Courtesy NASA 		Plasma Parameters of the Lower Solar Atmosphere

Background

The lower solar atmosphere consists of the plasma between the photosphere (τ5000 = 1), and the corona. Most of our traditional knowledge of this region is represented in the "semi-empirical model atmospheres" of which VAL-C is perhaps the most famous. Such models have distinct limitations; in particular they are one-dimensional and do not have a true vertical spatial scale because of their organization in terms of optical depth. They also ignore all dynamics and assume Maxwellian plasmas with Ti = Te. They do, on the other hand, properly deal with the structural implications of optically thick radiative transfer. We use them here to generate rough values for various plasma parameters.

The models

In these pages we use a set of semi-empirical models tabulated by Fontenla et al. (2009) et seq. to calculate standard plasma parameters where possible (see also applications in e.g. Fontenla 2008 and Hudson, 2007, for example). The models, each intended to describe a different solar feature, have different height ranges and pressures at a reference temperature of 2 x 105 K, as given in the table. The three Fontenla models chosen here span a range of physical conditions, as suggested by their different transition-region pressures. In calculating plasma parameters involving B, we assume fixed values that seem appropriate to the nature of the modeled feature. Note that we do not attempt to guess the height variation of the field. Our three and others of the Fontenla models can be downloaded from Strasbourg.

Direct access

The easiest way to get the derived parameters is to go to the plot page for a derived parameter, as listed below, and then open the .dat file linked there. This is work in progress as the curator generates these .dat files.

Model number Feature modeled P @ 2x105K B
dyne cm-2 Gauss
Model 1001: Quiet Sun inter-network 0.235 100
Model 1005: Facula (i.e. very bright plage) 1.62 300
Model 1006: Sunspot umbra 3.86 1000

Plots of the model parameters

Plots of derived parameters

Our basic references for the derived parameters are Chen (1974) and the NRL Plasma Formulary.

These pages were created by Sephanie Chow, who departed Berkeley in 2010 for medical school (thanks, Stephie!). Maintenance now is by Hugh Hudson.

Aug. 2, 2010 (original)
Nov. 25, 2020 (update)

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