THE TOPOLOGY OF A MIXED-POLARITY POTENTIAL FIELD, AND INFERENCES FOR THE HEATING OF THE QUIET SOLAR CORONA

摘要: We study the statistical properties of connectivity corona over quiet Sun by analyzing potential magnetic field above central area source planes sprinkled randomly with some 300 monopoles each. find that is generally more complex than one might infer from a within plane alone, or 3D around small number sources. Whereas given most commonly connects to only its nearest neighbors, it may connect up several dozen sources; weak trend relates strength and connections. The connections between pairs sources define volumes, domains, connectivity. Domains have finite cross section are enclosed surfaces contain pair null points. In contrast, bounding domains lie appear not argue findings imply (i) we should expect at best correlation coronal brightness flux in an underlying concentration, (ii) low-lying chromospheric lines (such as observable Hα) provide information on largely complementary those traced higher-reaching (observable extreme ultraviolet). compare sample TRACE SOHO/MDI observations photosphere our finding density points closely matches because essentially no foci brightening away significant photospheric concentrations, conclude heating such does contribute significantly overall heating. divergence towards multiple restricts propagation braids twists, so any associated dissipation induced footpoint shuffling mixed-polarity network likely (a) occur predominantly low corona, (b) be relatively efficient active regions for loop length.