Distinct propagating fast wave trains associated with flaring energy releases

¹ Centre for Fusion, Space and Astrophysics, Department of PhysicsUniversity of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
e-mail: Ding.Yuan@warwick.ac.uk
² Yunnan Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 110, Kunming 650011, PR China
³ Central Astronomical Observatory at Pulkovo of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 196140 St Petersburg, Russia
⁴ Key Laboratory of Solar Activity, National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China

Received: 8 March 2013
Accepted: 3 May 2013

Abstract

Context. Large-scale fast waves with perturbation of the EUV emission intensity are well resolved in both temporal and spatial scale by SDO/AIA. These waves are prone to propagate along the magnetic field line.

Aims. We aim to probe the link between propagating fast wave trains and flaring energy releases. By measuring the wave parameters, we reveal their nature and investigate the potential to diagnose the energy source and waveguide.

Methods. The spatial and temporal evolution of the wave amplitude and propagating speed are studied. The correlation of individual wave trains with flare-generated radio bursts is tested.

Results. The propagating wave pattern comprises distinct wave trains with varying periods and wavelengths. This characteristic signature is consistent with the patterns formed by waveguide dispersion, when different spectral components propagate at different phase and group speeds. The wave train releases are found to be highly correlated in start time with the radio bursts emitted by the non-thermal electrons that were accelerated in bursty energy releases. The wave amplitude is seen to reach the maximum midway during its course. This can be caused by a combined effect of the waveguide spread in the transverse direction and density stratification. The transverse amplitude distribution perpendicular to the wave vector is found to follow approximately a Gaussian profile. The spatial structure is consistent with the kink mode that is polarised along the line-of-sight. The propagating speed is subject to deceleration from ~735−845 km s^-1 to ~600 km s^-1. This could be caused by the decrease in the local Alfvén speed and/or the projection effect.