3D Velocity Flows in Flare Productive and Dormant Active Regions

TL;DR

This study investigates the internal velocity flows and related dynamics of solar active regions and quiet regions to understand their flare and CME activity levels during Solar Cycle 23.

Contribution

It introduces the analysis of sub-surface velocity flows, vorticity, and kinetic helicity in active and quiet regions to explore their connection to energetic solar events.

Findings

Active regions show distinct velocity flow patterns compared to quiet regions.

Vorticity and kinetic helicity correlate with flare productivity.

Sub-surface dynamics may serve as indicators of flare and CME potential.

Abstract

During Solar Cycle 23, some active regions(ARs) produced extremely energetic flares and CMEs. These ARs are expected to be characteristically distinct as compared to dormant ARs and quiet regions (QRs). It would be interesting to identify whether the internal structure and dynamics of the ARs is related to their flaring/CME activity levels. For this investigation, we have obtained sub-surface velocity flows in several ARs and QRs using the ring diagram technique, and then derived the corresponding vorticity vector and kinetic helicity density.