Seismic Halos Around Active Regions: An MHD Theory

TL;DR

This paper develops a 3D MHD simulation method to study how magnetic fields influence wave propagation around active regions, revealing power reductions and enhancements consistent with observed seismic halos.

Contribution

It introduces a numerical approach to model linear MHD wave interactions with complex magnetic structures in a stratified solar atmosphere.

Findings

Simulations show power reduction in umbral regions of flux tubes.

Enhanced wave power observed around flux tubes matches solar observations.

Proposes MHD mechanisms underlying seismic halos in active regions.

Abstract

Comprehending the manner in which magnetic fields affect propagating waves is a first step toward constructing accurate helioseismic models of active region sub-surface structure and dynamics. Here, we present a numerical method to compute the linear interaction of waves with magnetic fields embedded in a solar-like stratified background. The ideal Magneto-Hydrodynamic (MHD) equations are solved in a 3-dimensional box that straddles the solar photosphere, extending from 35 Mm within to 1.2 Mm into the atmosphere. One of the challenges in performing these simulations involves generating a Magneto-Hydro-Static (MHS) state wherein the stratification assumes horizontal inhomogeneity in addition to the strong vertical stratification associated with the near-surface layers. Keeping in mind that the aim of this effort is to understand and characterize linear MHD interactions, we discuss a means of computing statically consistent background states. Power maps computed from simulations of waves interacting with thick flux tubes of peak photospheric field strengths 600 G and 3000 G are presented. Strong modal power reduction in the `umbral' regions of the flux tube enveloped by a halo of increased wave power are seen in the simulations with the thick flux tubes. These enhancements are also seen in Doppler velocity power maps of active regions observed in the Sun, leading us to propose that the halo has MHD underpinnings.