The Solar Dynamo: Flux Pumping by Stratified Convection
Abstract
A longstanding issue in the theory of the solar dynamo is the ``flux storage problem'' i.e. the problem of explaining how the magnetic field may be kept within the solar convection zone long enough for the dynamo to replenish it. We present results from numerical 3-D MHD simulations of deep solar-like magneto-convection (both with and without open upper boundary conditions) that show that by the very nature of stratified over-turning convection, magnetic flux of a considerable strength may be `pumped' downwards and kept in the lower part of the solar convection zone. As a consequence even a formally super-equipartition magnetic field may be effectively stored in and below the solar convection zone thereby rendering the flux storage problem obsolete.
- Publication:
-
The Solar Cycle and Terrestrial Climate, Solar and Space weather
- Pub Date:
- 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000ESASP.463..305D
- Keywords:
-
- DYNAMO;
- FLUX PUMPING;
- MAGNETO-CONVECTION;
- MHD;
- FLUX STORAGE;
- DYNAMO;
- FLUX PUMPING;
- MAGNETO-CONVECTION;
- MHD;
- FLUX STORAGE