A model for polar-crown prominences

The equilibrium and magnetic field structure of a quiescent polar-crown prominence is considered in this model. An evolution is considered in which a bipolar region of photospheric flux approaches and interacts with the open polar field to produce a location of dipped magnetic field lines in the corona. It is suggested that prominence formation may occur here, either by a flow of chromospheric plasma along the field or by means of the reconnected, rising field lines which transport dense material into the required location. A fully developed prominence solution is then presented in which a weighted, curved current sheet is supported by the Lorentz forces of the field and a simple two-dimensional solution for the interior of the prominence is given.