Heating and magneto-seismology of the solar atmosphere
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Applied Mathematics
Abstract
The Solar Physics and Space Plasma Research Centre (SP2RC) at the University of Sheffield seeks to understand the nature of key plasma processes occurring in the solar interior and the atmosphere of the Sun, from photosphere to corona, with particular attention devoted to the various coupling mechanisms of these apparently distinct regions. A large part of the energy flux released in the solar atmosphere travels into interplanetary space and impacts on the Earth's bow shock, energising the magnetosphere and having impact of our daily human life. The generation of energetic events in the convection zone and their propagation through the solar interior-atmosphere-space plasma system will be investigated by using mathematical modelling and the analysis of latest available satellite and ground-based datasets. Our mathematical approach involves rigorous analytical work and the implementation of parallel computing (GRID technology) where results will be tested and verified by making and using space (SOHO, TRACE, Hinode, COROT, SDO) and ground-based (Swedish Solar Telescope, Dunn Solar Telescope) observations. The proposed programme involves three Themes: 1) Structure and dynamics of the solar interior and other stars; 2) Heating and magneto-seismology of the solar atmosphere; and 3) Instabiltities of geophysical and astrophysical flows. We request funding to cover salaries of the RAs, appropriate costs for research management and research time for the Principal Investigator and five Co-Investigators, funding for four special PhD studentship in order to train the future generation experts of the field, funding for our visitor programme, for travel & subsistence, computing equipment and consumables.
Publications
Marcu A
(2007)
Thermally damped linear compressional waves in a 2D solar coronal model
in Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Douglas M
(2007)
MHD waves at a spherical interface modelling coronal global EIT waves
in Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Clack C
(2008)
On the validity of nonlinear Alfvén resonance in space plasmas
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Mocanu G
(2008)
The problem of phase mixed shear Alfvén waves in the solar corona revisited
in Astronomische Nachrichten
Erdélyi R
(2008)
Magnetohydrodynamic waves in a compressible magnetic flux tube with elliptical cross-section
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Clack C
(2008)
Nonlinear theory of resonant slow waves in anisotropic and dispersive plasmas
in Physics of Plasmas
Ballai I
(2008)
Forced oscillations of coronal loops driven by EIT waves
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Scullion E
(2009)
JETS IN POLAR CORONAL HOLES
in The Astrophysical Journal
Shelyag S
(2009)
Acoustic wave propagation in the solar sub-photosphere with localised magnetic field concentration: effect of magnetic tension
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Morton R
(2009)
The effect of elliptic shape on the period ratio P ${_{1}}$/ P ${_{2}}$ of emerging coronal loops
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Fedun V
(2009)
Oscillatory Response of the 3D Solar Atmosphere to the Leakage of Photospheric Motion
in Solar Physics
Clack C
(2009)
Mean shear flows generated by nonlinear resonant Alfvén waves
in Physics of Plasmas
Clack C
(2009)
Nonlinear resonant absorption of fast magnetoacoustic waves in strongly anisotropic and dispersive plasmas
in Physics of Plasmas
Jess DB
(2009)
Alfvén waves in the lower solar atmosphere.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)
Morton R
(2009)
TRANSVERSE OSCILLATIONS OF A COOLING CORONAL LOOP
in The Astrophysical Journal
Clack C
(2010)
Resonant Absorption of Fast Magnetoacoustic Waves due to Coupling into the Slow and Alfvén Continua in the Solar Atmosphere
in Solar Physics
Zaqarashvili T
(2010)
Oscillations and Waves in Solar Spicules
in Space Science Reviews
Ballai I
(2010)
The dynamical solar atmosphere
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Terradas J
(2010)
The effect of longitudinal flow on resonantly damped kink oscillations
in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Goossens M
(2010)
Resonant MHD Waves in the Solar Atmosphere
in Space Science Reviews
Marcu Alexandru
(2010)
Magnetohydrodynamics of solar and spatial plasmas: Application to coronal seismology
Morton R
(2011)
Torsional Alfvén waves: magneto-seismology in static and dynamic coronal plasmas
in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Scullion E
(2011)
THE RESPONSE OF A THREE-DIMENSIONAL SOLAR ATMOSPHERE TO WAVE-DRIVEN JETS
in The Astrophysical Journal
Morton R
(2011)
OBSERVATIONS OF SAUSAGE MODES IN MAGNETIC PORES
in The Astrophysical Journal
Kumar P
(2011)
Multiwavelength Observations of a Failed Flux Rope in the Eruption and Associated M-Class Flare from NOAA AR 11045
in Solar Physics
| Title | The Time of the Sun |
| Description | A jazz CD, inspired by our research composed by the internationally leading jazz artist Tom Harell |
| Type Of Art | Composition/Score |
| Year Produced | 2010 |
| Impact | Recognition. |
| Description | Understanding the heating processes in magnetised plasmas. Role of kink waves. |
| Exploitation Route | See publications. |
| Sectors | Energy |
| Description | Collaboration with Babes-Bolyai University |
| Organisation | Babes-Bolyai University |
| Department | Faculty of Physics |
| Country | Romania |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Myself and my team contribute to this partnership with our skills and knowledge on wave dynamics in solar and space plasmas |
| Collaborator Contribution | The overseas partners contribute to this partnership with their skiils and techniques in the analysis of data |
| Impact | We published several papers with members of the team at Babes-Boyai University, including a book (see journal papers with A Marcu) We organised jointly an International Networking for Young Scientists workshop for young researchers from Romania, Hungary and teh UK |
| Description | Collaboration with Eotvos University |
| Organisation | Eotvos Lorand University |
| Department | Department of Astronomy |
| Country | Hungary |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Myself and my PhD students contribute to this collaboration with our knowledge on theoretical aspects of MHD waves and oscillations |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partners contribute to the partnership with their skills in numerical analysis and statistics of active regions and sunspots. |
| Impact | We published several joint papers over the period of collaborations (see joint publications with E. Forgacs-Dajka) We organised jointly an International Network for Young Scientists Workshop funded by the British Council. |
| Description | Collaboration with Lublin University |
| Organisation | Marie-Sklodowska University |
| Department | Institute of Physics |
| Country | Poland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We contribute with our expertise in theoretical aspects of MHD wave initiation and propagation in solar and space plasmas |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partners are experts in numerical investigation of waves and instabilities in solar and space plasmas |
| Impact | We already have a joint paper published in 2012 and we are working to extend our analysis to 3D dynamics. |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Press release (University of Sheffield) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Co-author of press release entitled 'Experts discover heavenly solar music' (www.sheffield.ac.uk/mediacentre/2010/1662.html). The article generated large media attention appearing on many web- sites, including the BBC and the Times. The accompanying video placed on www.youtube.com has received 300, 000 views and mp3 on ww.soundcloud.com received a further 100,000 hits. An mp3 and youtube video where created and are still active. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
| Description | Press release (University of Sheffield) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Co-author of press release entitled 'Solar experts detect waves in giant magnetic holes the size of the UK' (www.sheffield.ac.uk/mediacentre /2011/1849-sun-waves-magnetic-solar.html). Generated interest from international media outlets and local media. N/A |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | SET for Britain (Houses of Lords and Commons) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Type Of Presentation | Poster Presentation |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The event was invite only and attended by early career researchers, eminent scientists and policymakers/parliamentarians. The poster gave the opportunity to talk to these groups about research. A general interest poster was created, which is on display in the University of Sheffield with the aim of engaging undergraduates. A video and mp3 were also created and used in further outreach. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
| Description | Science Nugget (UK Solar Physics) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | Lead author of 'Science Nugget' on the UK Solar Physics web site entitled 'The influence of coronal loop cooling on transverse oscillations '. Used to promote research and engage an interested general public/undergraduates/new PhD students. A permanent page on the UK Solar Physics website. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | Sound bit for BBC Radio 4 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The soundbite was used as part of a documentary and was played out on national radio. N/A |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | Soundbite for History Channel |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The soundbite was used in a general interest science series talking about space in an episode entitled 'Alien Sounds'. The programme was aired in the USA in 2012 An mp3 was produced. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |