Dependence of solar plasma flows on magnetic field obliquity

Abstract

Interactions between flows and magnetic fields in the Sun's plasma can change surface waves and flows near active regions, are evident in cyclic changes of large-scale phenomena such as the meridional circulation, and contribute to dynamics in the long-term solar magnetic cycle, e.g. during the recent prolonged solar minimum. We investigate possible relationships between these phenomena. We have observed changes in solar surface flow patterns in active regions, dependent on magnetic field strength and orientation, consistent with the theoretically predicted Proctor Effect. Other researchers have observed relationships between changes in solar magnetic fields and meridional circulation flows. We explore similarities between the Proctor Effect and the observed interdependence of larger-scale magnetic fields and flows. This may contribute to understanding of fundamental solar convection and dynamo processes, e.g. the prolonged magnetic minimum of the most recent cycle.