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Abstract
We examine the turbulent relaxation of solar coronal loops containing non-trivial field line braiding. Such field line tangling in the corona has long been postulated in the context of coronal heating models. We focus on the observational signatures of energy release in such braided magnetic structures using MHD simulations and forward modelling tools. The aim is to answer the question: If energy release occurs in a coronal loop containing braided magnetic flux, should we expect a clearly observable signature in emissions? We demonstrate that the presence of braided magnetic field lines does not guarantee a braided appearance to the observed intensities. Observed intensities may – but need not necessarily – reveal the underlying braided nature of the magnetic field, depending on the degree and pattern of the field line tangling within the loop. However, in all cases considered the evolution of the braided loop is accompanied by localised heating regions as the loop relaxes. Factors that may influence the observational signatures are discussed. Recent high-resolution observations from Hi-C have claimed the first direct evidence of braided magnetic fields in the corona. Here we show that both the Hi-C data
and some of our simulations give the appearance of braiding at a range of scales.
and some of our simulations give the appearance of braiding at a range of scales.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 108 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-10 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 837 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 8 Mar 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 10 Mar 2017 |
Keywords
- Sun: atmosphere
- Sun: magnetic topology
- magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
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Dive into the research topics of 'Observable Signatures of Energy Release in Braided Coronal Loops'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Dynamics of Complex Magnetic Fields: From the Corona to the Solar Wind (Joint with University of Durham)
Hornig, G. (Investigator) & Pontin, D. (Investigator)
Science and Technology Facilities Council
1/04/16 → 30/09/19
Project: Research