2005/03/29 by M. Rempel, Matthias Rempel · 6 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics #Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies #Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1086/428282
published as Astrophys.J. 622 (2005) 1320-1332 · 15 pages, 7 figures
openalex publication_date 2005/03/29 · arxiv created 2006/04/21 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
We present a simple model for the solar differential rotation and meridional circulation based on a mean field parameterization of the Reynolds stresses that drive the differential rotation. We include the subadiabatic part of the tachocline and show that this, in conjunction with turbulent heat conductivity within the convection zone and overshoot region, provides the key physics to break the Taylor-Proudman constraint, which dictates differential rotation with contour lines parallel to the axis of rotation in case of an isentropic stratification. We show that differential rotation with contour lines inclined by 10°-30° with respect to the axis of rotation is a robust result of the model, which does not depend on the details of the Reynolds stress and the assumed viscosity, as long as the Reynolds stress transports angular momentum toward the equator. The meridional flow is more sensitive with respect to the details of the assumed Reynolds stress, but a flow cell, equatorward at the base of the convection zone and poleward in the upper half of the convection zone, is the preferred flow pattern.