Inference of heating properties from "hot" non-flaring plasmas in active region cores. I. Single nanoflares

W. T. Barnes, P. J. Cargill, S. J. Bradshaw

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The properties that are expected of “hot” non-flaring plasmas due to nanoflare heating in active regions are investigated using hydrodynamic modeling tools, including a two-fluid development of the Enthalpy Based Thermal Evolution of Loops code. Here we study a single nanoflare and show that while simple models predict an emission measure distribution extending well above 10 MK, which is consistent with cooling by thermal conduction, many other effects are likely to limit the existence and detectability of such plasmas. These include: differential heating between electrons and ions, ionization non-equilibrium, and for short nanoflares, the time taken for the coronal density to increase. The most useful temperature range to look for this plasma, often called the “smoking gun” of nanoflare heating, lies between 10 6.6 and 10 7 K. Signatures of the actual heating may be detectable in some instances.
Original languageEnglish
Article number31
Number of pages13
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume829
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Sept 2016

Keywords

  • Hydrodynamics
  • Plasmas
  • Sun: corona

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Inference of heating properties from "hot" non-flaring plasmas in active region cores. I. Single nanoflares'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this