Thermal and magnetic field structure of near equatorial coronal holes

TL;DR

This study analyzes the thermal and magnetic properties of near equatorial coronal holes over 2001-2008, revealing their physical parameters and rotational behavior, and suggests they rotate rigidly, anchored below the tachocline.

Contribution

It provides detailed measurements of coronal hole parameters and demonstrates their rigid rotation, challenging the expectation of differential rotation if anchored in the convection zone.

Findings

Coronal hole area, flux, energy, and temperature are latitude-independent.

Magnetic field strength varies with latitude, from low at the equator to high near the poles.

Coronal holes rotate rigidly, likely anchored below the tachocline.

Abstract

We use full-disk, SOHO/EIT 195 $\AA$ calibrated images to measure latitudinal and day to day variations of area and average photon fluxes of the near equatorial coronal holes. In addition, energy emitted by the coronal holes with their temperature and strength of magnetic field structures are estimated. By analyzing data of 2001-2008, we find that variations of average area (A), photon flux (F), radiative energy (E) and temperature (T) of coronal holes are independent of latitude. Whereas inferred strength of magnetic field structure of the coronal holes is dependent on the latitudes and varies from low near the equator to high near both the poles. Typical average values of estimated physical parameters are: $A \sim 3.8(\pm0.5)\times10^{20}~cm^{2}, F \sim 2.3(\pm0.2)\times10^{13}~photons\;cm^{-2}\;sec^{-1}, E \sim 2.32(\pm0.5)\times 10^{3}~ergscm^{-2}sec^{-1} \ and \ T \sim 0.94(\pm0.1)\times10^{6} ~$ K. Average strength of magnetic field structure of coronal hole at the corona is estimated to be $\sim$ $0.08 \pm 0.02$ Gauss. If coronal holes are anchored in the convection zone, one would expect they should rotate differentially. Hence, thermal wind balance and isorotation of coronal holes with the solar plasma implies the temperature difference between the equator and both the poles. Contrary to this fact, variation of thermal structure of near equatorial coronal holes is independent of latitude leading to a conclusion that coronal holes must rotate rigidly that are likely to be anchored initially below the tachocline confirming our previous study (ApJ, 763, 137, 2013).