Sector Structure, Rotation, and Cyclic Evolution of Large-Scale Solar Magnetic Fields
Abstract
Auto-correlation analysis was performed using digitized synoptic charts of photospheric magnetic fields for the past three solar activity cycles (1965-1994). The obtained correlograms were used to study the rotation and the zonal-sector structure of large-scale solar magnetic fields all over the observable region of heliolatitudes in various phases of solar activity. It is shown that the large-scale system of solar magnetic fields is rather complex and comprises at least three different systems. One is a global rigidly rotating system. It determines the cyclic variation of magnetic fields and is probably responsible for the behavior of magnetic fields in the polar zones. Another is a rigidly rotating 4-sector structure in the central (equatorial and mid-latitude) zone. The third is a differentially rotating system that determines the behavior of the LSSMF structure elements with a size of ∼ 30-60° and less. This one is the most noticeable in the central zone and absent in the polar zones. Various cyclic and rotation parameters of the three field structures are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Solar Physics
- Pub Date:
- April 2001
- DOI:
- 10.1023/A:1010354124464
- Bibcode:
- 2001SoPh..199..405I
- Keywords:
-
- Magnetic Field;
- Solar Activity;
- Central Zone;
- Activity Cycle;
- Cyclic Variation