MHS models of current layers in the solar atmosphere

Clare E. Parnell*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Electric currents are pervasive throughout the solar atmosphere. However, when intense localized concentrations of currents (current sheets or current layers) arise, the dynamic behavior of the magnetic field and plasma can completely change giving rise to significant releases of magnetic energy. As such, understanding how and where current layers form is essential to both understanding and predicting magnetic-energy release events. In this review, the creation of current layers in two dimensions, both force-free and magnetohydrostatic, will be discussed. Then the formation of three-dimensional current layers will be discussed, including where and how they may form. Also the differences between current layers in low and high beta magnetohydrostatic equilibria will be discussed. Finally, I will briefly touch on the evolution of a current layer once magnetic reconnection is initiated.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationElectric Currents in Geospace and Beyond
PublisherWiley
Pages219-237
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9781119324522
ISBN (Print)9781119324492
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Apr 2018

Keywords

  • Current sheets
  • Magnetic null points
  • Magnetic separators
  • Magnetic topology
  • Magnetohrydrostatic equilibria

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