The emergence and evolution of twisted magnetic flux ropes in the solar corona

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Abstract

We examine twisted magnetic flux ropes as the basic underlying magnetic field structure of CME precursors, and their loss of equilibrium as a mechanism for triggering CME onset. We present numerical simulations in spherical geometries of the evolution of the coronal magnetic field as a twisted magnetic flux rope is transported kinematically through the lower boundary into a pre-existing coronal potential arcade field. We find an initial quasistatic evolution during which a sequence of confined flux rope equilibria form with stored free magnetic energy, followed by a dynamic stage where the flux rope erupts. Finally, we also review simulation results on the dynamic process of how twisted magnetic flux ropes emerge from the high-β plasma of the interior through the photosphere into the solar corona.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)331-341
Number of pages11
JournalEuropean Space Agency, (Special Publication) ESA SP
Issue number596
StatePublished - 2005
EventInternational Scientific Conference on Chromospheric and Coronal Magnetic Fields - Katlenburg - Lindau, Germany
Duration: Aug 30 2005Sep 2 2005

Keywords

  • MHD
  • Sun: corona
  • Sun: magnetic fields

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