High-frequency spicule oscillations generated via mode conversion [SSA]

http://arxiv.org/abs/1801.01254


Spicule oscillations involve high-frequency components with a typical period approximately corresponding to $40-50$ s. The typical time scale of the photospheric oscillation is a few minutes, and thus, the origin of this high-frequency component is not trivial. In this study, a one-dimensional numerical simulation is performed to demonstrate that the observed spicule oscillations originate from longitudinal-to-transverse mode conversion that occurs around the equipartition layer in the chromosphere. Calculations are conducted in a self-consistent manner with the exception of additional heating to maintain coronal temperature. The analyses indicate the following features: (1) mode conversion efficiently excites high-frequency transverse waves; (2) the typical period of the high-frequency waves corresponds to the sound-crossing time of the mode conversion region; and (3) simulated root-mean-square velocity of the high-frequency component is consistent with the observed value. These results indicate that the observation of spicule oscillation provides direct evidence of mode conversion in the chromosphere.

Read this paper on arXiv…

M. Shoda and T. Yokoyama
Mon, 8 Jan 18
23/117

Comments: accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal