2013/07/15 by Sabrina Sanchez, Sanchez, Sabrina, Alexandre Fournier +6
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #FOS: Physical sciences #Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies #Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics #Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics #Solar and Stellar Astrophysics (astro-ph.SR) #astro-ph.SR
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1307.4115
21 pages, 6 figures
arxiv created 2013/07/15 · openalex publication_date 2013/07/15 · arxiv updated 2013/07/17 · openalex created_date 2022/10/02 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Dynamo models relying on the Babcock-Leighton mechanism are successful in reproducing most of the solar magnetic field dynamical characteristics. However, considering that such models operate only above a lower magnetic field threshold, they do not provide an appropriate magnetic field regeneration process characterizing a self-sustainable dynamo. In this work we consider the existence of an additional α-effect to the Babcock-Leighton scenario in a mean-field axisymmetric kinematic numerical model. Both poloidal field regeneration mechanisms are treated with two different strength-limiting factors. Apart from the solar anti-symmetric parity behavior, the main solar features are reproduced: cyclic polarity reversals, mid-latitudinal equatorward migration of strong toroidal field, poleward migration of polar surface radial fields, and the quadrature phase shift between both. Long-term variability of the solutions exhibits lengthy periods of minimum activity followed by posterior recovery, akin to the observed Maunder Minimum. Based on the analysis of the residual activity during periods of minimum activity, we suggest that these are caused by a predominance of the α-effect over the Babcock-Leighton mechanism in regenerating the poloidal field.