Bibcode
Schmitt, D.; Schussler, M.; Ferriz-Mas, A.
Bibliographical reference
ASP Conf. Ser. 154, The Tenth Cambridge Workshop on Cool Stars, Stellar Systems and the Sun, Edited by R. A. Donahue and J. A. Bookbinder, p.1324
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1998
Citations
6
Refereed citations
2
Description
We propose a combination of two dynamos for solar and stellar magnetic
activity. A strong-field dynamo operating in the overshoot layer at the
base of the convection zone generating superequipartition fields
concentrated in isolated flux tubes is responsible for cyclic activity
(e.g., sunspots), while a turbulent weak-field dynamo in the convection
zone produces a more irregular field. The combination of a threshold in
field strength for dynamo action due to instability of magnetic flux
tubes in the overshoot layer and random fluctuations due to magnetic
fields from the turbulent convection zone leads, in the case of the Sun
and solar-type stars, to activity cycles with strong amplitude
variations and the occasional appearance of grand minima. Stronger
fluctuations may destroy the cyclic behaviour of the overshoot layer
dynamo and lead to increased but irregular activity. Such activity is
observed in fast rotating cool stars. On the other hand, stars with low
and non-variable magnetic activity may be in a state with only the
turbulent convection zone dynamo active.