Generation of large scale electric fields in coronal flare circuits

TL;DR

This paper proposes that plasma motions in the solar photosphere generate large electric currents in active regions, which can form coronal circuits and release energy comparable to solar flares.

Contribution

It introduces a macroscopic circuit model linking photospheric plasma motion to coronal electric currents and flare energy release.

Findings

Electric currents in active regions can be described by macroscopic circuits.

Coronal currents can release energy comparable to solar flares.

Plasma motion in the photosphere is a plausible source of energetic electrons.

Abstract

A large number of energetic electrons are generated during solar flares. They carry a substantial part of the flare released energy but how these electrons are created is not fully understood yet. This paper suggests that plasma motion in an active region in the photosphere is the source of large electric currents. These currents can be described by macroscopic circuits. Under special circumstances currents can establish in the corona along magnetic field lines. The energy released by these currents when moderate assumptions for the local conditions are made, is found be comparable to the flare energy.