The Physics of Wave Dynamics in the Solar Atmosphere

The atmosphere of the Sun above the visible surface (photosphere) is divided in several distinct layers that include the chromosphere, transition region and corona. These layers are highly dynamic with exchange of matter and energy. It is still not clear what maintains the atmospheric temperatures against radiative losses – the so-called heating problem. It is believed that waves have an important role in delivering energy from surface convection into the atmosphere, and may also cause cool chromospheric material to be launched up into the corona (resembling observed spicules). Furthermore, waves are seen in structures at all temperatures and play a part in the cooling process of coronal plasma (oscillating rain). In this project, we shall examine the role of waves at the physical interface between hot (coronal) and cool (chromospheric) plasmas. It will involve a combination of theory, observations and numerical simulation. It will use codes developed at Warwick and data from the solar satellites Hinode, IRIS and SDO along with data from the DKIST ground based telescope due to begin operation in 2019.

Research at Warwick University’s Centre for Fusion, Space and Astrophysics (CFSA) focuses on plasma physics applied to the grand challenges of fusion energy, space physics, solar physics, and astrophysics. Our work spans fundamental theory, observation, and the analysis of experimental data, combined with high performance computing. For more details of the CFSA see http://go.warwick.ac.uk/cfsa

The project is available for 3.5 years with a start date of October 2018.

If interested in the first instance contact Dr Erwin Verwichte, Physics Department, University of Warwick ([Email Address Removed])