taken into account without the need to invoke incoherent effects.

3D MHD simulations of magnetic fields and radio polarization of barred galaxies

AbstractWe present results of three-dimensional, fully nonlinear MHD simulations of a large-scale magnetic field evolution in a barred galaxy. The model does not take into consideration the dynamo process. We find that the obtained magnetic field configurations are highly similar to the observed maps of the polarized intensity of barred galaxies, because the modeled vectors form coherent structures along the bar and spiral arms. Due to the dynamical influence of the bar the gas forms spiral waves which go radially outward. Each spiral arm forms the magnetic arm which stays much longer in the disk, than the gaseous spiral structure. Additionally the modeled total energy of magnetic field grows due to strong compression and shear of non-axisymmetrical bar flows and differential rotation, respectively.

Spherical harmonic decomposition of solar magnetic fields

We have investigated the temporal evolution of large-scale magnetic fields in the solar photosphere during the time interval 1966-2004 by means of spherical harmonic decomposition and subsequent time series analysis. Two data sets of daily magnetograms recorded at the Mt. Wilson and Kitt Peak observatories were used to calculate the spherical harmonic coefficients of the radial magnetic field for axisymmetric (m = 0) and non-axisymmetric (m ¬= 0) modes. Time series analysis was then applied to deduce their temporal variations. A third data set of synoptic Carrington rotation maps from Kitt Peak was also analyzed for completeness. Besides the obvious 22 yr magnetic cycle, we have found evidence for intermittent oscillations with periods of 2.1-2.5 yr, 1.5-1.8 yr and 1.2-1.4 yr. The biennial oscillation occurred during the solar maxima of cycles 20-22 (and likely also during the current cycle 23) and was most pronounced for modes that resemble non-linear dynamo waves (Stix 1972, A&A, 20, 9). The 1.5-1.8 yr period was stronger during the odd cycles 21 and 23 than during the even cycles 20 and 22, whereas the opposite was the case for the 1.2-1.4yr period. Similar variations of 1.5-1.8 yr have recently been detected in the north-south asymmetry of the magnetic flux (Knaack et al. 2004, A&A, 418, L17), while quasi-periodicities of ∼1.3 yr have been observed in the rotation rate near the base of the convection zone (Howe et al. 2000, Science, 287, 2456), in the heliosphere and geomagnetic activity (Lockwood 2001. J. Geophys. Res., 106, 16021) in sunspot areas (Krivova & Solanki 2002, A&A, 394, 701), and in the large-scale photospheric magnetic field (Knaack et al. 2005, A&A, in press). In agreement with the latter study, we have found additional quasi-periodicities in the range 320-100 d and rotational periods of 29.0 ± 0.1d, 28.2 ± 0.1d, and 26.8 ± 0.1d. Compared to earlier decompositions by Stenflo & Vogel (1986, Nature, 319, 285) and Stenflo & Gudel (1988, A&A, 191, 137), we can confirm the main features of their results, although several modifications need to be considered.

Solar large-scale emitting chains: some CME-associated events

Transient large-scale emitting chains and threads, associated with several coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are analyzed by the SOHO/EIT, TRACE, Yohkoh/SXT, Nobeyama Radioheliograph, and some other imaging data. It is illustrated that a pronounced evolution of the chains and threads in the EUV, soft X-ray, microwave, and other ranges can occur many hours both before and after a CME on a considerable part of the solar visible disk, especially near the place of a CME eruption. Such relations between chains and CMEs seem to be plausible due to both phenomena being the consequences of the evolution of large-scale magnetic fields and have often a global character.

An MHD Model of Be Stars with Disks

AbstractAn investigation of the formation and evolution of Be stars show that these stars could have dipolar fossil magnetic fields. This magnetic field should constrain the circumstellar magnetic disk and influence its dynamical features. For studying these effects we refine the alphamodel of accretion disks of Shakura and Sunyaev by incorporating into this model the evolution of large-scale magnetic fields. In the frame of our model we can investigate the rotational history of the star with the disk and the ionization and thermal properties of disks. We show in particular that in the magnetopause region a current sheet can form that can generate X-ray radiation.

EVOLUTION OF MAGNETIC FIELDS IN GALAXIES WITH SPIRAL STRUCTURE

We present simulations of the 3D nonlinear induction equation in order to investigate the temporal evolution of large-scale magnetic fields in spiral galaxies. Our model includes differential rotation, ambipolar diffusion and, based on small-scale turbulence, eddy diffusivity and the tensorial α-effect with magnetic feedback. The nonaxisymmetric spiral pattern and – if considered – the vertical stratification of the galaxy are represented in its density and turbulence profile.