Quenching of the alpha effect in the Sun -- what observations are telling us

TL;DR

This paper investigates how observed inflows into active regions may suppress the alpha effect in the solar dynamo, supported by observational data and simulations, shedding light on cycle variability.

Contribution

It expands on the idea that inflows into active regions can quench the alpha effect, integrating observational evidence with simulation results.

Findings

Active region inflows influence the tilt angles of sunspot groups.

Simulations show inflows can limit the generation of poloidal flux.

Observations support the role of inflows in modulating the solar dynamo.

Abstract

The Babcock-Leighton type of dynamo has received recent support in terms of the discovery in the observational records of systematic cycle-to-cycle variations in the tilt angle of sunspot groups. It has been proposed that these variations might be the consequence of the observed inflow into the active region belt. Furthermore simulations have shown that such inflows restrict the creation of net poloidal flux, in effect acting to quench the alpha effect associated with the Coriolis force acting on rising flux tubes. In this paper we expand on these ideas.