The buoyancy of U-loops

The problem of the surface migration of solar magnetic fields is discussed. It is shown that, unless some form of reconnection takes place below the surface, magnetic tension should effectively prevent such migration and the possibility of U-loop formation and transport is considered. As a first step, the buoyancy of a magnetic 'U-loop' within an isothermal atmosphere is considered. It is shown that such a configuration may form by the reconnection of the arms of an Omega-loop associated with an active region, and is likely to be buoyant initially and rise through the region. However, as it rises, the net buoyancy decreases and, provided that the temperature within the loop is even marginally less than that outside, it will reach a subsurface configuration in which the net buoyancy is zero. The significance of this result for solar magnetic fields is then assessed.