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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of Michigan)

  • Michael L. Stevens

    (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)

  • Roger K. Ulrich

    (University of California)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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. St, 2015. "The solar magnetic activity band interaction and instabilities that shape quasi-periodic variability," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms7491
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7491
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