Probing Surface Flows and Magnetic Activity with Time-Distance Helioseismology

Abstract

We estimate near-surface flows using the techniques of f-mode time-distance helioseismology together with MDI/SOHO data. (1) Synoptic maps of horizontal flows are obtained for 1996, 1998 and 1999. Rotation, torsional oscillations and meridional circulation are measured. We detect weak large-scale flows converging toward active regions. Travel times are found to be shorter at locations of high magnetic activity. In addition, we measure the motion of the supergranulation pattern. (2) Realistic travel-time sensitivity kernels are used in an iterative deconvolution to infer horizontal flows at a high spatial resolution. The radial outflow outside a sunspot penumbra, called the moat, is measured.