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Driving mechanisms for the solar wind

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Abstract

In this review, we consider the central physical aspects pertinent to the acceleration of the solar wind. Special importance is placed on the high-speed streams since the properties of these structures seem to strain the various theoretical explanations the most. Heavy emphasis is also given to the observations — particularly as to what constraints they place on the theories. We also discuss certain sporadic events such as spicules, macrospicules, X-ray bright points, and outflows seen in the EUV associated with the explosive events, jets, and coronal bullets which could be of relevance to this problem.

Three theoretical concepts pertaining to the solar wind acceleration process are examined — purely thermal acceleration with and without extended heating, acceleration due to Alfvén wave pressure, and diamagnetic acceleration. Emphasis is given to how well these theories meet the constraints imposed by the observations. Diamagnetism is argued to be a powerful ingredient in solar wind theory, both in the light of observed sporatic outflows seen in the chromosphere and transition region and also because of its effectiveness in increasing the flow speed and producing strong acceleration near the Sun in line with coronal hole observations.

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  1. G. W. Pneuman

    Present address: High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colo., U.S.A.

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  1. Institut für Astronomie, ETH-Zentrum, CH-8092, Zürich, Switzerland

    G. W. Pneuman

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Pneuman, G.W. Driving mechanisms for the solar wind. Space Sci Rev 43, 105–138 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00175327

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