Observed Power and Frequency Variations of Solar Rossby Waves with Solar Cycles

Abstract

Several recent studies utilizing different helioseismic methods have confirmed the presence of large-scale vorticity waves known as solar Rossby waves within the Sun. Rossby waves are distinct from acoustic waves, typically with longer periods and lifetimes, and their general properties, even if only measured at the surface, may be used to infer properties of the deeper convection zone, such as the turbulent viscosity and entropy gradients that are otherwise difficult to observe. In this study, we utilize 12 yr of inverted subsurface velocity fields derived from the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager’s time–distance and ring-diagram pipelines to investigate the properties of the solar equatorial Rossby waves. By covering the maximum and the decline phases of Solar Cycle 24, these data sets enable a systematic analysis of any potential cycle dependence of these waves. Our analysis provides evidence of a correlation between the average power of equatorial Rossby waves and the solar cycle, with stronger Rossby waves during the solar maximum and weaker waves during the minimum. Our result also shows that the frequency of the Rossby waves is lower during the magnetic active years, implying a larger retrograde drift relative to the solar rotation. Although the underlying mechanism that enhances the Rossby wave power and lowers its frequency during the cycle maximum is not immediately known, this observation has the potential to provide new insights into the interaction of large-scale flows with the solar cycle.