Mode conversion and energy flux absorption in the structured solar atmosphere

Centre for mathematical Plasma Astrophysics, Department of Mathematics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200B Bus 2400, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
e-mail: samuel.skirvin@kuleuven.be

Received: 18 September 2023
Accepted: 16 December 2023

Abstract

Context. Structuring in the solar atmosphere, in the form of inhomogeneities transverse to the magnetic field, is believed to play a vital role in wave propagation, conversion, and absorption.

Aims. We investigated the effect of transverse structuring on the processes of mode conversion and wave energy flux absorption using a 3D ideal magnetohydrodynamic simulation featuring an expanding coronal loop in a gravitationally stratified atmosphere.

Methods. Multiple wave drivers were modelled. The location of the driver at the photospheric base was allowed to vary so that we could study how the driven waves interact with the transverse structuring, provided by the magnetic field, as well as with the vertical structuring due to gravity.

Results. We find that the transverse structuring acts as a conduit for Alfvén wave energy flux through the transition region and into the solar corona. Moreover, in regions of strong transverse gradients, the reflection of Alfvén waves at the transition region is greatly reduced, supporting results from recent studies. Finally, we investigated the efficiency of the loop structuring at absorbing energy flux from externally driven waves and find that the loop is extremely effective at channelling wave energy flux to the loop apex in the corona; in some cases, it can absorb over a third of the externally driven wave energy flux.

Conclusions. These results may have important consequences in the context of decayless loop oscillations as they suggest that the oscillations are driven by acoustic waves outside of the existing loop structure.