Improvements and Applications of Kinematic Models of the Solar Magnetic Cycle
Andres Munoz-Jaramillo
Harvard/Cfa


The best tools we have for understanding the origin of solar magnetic variability are kinematic dynamo models. During the last decade, this type of models has seen a continuous evolution and has become increasingly successful at reproducing solar cycle characteristics. However, the ingredients that are part of these models remain poorly constrained which allows one to obtain solar-like solutions by ``tuning" the input parameters, leading to controversy regarding which parameter set is more appropriate. In this presentation we will visit each of those ingredients and the work we have done to constrain their free parameters. Additionally, and using the improved model as a starting point, we will explore the causes that led to the unusually quiet minimum of cycle 23 and discuss results which suggest that there is a problem with the current solar cycle paradigm.

Date: Thursday, 24 March 2011
Time: 11:30
Where: Université de Montréal
  Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, Local D-460
Contact: Paul Charbonneau