An Average Supergranule: Much Larger Vertical Flows Than Expected

TL;DR

This paper presents evidence from 3D helioseismic inversion indicating that supergranules have much larger vertical flows beneath the surface than previously thought, challenging existing models of solar convection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel 3D inversion method revealing unexpectedly large vertical flows in supergranules, suggesting revisions to solar convection theories.

Findings

Large vertical upflows detected in supergranules

Vertical flow magnitudes exceed previous estimates

Implications for models of subsurface solar convection

Abstract

Supergranules are believed to be an evidence for large-scale subsurface convection. The vertical component of the supergranular flow field is very hard to measure, but it is considered only a few m/s in and below the photosphere. Here I present the results of the analysis using three-dimensional inversion for time-distance helioseismology that indicate existence of the large-magnitude vertical upflow in the near sub-surface layers. Possible issues and consequences of this inference are also discussed.