A model of a tidally synchronized solar dynamo

TL;DR

This paper presents a solar dynamo model where planetary tidal forces modulate the alpha-effect, leading to synchronized magnetic cycles and explaining phenomena like the Maunder minimum.

Contribution

It introduces a novel tidal synchronization mechanism for the solar dynamo based on the Tayler instability, with implications for understanding solar magnetic variability.

Findings

Dynamo modes oscillate with 11.07 and 22.14 years periods.

Tidal forcing can synchronize the alpha-effect in the dynamo.

Model reproduces features like butterfly diagrams and phase transitions.

Abstract

We discuss a solar dynamo model of Tayler-Spruit type whose Omega-effect is conventionally produced by a solar-like differential rotation but whose alpha-effect is assumed to be periodically modulated by planetary tidal forcing. This resonance-like effect has its rationale in the tendency of the current-driven Tayler instability to undergo intrinsic helicity oscillations which, in turn, can be synchronized by periodic tidal perturbations. Specifically, we focus on the 11.07 years alignment periodicity of the tidally dominant planets Venus, Earth, and Jupiter, whose persistent synchronization with the solar dynamo is briefly touched upon. The typically emerging dynamo modes are dipolar fields, oscillating with a 22.14 years period or pulsating with a 11.07 years period, but also quadrupolar fields with corresponding periodicities. In the absence of any constant part of alpha, we prove the subcritical nature of this Tayler-Spruit type dynamo. The resulting amplitude of the alpha oscillation that is required for dynamo action turns out to lie in the order of 1 m/s, which seems not implausible for the sun. When starting with a more classical, non-periodic part of alpha, even less of the oscillatory alpha part is needed to synchronize the entire dynamo. Typically, the dipole solutions show butterfly diagrams, although their shapes are not convincing yet. Phase coherent transitions between dipoles and quadrupoles, which are reminiscent of the observed behaviour during the Maunder minimum, can be easily triggered by long-term variations of dynamo parameters, but may also occur spontaneously even for fixed parameters. Further interesting features of the model are the typical second intensity peak and the intermittent appearance of reversed helicities in both hemispheres.