MHD Seismology of the Solar Corona
Supervisor: Professor V.M. Nakariakov (CFSA)
Funding: STFC Quota Studentship
The study of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves in the corona of the Sun is one
of the most rapidly developing research fields of plasma astrophysics. The waves
are detected in all observational bands, from radio to X-ray. The interest in
coronal waves is connected with the roles they may play in resolving the
enigmatic problems of solar physics, such as coronal plasma heating, solar wind
acceleration, physics of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and also with the
use of these waves as natural diagnostic probes of the solar plasma - the method
of MHD seismology. The project includes analysis of data obtained with
spaceborne (SDO, STEREO, Hinode space missions) and ground-based
(Nobeyama Radioheliograph) facilities, development of novel data analysis
techniques, theoretical modelling of relevant physical processes, and design and
application of novel plasma diagnostic tools. The project will be carried out in
collaboration with other members of the MHD wave team, and also with our
colleagues in leading international centres of solar coronal physics.