On the origin of the Type~{\sc ii} spicules - dynamic 3D MHD simulations

TL;DR

This paper presents 3D MHD simulations of the solar atmosphere that naturally produce features resembling observed type II spicules, providing insights into their formation and evolution.

Contribution

The study introduces realistic 3D simulations that reproduce type II spicules and identifies the physical mechanisms driving their formation.

Findings

Simulations produce spicule-like features consistent with observations.

Lorentz force and electric currents drive spicule ejection.

Joule heating causes spicule fading.

Abstract

have forced the definition of a new type of spicule, "type II's", that are characterized by rising rapidly, having short lives, and by fading away at the end of their lifetimes. Here, we report on features found in realistic 3D simulations of the outer solar atmosphere that resemble the observed type II spicules. These features evolve naturally from the simulations as a consequence of the magnetohydrodynamical evolution of the model atmosphere. The simulations span from the upper layer of the convection zone to the lower corona and include the emergence of horizontal magnetic flux. The state-of-art Oslo Staggered Code (OSC) is used to solve the full MHD equations with non-grey and non-LTE radiative transfer and thermal conduction along the magnetic field lines. We describe in detail the physics involved in a process which we consider a possible candidate as a driver mechanism to produce type II spicules. The modeled spicule is composed of material rapidly ejected from the chromosphere that rises into the corona while being heated. Its source lies in a region with large field gradients and intense electric currents, which lead to a strong Lorentz force that squeezes the chromospheric material, resulting in a vertical pressure gradient that propels the spicule along the magnetic field, as well as Joule heating, which heats the the jet material, forcing it to fade.