A mean-field Babcock-Leighton solar dynamo model with long-term variability

TL;DR

This paper introduces a mean-field solar dynamo model combining Babcock-Leighton and lpha-effects, successfully reproducing key solar magnetic features and long-term variability like grand minima.

Contribution

It presents a novel combined dynamo model with both regeneration mechanisms, capturing solar cycle features and extended minima, advancing understanding of solar magnetic variability.

Findings

Reproduces solar cycle features such as polarity reversals and migration patterns.

Demonstrates long-term variability including grand minima similar to Maunder Minimum.

Suggests lpha-effect dominance causes extended periods of low activity.

Abstract

Dynamo models relying on the Babcock-Leighton mechanism are successful in reproducing most of the solar magnetic field dynamical characteristics. However, considering that such models operate only above a lower magnetic field threshold, they do not provide an appropriate magnetic field regeneration process characterizing a self-sustainable dynamo. In this work we consider the existence of an additional \alpha-effect to the Babcock-Leighton scenario in a mean-field axisymmetric kinematic numerical model. Both poloidal field regeneration mechanisms are treated with two different strength-limiting factors. Apart from the solar anti-symmetric parity behavior, the main solar features are reproduced: cyclic polarity reversals, mid-latitudinal equatorward migration of strong toroidal field, poleward migration of polar surface radial fields, and the quadrature phase shift between both. Long-term variability of the solutions exhibits lengthy periods of minimum activity followed by posterior recovery, akin to the observed Maunder Minimum. Based on the analysis of the residual activity during periods of minimum activity, we suggest that these are caused by a predominance of the \alpha-effect over the Babcock-Leighton mechanism in regenerating the poloidal field.