evidence that a deep meridional flow sets the sunspot cycle.pptVIP

Interface Dynamos All three dilemmas could be circumvented if the dynamo action took place at the base of the convection zone. Parker (1975) made this suggestion early on to solve the magnetic buoyancy dilemma. DeLuca Gilman (1986) produced dynamo models in which the overshooting convective motions act on the magnetic field and could produce longer period dynamo oscillations. The dynamics of flux tubes rising rapidly through a rotating convection zone dramatically reduces the twisting otherwise produced by the convection itself. Interface Dynamo Waves The shear layer at the base of the convection zone has rotation rate decreasing inward at latitudes below about 30o and increasing inward at higher latitudes. This gives two dynamo waves – one moving toward the equator below 30o and another moving poleward at higher latitudes. Dynamo Dilemma # 4 – there isn’t any evidence for a poleward wave. Flux Transport Dynamos Dikpati Choudhuri (1994, 1995) proposed flux transport dynamos like those of Babcock and Leighton but with key differences. 1) The Ω-effect is in the shear layer at the base of the convection zone. 2) The α-effect is produced by the Coriolis force on rising flux tubes. 3) A poleward meridional flow at the surface facilitates polar field reversals. The return flow at the base of the convection zone gives the equatorward drift of the active latitudes and the 22-year period of the magnetic cycle. The deep Meridional Flow gives only equatorward motions and is slow enough to give 11-year sunspot cycle. The Meridional Flow A poleward meridional flow of about 12 m/s is observed at the surface. This poleward flow is also observed below the surface with helioseismology. The Deep Return Flow Nandy Choudhuri (2002) Braun Fan (1998) The poleward surface flow must sink inward in the polar regions and return to the equator at some depth. If the flow reverses at a point half way through the convection zone then