Distribution Functions of Sizes and Fluxes Determined from Supra-arcade Downflows
Abstract
The frequency distributions of sizes and fluxes of supra-arcade downflows (SADs) provide information about the process of their creation. For example, a fractal creation process may be expected to yield a power-law distribution of sizes and/or fluxes. We examine 120 cross-sectional areas and magnetic flux estimates found by Savage & McKenzie for SADs, and find that (1) the areas are consistent with a log-normal distribution and (2) the fluxes are consistent with both a log-normal and an exponential distribution. Neither set of measurements is compatible with a power-law distribution nor a normal distribution. As a demonstration of the applicability of these findings to improved understanding of reconnection, we consider a simple SAD growth scenario with minimal assumptions, capable of producing a log-normal distribution.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 2011
- DOI:
- 10.1088/2041-8205/735/1/L6
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1106.4567
- Bibcode:
- 2011ApJ...735L...6M
- Keywords:
-
- magnetic reconnection;
- Sun: corona;
- Sun: flares;
- Sun: X-rays;
- gamma rays;
- Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- Published in ApJL