The Sun’s Large-Scale Magnetic Field and Its Long-Term Evolution |
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| Authors: | Y-M Wang |
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| Institution: | (1) E. O. Hulburt Center for Space Research, Naval Research Laboratory, Code 7672W, Washington, DC, 20375-5352, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | The Sun’s large-scale external field is formed through the emergence of magnetic flux in active regions and its subsequent
dispersal over the solar surface by differential rotation, supergranular convection, and meridional flow. The observed evolution
of the polar fields and open flux (or interplanetary field) during recent solar cycles can be reproduced by assuming a supergranular
diffusion rate of 500 – 600 km2 s−1 and a poleward flow speed of 10 –20 m s−1. The nonaxisymmetric component of the large-scale field decays on the flow timescale of ∼1 yr and must be continually regenerated
by new sunspot activity. Stochastic fluctuations in the longitudinal distribution of active regions can produce large peaks
in the Sun’s equatorial dipole moment and in the interplanetary field strength during the declining phase of the cycle; by
the same token, they can lead to sudden weakenings of the large-scale field near sunspot maximum (Gnevyshev gaps). Flux transport
simulations over many solar cycles suggest that the meridional flow speed is correlated with cycle amplitude, with the flow
being slower during less active cycles. |
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