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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Paul BushbyORCiD
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Observations of differential rotation within the solar convection zone have revealed a cyclic pattern of zonal shear flows. Given that the 11-yr periodicity of this flow pattern is approximately half that of the 22-yr solar activity cycle, it is likely that these flows are magnetically driven. In this paper, these zonal shear flows are investigated in the context of a parametrized mean-field solar dynamo model which incorporates the feedback of the large-scale magnetic fields upon an imposed differential rotation profile. This 'interface-like' model produces dynamo action and a pattern of zonal flows that is qualitatively consistent with solar observations. One of the key parameters in this model is the magnetic Prandtl number – when this parameter is small, it is possible to find time-dependent solutions that are characterized by prolonged phases of significantly reduced magnetic activity (so-called 'grand minima'). Despite the presence of grand minima, it is still possible to find a solar-like pattern of zonal shear flows in this highly modulated, low magnetic Prandtl number regime.
Author(s): Bushby PJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Year: 2006
Volume: 371
Issue: 2
Pages: 772-780
ISSN (print): 0035-8711
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2966
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2006.10706.x
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2006.10706.x
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