A dynamo model for axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric solar magnetic fields

Abstract

More and more observations are showing a relatively weak, but persistent, non-axisymmetric magnetic field co-existing with the dominant axisymmetric field on the Sun. Its existence indicates that the non-axisymmetric magnetic field plays an important role in the origin of solar activity. A linear non-axisymmetric dynamo model is derived to explore the characteristics of the axisymmetric and the first non-axisymmetric modes and to provide a theoretical basis with which to explain the 'active longitude', 'flip-flop' and other non-axisymmetric phenomena. The model consists of an updated solar internal differential rotation, a turbulent diffusivity varying with depth, and an α-effect working at the tachocline in a rotating spherical system. The difference between the and the models and the conditions that favour the non-axisymmetric modes under solar-like parameters are also presented. © 2007 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2007 RAS.