Eruptions and Flaring Activity in Emerging Quadrupolar Regions

TL;DR

This study uses 3D MHD simulations to investigate how magnetic flux ropes form and erupt in complex quadrupolar active regions, revealing mechanisms behind recurrent eruptions and confined flares.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the formation, interaction, and eruption of flux ropes in quadrupolar regions through detailed simulation analysis.

Findings

Recurrent confined eruptions produce flux ropes with increased size, flux, and twist.

Reconnection events trigger eruptions by removing tension in overlying magnetic fields.

Confined eruptions can enhance flux rope properties without full eruption.

Abstract

Context. Some of the most dynamic active regions are associated with complex photospheric magnetic configurations such as quadrupolar regions, and especially ones with a $\delta$-spot configuration and a strong Polarity Inversion Line (PIL). Aims. We study the formation and eruption of magnetic flux ropes in quadrupolar regions. Methods. 3D MHD simulations of the partial emergence of a highly twisted flux tube from the solar interior into a non-magnetized stratified atmosphere. Results. We emerge two $\Omega$-shaped loops forming a quadrupolar region. The emerging flux forms two initially separated bipoles, that later come in contact creating a $\delta$-spot central region. Above the two bipoles, two magnetic lobes expand and interact through a series of current sheets at the interface between them. Two recurrent confined eruptions are produced. In both cases, reconnection between sheared low-lying field lines forms a flux rope. Reconnection between the two lobes high in the atmosphere forms retracting field lines that push against the flux rope, creating a current sheet between them. It also forms a third magnetic lobe between the two emerged ones, that later acts as a strapping field. The flux rope eruptions are triggered when the reconnection between the flux ropes and the field above them becomes efficient enough to remove the tension of the overlying field. These reconnection events occur internally in the system. The first erupting flux rope almost fully reconnects with the overlying field. The second eruption is confined by the overlying field. During the confined eruption, the flux rope is enhanced in size, flux and twist, similar to confined-flare-to-flux-rope observations. Proxies of the emission reveal the two erupting filaments channels. A flare arcade is formed only in the second eruption due to the longer-lasting and more efficient reconnection below the flux rope.