A linear model for inertial modes in a differentially rotating Sun

TL;DR

This paper models inertial modes in the Sun considering differential rotation, revealing that observed modes may correspond to higher n solutions and highlighting differences between numerical eigenfunctions and solar measurements.

Contribution

It introduces a spectral eigenvalue approach to compute solar inertial modes with differential rotation, providing new insights into mode frequencies and eigenfunctions.

Findings

Mode frequencies align with observed solar modes along specific ridges.

Higher n modes are likely responsible for observed frequencies, not fundamental n=0 modes.

Eigenfunctions suggest modes originate deep within the convection zone.

Abstract

Inertial wave modes in the Sun are of interest owing to their potential to reveal new insight into the solar interior. These predominantly retrograde-propagating modes in the solar subsurface appear to deviate from the thin-shell Rossby-Haurwitz model at high azimuthal orders. We present new measurements of sectoral equatorial inertial modes at $m>15$ where the modes appear to become progressively less retrograde compared to the canonical Rossby-Haurwitz dispersion relation in a co-rotating frame. We use a spectral eigenvalue solver to compute the spectrum of solar inertial modes in the presence of differential rotation. Focussing specifically on equatorial Rossby modes, we find that the numerically obtained mode frequencies lie along distinct ridges, one of which lies strikingly close to the observed mode frequencies in the Sun. We also find that the $n=0$ ridge is deflected strongly in the retrograde direction. This suggests that the solar measurements may not correspond to the fundamental $n=0$ Rossby-Haurwitz solutions as was initially suspected, but to a those for a higher $n$. The numerically obtained eigenfunctions also appear to sit deep within the convection zone -- unlike those for the $n=0$ modes -- which differs substantially from solar measurements and complicates inference.