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Detailed Reference Information
Zurbuchen et al. 2002
Zurbuchen, T.H., Fisk, L.A., Gloeckler, G. and von Steiger, R. (2002). The solar wind composition throughout the solar cycle: A continuum of dynamic states. Geophysical Research Letters 29: doi: 10.1029/2001GL013946. issn: 0094-8276.

Variations in the speed and elemental and ionic charge composition of the solar wind are reported throughout the solar cycle, as observed by the SWICS instrument on Ulysses. The apparent bimodal nature of the solar wind during the solar minimum does not persist throughout the solar cycle. Rather, with increasing solar activity, a continuum of solar wind speeds and charge states is observed. The exception is the elemental composition which is noticeably less enhanced in elements with low first ionization potential (FIP) in material from coronal holes throughout the solar cycle. These observations are consistent with theories in which the solar wind originates from coronal loops that reconnect with open magnetic field lines.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Interplanetary Physics, Solar cycle variations, Interplanetary Physics, Sources of the solar wind, Solar Physics, Astrophysics, and Astronomy, Solar activity cycle
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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