In the present work, we test the predictions of the AWSoM model, a global extended-MHD model capable of calculating the propagation and turbulent dissipation of Alfven waves in any magnetic topology, against high resolution spectra of the quiescent o
ff-disk solar corona. Wave dissipation is the only heating mechanism assumed in this model. Combining 3D model results with the CHIANTI atomic database, we were able to create synthetic line-of-sight spectra which include the effects of emission line broadening due to both thermal and wave-related non-thermal motions. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time a global model is used to obtain synthetic non-thermal line broadening. We obtained a steady-state solution driven by a synoptic magnetogram and compared the synthetic spectra with SUMER observations of a quiescent area above the solar west limb extending between 1.04 and 1.34 solar radii at the equator. Both the predicted line widths and the total line fluxes were consistent with the observations for 5 different ions. Using the 3D solution, we were able to locate the region that contributes the most to the emission used for measuring electron properties; we found that region to be a pseudo-streamer, whose modeled electron temperature and density are consistent with the measured ones. We conclude that the turbulent dissipation assumed in the AWSoM model can simultaneously account for the observed heating rate and the non-dissipated wave energy observed in this region.
We describe, analyze and validate the recently developed Alfven Wave Solar Model (AWSoM), a 3D global model starting from the top of the chromosphere and extending into interplanetary space (up to 1-2 AU). This model solves the extended two temperatu
re magnetohydrodynamics equations coupled to a wave kinetic equation for low frequency Alfven waves. In this picture, heating and acceleration of the plasma are due to wave dissipation and wave pressure gradients, respectively. The dissipation process is described by a fully developed turbulent cascade of counter-propagating waves. We adopt a unified approach for calculating the wave dissipation in both open and closed magnetic field lines, allowing for a self-consistent treatment of any magnetic topology. Wave dissipation is the only heating mechanism assumed in the model, and no geometric heating functions are invoked. Electron heat conduction and radiative cooling are also included. We demonstrate that the large-scale, steady-state (in the co-rotating frame) properties of the solar environment are reproduced, using three adjustable parameters: the Poynting flux of chromospheric Alfven waves, the perpendicular correlation length of the turbulence, and a pseudo-reflection coefficient. We compare model results for Carrington Rotation 2063 (November-December 2007) to remote observations in the EUV and X-ray ranges from STEREO, SOHO and Hinode spacecraft, as well as to in-situ measurements performed by Ulysses. The model results are in good agreement with observations. This is the first global model capable of simultaneously reproducing the multi-wavelength observations of the lower corona and the wind structure beyond Earths orbit.
We have reanalyzed SUMER observations of a parcel of coronal gas using new collisional ionization equilibrium (CIE) calculations. These improved CIE fractional abundances were calculated using state-of-the-art electron-ion recombination data for K-sh
ell, L-shell, Na-like, and Mg-like ions of all elements from H through Zn and, additionally, Al- through Ar-like ions of Fe. They also incorporate the latest recommended electron impact ionization data for all ions of H through Zn. Improved CIE calculations based on these recombination and ionization data are presented here. We have also developed a new systematic method for determining the average emission measure ($EM$) and electron temperature ($T_e$) of an isothermal plasma. With our new CIE data and our new approach for determining average $EM$ and $T_e$, we have reanalyzed SUMER observations of the solar corona. We have compared our results with those of previous studies and found some significant differences for the derived $EM$ and $T_e$. We have also calculated the enhancement of coronal elemental abundances compared to their photospheric abundances, using the SUMER observations themselves to determine the abundance enhancement factor for each of the emitting elements. Our observationally derived first ionization potential (FIP) factors are in reasonable agreement with the theoretical model of Laming (2008).
