Patterns of vorticity on the solar surface
Abstract
Local Correlation tracking of Hydrogen-alpha images taken at one minute intervals at Big Bear Solar Observatory is used to make flow maps that reveal large-scale, high-velocity patterns that appear to be associated with the Sun's magnetic activity. We discuss the possible connections of these patterns to the azimuthally averaged meridional flow and torsional oscillations. We then use the flow maps to compute global maps of vorticity at the solar surface. The vorticity maps contain plume-like patterns of alternation resembling the patterns seen in the maps of the Sun's background magnetic field. The vorticity plumes may account for the disparity in diffusion constants determined for the dispersal of the field and the polar field reversals.
- Publication:
-
GONG+ 2002. Local and Global Helioseismology: the Present and Future
- Pub Date:
- February 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003ESASP.517..109B
- Keywords:
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- Solar Surface;
- Structure