Influence of electrons on granulation-generated solar chromosphere heating and plasma outflows

Context. It is known that the solar atmosphere exhibits a varying degree of ionization through its different layers. The ionization degree directly depends on plasma temperature, that is, the lower the temperature, the lower the ionization degree. As a result, the plasma in the lower atmospheric layers (the photosphere and the chromosphere) is only partially ionized, which motivates the use of a three-fluid model. Aims. We consider, for the first time, the influence of electrons on granulation-generated solar chromosphere heating and plasma outflows. We attempt to detect variations in the ion temperature and plasma up- and downflows. Methods. We performed 2.5-D numerical simulations of the generation and evolution of granulation-generated waves, flows, and other granulation-associated phenomena with an adapted JOANNA code. This code solves the simplified three-fluid equations for ions (protons) and electrons and neutrals (hydrogen atoms) that are coupled by collision forces. Results. Electron-neutral and electron-ion collisions provide extra heat in the low chromosphere and enhance plasma outflows in this region. The effect of electrons is small compared to ion-neutral collisions, which have a significantly greater effect on the heating process and the production of outflows. Ion-neutral collisions involve higher energy exchanges, making them the dominant mechanism over collisions with electrons. Conclusions. Electrons do not play a major role in heating and producing outflows, primarily because their mass is much lower compared to that of neutrals and ions, resulting in lower energy transfer during collisions.

Publication year:2024

Accessibility:Open