Possible explanations of north-south plasma flow in the outer heliosphere and meridional transport of magnetic flux
Abstract
Observed meridional plasma flow and its connection with other plasma parameters in the outer heliosphere are discussed. The dynamics of the flow are examined locally and compared with observed plasma parameters and a global flow model which predicts such flows in a steady solar wind. The observational evidence supports stream dynamics and associated pressure gradients as responsible for driving the flow. Such a meridional flow may result in a net transport of magnetic flux from regions near the heliographic equator. The amplitude of the observed meridional component of solar wind flow is consistent with observed magnetic flux deficits in the outer heliosphere. The limited coverage of heliographic latitude by Voyager 2 precludes a direct measurement of the full flow pattern; however, the magnitude of reported magnetic flux deficits and the unambiguous, regular variations in the meridional flow suggest that the stream interactions do produce a net movement of magnetic flux away from the heliographic equator.
- Publication:
-
Geophysical Research Letters
- Pub Date:
- December 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1029/GL015i013p01523
- Bibcode:
- 1988GeoRL..15.1523M
- Keywords:
-
- Heliosphere;
- Magnetic Flux;
- Magnetohydrodynamic Flow;
- Meridional Flow;
- Solar Wind;
- Flow Measurement;
- Flow Velocity;
- Plasma Pressure;
- Voyager 2 Spacecraft;
- Space Plasma Physics: Charged particle motion and acceleration;
- Interplanetary Physics: Flare and stream dynamics;
- Interplanetary Physics: Interplanetary magnetic fields;
- Interplanetary Physics: Interplanetary shocks;
- Interplanetary Physics: Solar wind plasma