A New Component of Solar Dynamics: North-South Diverging Flows Migrating toward the Equator with an 11 Year Period
Abstract
Time-distance helioseismology analysis of Dopplergrams provides maps of torsional oscillations and meridional flows. Meridional flow maps show a time-varying component that has a banded structure that matches the torsional oscillations with an equatorward migration over the solar cycle. The time-varying component of meridional flow consists of a flow diverging from the dominant latitude of magnetic activity. These maps are compared with other torsional oscillation maps and with magnetic flux maps, showing a strong correlation with active latitudes. These results demonstrate a strong link between the time-varying component of the meridional flow and the torsional oscillations.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- August 2002
- DOI:
- 10.1086/342636
- Bibcode:
- 2002ApJ...575L..47B
- Keywords:
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- Sun: Atmospheric Motions;
- Sun: Rotation