Reverse Current in Solar Flares,
Abstract
The authors examine the proposal that impulsive x-ray bursts are produced by high-energy electrons streaming from the corona to the chromosphere. The authors find that the currents associated with these streams are so high that either the streams do not exist or their current is neutralized by a reverse current. Analysis of a simple model indicates that the primary electron stream leads to the development of an electric field in the ambient corona which (a) decelerates the primary beam and (b) produces a neutralizing reverse current. It appears that, in some circumstances, this electric field could prevent the primary beam from reaching the chromosphere. In any case, the electric field acts as an energy exchange mechanism, extracting kinetic energy from the primary beam and using it to heat the ambient plasma. This heating is typically so rapid that it must be expected to have important dynamical consequences.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA035617
Entities
People
- J. W. Knight
- Peter A. Sturrock
Organizations
- Stanford University