Observational Evidence For The Ubiquity Of Strong Alfven Waves In The Magnetized Chromosphere
Abstract
Hinode/SOT Ca II broadband observations show that Alfven waves with significant amplitudes of order 10-20 km/s and periods of 150-300 s are extremely ubiquitous in the magnetized middle to upper chromosphere. Our observations focus on spicules at the limb, and straw-like features associated with network and plage on the disk. We find that the weak straw-like features and most spicules all undergo significant transverse motions that are driven by Alfven waves. These waves are seen to propagate both up- and downward, and may carry an energy flux that is significant compared to both the local, coronal and solar wind energy balance. We will provide estimates of the energy flux carried by these waves, and will compare our observations with Alfven waves that are observed in 3D numerical simulations that include advanced radiative transfer treatment for the chromosphere.
This work was supported by NASA contract NNM07AA01C.- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #210
- Pub Date:
- May 2007
- Bibcode:
- 2007AAS...210.9415D