Modeling of energy buildup for a flare-productive region

A self-consistent MHD model of shearing magnetic loops is used to investigate magnetic energy buildup in active region AR 2372 (Boulder number), in the period of April 5-7, 1980. The magnetic field and sunspot motions in this region, derived using observational data obtained by the Marshall Space Flight Center Solar Observatory, suggest the initial boundary conditions for the model. It is found that the plasma parameters (i.e., density, temperature, and plasma flow velocity) do not change appreciably during the process of energy buildup as the magnetic loops are sheared. Thus, almost all of the added energy is stored in the magnetic field. Furthermore, it is shown that dynamical processes are not important during a slow buildup (i.e., for a shearing velocity less than 1 km/s). Finally, it is concluded that the amount of magnetic energy stored and the location of this stored magnetic energy depend on the initial magnetic field (whether potential or sheared) and the magnitude of the shearing motion.