Forward Modelling of MHD Waves in Braided Magnetic Fields

TL;DR

This study uses numerical models and forward modelling to analyze how transverse MHD waves behave in braided magnetic fields, revealing observational signatures and potential ambiguities in interpretation.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of synthetic emission signatures from MHD waves in braided fields, highlighting the effects of magnetic complexity on observability and interpretation.

Findings

Doppler shifts confirm the presence of transverse waves.

Wave signatures are less clear in complex magnetic fields.

Multiple emission lines improve detection of magnetic braiding.

Abstract

Aim. We investigate synthetic observational signatures generated from numerical models of transverse waves propagating in braided magnetic fields. Methods. We examine two simulations with different levels of magnetic field braiding and impose a periodic, transverse wave driver at the lower boundary. After waves reflect off the top boundary, a complex pattern of wave interference forms. We analyse the synthetic emission produced by the forward modelling code, FoMo. We examine line intensity, Doppler shifts and kinetic energy along several line-of-sight (LOS) angles. Results. The Doppler shifts showed the presence of transverse waves. However, when analysing the intensity, waves are less easily observed for more complex magnetic fields and may be mistaken for background noise. Depending on the LOS angle, the observable signatures of waves reflect some of the magnetic field braiding, particularly when multiple emission lines are available. In the more braided simulation, signatures of phase mixing can be identified. We identify possible ambiguities in the interpretation of wave modes based on the synthetic emission signatures. Conclusions. Most of the observables within this article behave as expected, given knowledge of the evolution of the parameters in 3D space. However, some intriguing observational signatures are present. Detecting regions of magnetic field complexity is somewhat possible when waves are present. However, simultaneous spectroscopic imaging from different lines is important to identify these locations. Care needs to be taken when interpreting intensity and Doppler velocity signatures as torsional motions as, in our setup, such signatures were a consequence of the magnetic field complexity and not torsional waves. Finally, the kinetic energy, estimated with Doppler velocities, is dependent on the polarisation of the wave, complexity of the background field and the LOS.