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Paradigm shifts in solar dynamo modeling
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 November 2008
Abstract
Selected topics in solar dynamo theory are being highlighted. The possible relevance of the near-surface shear layer is discussed. The role of turbulent downward pumping is mentioned in connection with earlier concerns that a dynamo-generated magnetic field would be rapidly lost from the convection zone by magnetic buoyancy. It is argued that shear-mediated small-scale magnetic helicity fluxes are responsible for the success of some of the recent large-scale dynamo simulations. These fluxes help in disposing of excess small-scale magnetic helicity. This small-scale magnetic helicity, in turn, is generated in response to the production of an overall tilt in each Parker loop. Some preliminary calculations of this helicity flux are presented for a system with uniform shear. In the Sun the effects of magnetic helicity fluxes may be seen in coronal mass ejections shedding large amounts of magnetic helicity.
- Type
- Contributed Papers
- Information
- Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 4 , Symposium S259: Cosmic Magnetic Fields: From Planets, to Stars and Galaxies , November 2008 , pp. 159 - 166
- Copyright
- Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2009
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