Subsurface flows associated with rotating sunspots

TL;DR

This study compares subsurface horizontal flows in regions with rotating and non-rotating sunspots, revealing significant flow variations associated with sunspot rotation and its influence on nearby flows.

Contribution

It provides new insights into how sunspot rotation affects subsurface flow patterns, highlighting the dynamic interactions in solar active regions.

Findings

Significant flow variation at sunspot rotation onset

Flows near rotating sunspots are notably influenced by their motion

Surrounding flow areas are generally small and less affected

Abstract

In this paper, we compare components of the horizontal flow below the solar surface in and around regions consisting of rotating and non-rotating sunspots. Our analysis suggests that there is a significant variation in both components of the horizontal flow at the beginning of sunspot rotation as compared to the non-rotating sunspot. In most cases, the flows in surrounding areas are relatively small. However, there is a significant influence of the motion on flows in an area closest to the sunspot rotation.