Distribution Functions of Sizes and Fluxes Determined from Supra-Arcade Downflows
Abstract
The frequency distributions of sizes and fluxes of supra-arcade downflows (SADs) provide information about the process of their creation. For example, a fractal creation process may be expected to yield a power-law distribution of sizes and/or fluxes. We examine 120 cross-sectional areas and magnetic flux estimates found by Savage & McKenzie for SADs, and find that (1) the areas are consistent with a log-normal distribution and (2) the fluxes are consistent with both a log-normal and an exponential distribution. Neither set of measurements is compatible with a power-law distribution nor a normal distribution. As a demonstration of the applicability of these findings to improved understanding of reconnection, we consider a simple SAD growth scenario with minimal assumptions, capable of producing a log-normal distribution.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.1106.4567,
title = {Distribution Functions of Sizes and Fluxes Determined from Supra-Arcade Downflows},
author = {David E. McKenzie and Sabrina L. Savage},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1106.4567},
year = {2011}
}
Comments
Published in ApJL