3D Reconnection in Prominences

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Gibson & Fan 2006

Negative Points:

Pros and Cons of the Flux-Rope-Dip Model

4. Flux ropes are a basic element

     of low plasmas

2. Good predictor of location & shape

1. A physical mechanism for static support

3. Provides eruptive mechanism

1. Inconsistent with observed flows in barbs2. Provides no mechanism for the generation of flows

3. Ignores radiation dynamics

4. Ignores ever present 3D reconnection

Positive Points:

Aulanier, Srivistava & Martin (2000)

Dip Model Success: Prominence Location

2 1/2 D MHD Simuation (courtesy of Pete Riley)

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Flux-Rope Model of Prominence Eruption

Simulation of Flux-Rope Eruption in 3D MHD

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courtesy of John Linker at Predictive Science

top view (XRT) side views

Yeates & Mackay 2009

van Ballegooijen & Mackay 2007

Flux Ropes Are Characteristic of Low Plasmas

prominence plasma << 1

Pj B

blue: flux ropes

red: flux ropes that erupted

j B

j along B produces twist

flux rope defined as enough twistto produce inverse polarity

(about 1 turn)

Prominence Flows in Barbs

Doppler Shift Observations: Schmieder et al. 1984

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Zirker et al. Hinode SOT

Karpen & Antiochos 2008

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Apparent Motions Generated by Steady Heating

What would this lookline in a 3D model?

1D loop model with asymmetric heating at chromosphere

loop top

loop feet

(loop shape is distorted)

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What Is the Effect of Magnetic Carpet Reconnection?

H from Hinode SOT

ambiguity of field line motion in 3D

Slip-Running Reconnection

(Aulanier, Pariat, Démoulin 2006)eruptedconfiguration

initialconfiguration vertical field at surface

reconnection leads to apparent motionof flux rope footprint

Flux Tube Shredding in 3D Reconnection

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Linton & Priest 2003

Apparent motions due to radiation?

Moving field lines & dips?

Chaotic 3D reconnection? (shredding)

Dip overflows?