The solar magnetic activity band interaction and instabilities that shape quasi-periodic variability

Scott W. McIntosh (), Robert J. Leamon, Larisza D. Krista, Alan M. Title, Hugh S. Hudson, Pete Riley, Jerald W. Harder, Greg Kopp, Martin Snow, Thomas N. Woods, Justin C. Kasper, Michael L. Stevens and Roger K. Ulrich
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Scott W. McIntosh: High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research
Robert J. Leamon: Montana State University
Larisza D. Krista: Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado
Alan M. Title: Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center
Hugh S. Hudson: Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California
Pete Riley: Predictive Science Inc.
Jerald W. Harder: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado
Greg Kopp: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado
Martin Snow: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado
Thomas N. Woods: Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado
Justin C. Kasper: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Michael L. Stevens: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Roger K. Ulrich: University of California

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Solar magnetism displays a host of variational timescales of which the enigmatic 11-year sunspot cycle is most prominent. Recent work has demonstrated that the sunspot cycle can be explained in terms of the intra- and extra-hemispheric interaction between the overlapping activity bands of the 22-year magnetic polarity cycle. Those activity bands appear to be driven by the rotation of the Sun’s deep interior. Here we deduce that activity band interaction can qualitatively explain the ‘Gnevyshev Gap’—a well-established feature of flare and sunspot occurrence. Strong quasi-annual variability in the number of flares, coronal mass ejections, the radiative and particulate environment of the heliosphere is also observed. We infer that this secondary variability is driven by surges of magnetism from the activity bands. Understanding the formation, interaction and instability of these activity bands will considerably improve forecast capability in space weather and solar activity over a range of timescales.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7491

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