221 research outputs found
Solar differential rotation and meridional flow: The role of a subadiabatic tachocline for the Taylor-Proudman balance
We present a simple model for the solar differential rotation and meridional
circulation based on a mean field parameterization of the Reynolds stresses
that drive the differential rotation. We include the subadiabatic part of the
tachocline and show that this, in conjunction with turbulent heat conductivity
within the convection zone and overshoot region, provides the key physics to
break the Taylor-Proudman constraint, which dictates differential rotation with
contour lines parallel to the axis of rotation in case of an isentropic
stratification. We show that differential rotation with contour lines inclined
by 10 - 30 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation is a robust result of
the model, which does not depend on the details of the Reynolds stress and the
assumed viscosity, as long as the Reynolds stress transports angular momentum
toward the equator. The meridional flow is more sensitive with respect to the
details of the assumed Reynolds stress, but a flow cell, equatorward at the
base of the convection zone and poleward in the upper half of the convection
zone, is the preferred flow pattern.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figure
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