arXiv subjects

Abhishek K. Srivastava

Publications and source records attributed to Abhishek K. Srivastava.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Numerical Simulations of the Decaying Transverse Oscillations in the Cool Jet

We describe a 2.5D MHD simulation describing the evolution of cool jets triggered by initial vertical velocity perturbations in the solar chromosphere. We implement random velocity pulses of amplitude 20-50 km/s between 1 Mm and 1.5 Mm, along with various switch-off periods between 50 s and 300 s. The applied vertical velocity pulses create a series of magnetoacoustic shocks steepening above TR. These shocks interact with each other in the inner corona, leading to complex localized velocity fields. The upward propagation of such perturbations creates low-pressure regions behind them, which propel a variety of cool jets and plasma flows. We study the transverse oscillations of a representative cool jet J1 , which moves up to the height of 6.2 Mm above the TR from its origin point. During its evolution, the plasma flows make the spine of jet J1 radially inhomogeneous, which is visible in the density and Alfvén speed smoothly varying across the jet. The highly dense J1 supports the propagating transverse wave of period of approximately 195 s with a phase speed of about 125 km/s. In the distance-time map of density, it is manifested as a transverse kink wave. However, the careful investigation of the distance-time maps of the x- and z-components of velocity reveals that these transverse waves are actually the mixed Alfvénic modes. The transverse wave shows evidence of damping in the jet. We conclude that the cross-field structuring of the density and characteristic Alfvén speed within J1 causes the onset of the resonant conversion and leakage of the wave energy outward to dissipate these transverse oscillations via resonant absorption. The wave energy flux is estimated as approximately of 1.0 x 10^6 ergs cm^{-2} s^{-1}. This energy, if it dissipates through the resonant absorption into the corona where the jet is propagated, is sufficient energy for the localized coronal heating.

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arXiv2021

Deciphering Solar Magnetic Activity: 140 Years Of The `Extended Solar Cycle' -- Mapping the Hale Cycle

We investigate the occurrence of the "extended solar cycle" (ESC) as it occurs in a host observational data spanning 140 years. Investigating coronal, chromospheric, photospheric and interior diagnostics we develop a consistent picture of solar activity migration linked to the 22-year Hale (magnetic) cycle using superposed epoch analysis (SEA) using previously identified Hale cycle termination events as the key time for the SEA. Our analysis shows that the ESC and Hale cycle, as highlighted by the terminator-keyed SEA, is strongly recurrent throughout the entire observational record studied, some 140 years. Applying the same SEA method to the sunspot record confirms that Maunder's butterfly pattern is a subset of the underlying Hale cycle, strongly suggesting that the production of sunspots is not the fundamental feature of the Hale cycle, but the ESC is. The ESC (and Hale cycle) pattern highlights the importance of 55\degree\ latitude in the evolution, and possible production, of solar magnetism.

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arXiv2021

Slow-Mode Magnetoacoustic Waves in Coronal Loops

Rapidly decaying long-period oscillations often occur in hot coronal loops of active regions associated with small (or micro-) flares. This kind of wave activity was first discovered with the SOHO/SUMER spectrometer from Doppler velocity measurements of hot emission lines, thus also often called "SUMER" oscillations. They were mainly interpreted as global (or fundamental mode) standing slow magnetoacoustic waves. In addition, increasing evidence has suggested that the decaying harmonic type of pulsations detected in light curves of solar and stellar flares are likely caused by standing slow-mode waves. The study of slow magnetoacoustic waves in coronal loops has become a topic of particular interest in connection with coronal seismology. We review recent results from SDO/AIA and Hinode/XRT observations that have detected both standing and reflected intensity oscillations in hot flaring loops showing the physical properties (e.g., oscillation periods, decay times, and triggers) in accord with the SUMER oscillations. We also review recent advances in theory and numerical modeling of slow-mode waves focusing on the wave excitation and damping mechanisms. MHD simulations in 1D, 2D and 3D have been dedicated to understanding the physical conditions for the generation of a reflected propagating or a standing wave by impulsive heating. Various damping mechanisms and their analysis methods are summarized. Calculations based on linear theory suggest that the non-ideal MHD effects such as thermal conduction, compressive viscosity, and optically thin radiation may dominate in damping of slow-mode waves in coronal loops of different physical conditions. Finally, an overview is given of several important seismological applications such as determination of transport coefficients and heating function.

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arXiv2020

Coronal heating by MHD waves

The heating of the solar chromosphere and corona to the observed high temperatures, imply the presence of ongoing heating that balances the strong radiative and thermal conduction losses expected in the solar atmosphere. It has been theorized for decades that the required heating mechanisms of the chromospheric and coronal parts of the active regions, quiet-Sun, and coronal holes are associated with the solar magnetic fields. However, the exact physical process that transport and dissipate the magnetic energy which ultimately leads to the solar plasma heating are not yet fully understood. The current understanding of coronal heating relies on two main mechanism: reconnection and MHD waves that may have various degrees of importance in different coronal regions. In this review we focus on recent advances in our understanding of MHD wave heating mechanisms. First, we focus on giving an overview of observational results, where we show that different wave modes have been discovered in the corona in the last decade, many of which are associated with a significant energy flux, either generated in situ or pumped from the lower solar atmosphere. Afterwards, we summarise the recent findings of numerical modelling of waves, motivated by the observational results. Despite the advances, only 3D MHD models with Alfvén wave heating in an unstructured corona can explain the observed coronal temperatures compatible with the quiet Sun, while 3D MHD wave heating models including cross-field density structuring are not yet able to account for the heating of coronal loops in active regions to their observed temperature.

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arXiv2020

Large-Scale Vortex Motion and Multiple Plasmoid Ejection Due to Twisting Prominence Threads and Associated Reconnection

We analyze the characteristics of a quiescent polar prominence using the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Initially, small-scale barb-like structures are evident on the solar disk, which firstly grow vertically and thereafter move towards the south-west limb. Later, a spine connects these barbs and we observe apparent rotating motions in the upper part of the prominence. These apparent rotating motions might play an important role for the evolution and growth of the filament by transferring cool plasma and magnetic twist. The large-scale vortex motion is evident in the upper part of the prominence, and consists of a swirl-like structure within it. The slow motion of the footpoint twists the legs of the prominence due to magnetic shear, causing two different kinds of magnetic reconnection. The internal reconnection is initiated by a resistive tearing-mode instability, which leads to the formation of multiple plasmoids in the elongated current sheet. The estimated growth rate was found to be 0.02--0.05. The magnetic reconnection heats the current sheet for a small duration. However, most of the energy release due to magnetic reconnection is absorbed by the surrounding cool and dense plasma and used to accelerate the plasmoid ejection. The multiple plasmoid ejections destroy the current sheet. Therefore, the magnetic arcades collapse near the X-point. Oppositely directed magnetic arcades may reconnect with the southern segment of the prominence and an elongated thin current sheet is formed. This external reconnection drives prominence eruption.

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arXiv2020

Critical Science Plan for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST)

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) will revolutionize our ability to measure, understand and model the basic physical processes that control the structure and dynamics of the Sun and its atmosphere. The first-light DKIST images, released publicly on 29 January 2020, only hint at the extraordinary capabilities which will accompany full commissioning of the five facility instruments. With this Critical Science Plan (CSP) we attempt to anticipate some of what those capabilities will enable, providing a snapshot of some of the scientific pursuits that the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope hopes to engage as start-of-operations nears. The work builds on the combined contributions of the DKIST Science Working Group (SWG) and CSP Community members, who generously shared their experiences, plans, knowledge and dreams. Discussion is primarily focused on those issues to which DKIST will uniquely contribute.

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arXiv2020

CME Productive and Non-productive Recurring Jets Near an Active Region AR11176

We study the recurring jets near AR11176 during the period 2011 March 31 17:00 UT to April 1 05:00 UT using observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Mini-filaments (mini-filament1 & 2) are found at the base of these recurring jets where mini-filament1 shows the partial signature of eruption in case of Jet1-3. However, the mini-filament2 shows a complete eruption driving a full blow-out jet (Jet4). The eruption of mini-filament2 triggers C-class flare and Jet4 eruption. The eruption of Jet4 triggers a coronal mass ejection (CME). The plane-of-sky velocity of recurring jets (Jet1-4) results in 160 km/s, 106 km/s, 151 km/s and 369 km/s. The estimated velocity of CME is 636 km/s. The continuous magnetic flux cancellation is observed at the base of the jet productive region which could be the cause of the eruption of mini-filaments and recurring jets. In the former case, the mini-filament1 shows partial eruption and first three jets (Jet1-3) are produced, but the rate of cancellation was rather low. However, in the latter case, mini-filament2 fully erupts (perhaps because of a higher cancellation rate), and this triggers a C-class flare and a CME-productive jet. At the base of first three jets (Jet1-3), the mini-filament1 causes to push the overlying dynamic complex thin loops resulting in the reconnection and drives the jet (Jet1-3) eruptions. The formation of the plasma blobs are observed during the eruption of the first jet (Jet1).

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arXiv2019

On modelling the kinematics and evolutionary properties of pressure pulse driven impulsive solar jets

In this paper, we describe the kinematical and evolutionary properties of the impulsive cool jets in the solar atmosphere using numerical simulation by Godunov-type PLUTO code at two different strength of the quiet-Sun magnetic field (B=56, 112 Gauss). These types of chromospheric jets are originated by the pressure pulse, which mimics after effects of the localized heating in the lower solar atmosphere. These jets may be responsible for the transport of mass and energy in the localized upper atmosphere (i.e., corona). The detection of the height-time profiles for the jets, originated by imposing the different pressure pulses, exhibit the asymmetric near parabolic behaviour. This infers that the upward motion of the jet occurs under the influence of pressure perturbation. However, its downward motion is not only governed by the gravitational free fall, but also due to the complex plasma motions near its base under the effect of counter propagating pulses. Maximum height and life-time of the jets w.r.t. the strength of the pressure pulse show a linear increasing trend. This suggests that if the extent of the heating and thus pressure perturbations will be longer then more longer chromospheric jets can be triggered from the same location in the chromosphere. For the certain amplitude of pressure pulse, the strong magnetic field configuration (B=112 Gauss) leads more longer jet compared to the weaker field (B=56 Gauss). This suggests that the strong magnetic field guides the pressure pulse driven jets more efficiency towards the higher corona. In conclusion, our model mimics the properties and evolution of variety of the cool impulsive jets in the chromosphere (e.g., macrospicules, network jets, isolated repeated cool jets, confined \& small surges etc).

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arXiv2019

Signatures of red-shifted footpoints in the quiescent coronal loop system

We observed quiescent coronal loops using multi-wavelength observations from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) on 2016 April 13. The flows at the footpoints of such loop systems are studied using spectral data from Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS). The Doppler velocity distributions at the footpoints lying in the moss region show the negligible or small flows at Ni I, Mg II k3 and C II line corresponding to upper photospheric and chromospheric emissions. Significant red-shifts (downflows) ranging from (1 to 7) km/s are observed at Si IV (1393.78 A; log(T/K) = 4.8) which is found to be consistent with the existing results regarding dynamical loop systems and moss regions. Such downflows agree well with the impulsive heating mechanism reported earlier.

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arXiv2019

Twin CME Launched by a Blowout Jet Originated from the Eruption of a Quiet-Sun Mini-filament

We study a quiet-Sun blowout jet which is observed on 2014 May 16 by the instruments on board Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). We find the twin CME as jet-like and bubble-like CME simultaneously as observed by LASCO C2 on board Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SoHO), Solar Terrestrial Relation Observatory (STEREO A and STEREO B/COR2). They are respectively associated with the eruption of the northern and southern sections of the filament. A circular filament is rooted at the internetwork region at the base of the blowout jet. The collective magnetic cancellation is observed by SDO/HMI line of sight (LOS) magnetograms at the northern end of the filament, which makes this filament unstable and further makes it to erupt in two different stages. In the first stage, northern section of the filament is ejected, and causes an evolution of the northern part of the blowout jet. This part of the blowout jet is further extended as a collimated plasma beam to form a jet-like CME. We also observe the plasma blobs at the northern edge of the blowout jet resulting from Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability in its twisted magneto-plasma spire. In the second stage, southern section of the filament erupts in form of deformed/twisted magnetic flux rope which forms the southern part of the blowout jet. This eruption is most likely caused by the eruption of the northern section of filament, which removes the confined magnetic field of the southern section of the filament. Alternative scenarios may be a magnetic implosion between these magnetic structures confined in a much larger magnetic domain. This eruption of southern section of the filament further results in the bubble-like CME in the outer corona.

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arXiv2019

Signature of Extended Solar Cycles as Detected from Ca II K Synoptic Maps of Kodaikanal and Mount Wilson Observatory

In the recent years there has been a resurgence of the study of Extended Solar Cycles (ESCs) through observational proxies mainly in Extreme Ultraviolet. But most of them are limited only to space-based era covering only about two solar cycles. Long-term historical data-sets are worth in examining the consistency of ESCs. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) and Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO) are the two major sources of long-term Ca II K digitised spectroheliograms covering the temporal spans 1907-2007 and 1915-1985 respectively. In this study, we detected supergranule boundaries, commonly known as networks, using the Carrington maps from both KSO and MWO datasets. Subsequently we excluded the plage areas to consider only quiet sun (QS) and detected small scale bright features through intensity thresholding over the QS network. Latitudinal density of those features, which we named as `Network Bright Elements' (NBEs), could clearly depict the existence of overlapping cycles with equator-ward branches starting at latitude $\approx 55^{\circ}$ and taking about $15\pm1$ years to reach the equator. We performed superposed epoch analysis to depict the similarity of those extended cycles. Knowledge of such equator-ward band interaction, for several cycles, may provide critical constraints on solar dynamo models.

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arXiv2019

Plasma flows in the cool loop systems

We study the dynamics of low-lying cool loop systems for three datasets as observed by the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS). Radiances, Doppler shifts and line widths are investigated in and around observed cool loop systems using various spectral lines formed between the photosphere and transition region (TR). Footpoints of the loop threads are either dominated by blueshifts or redshifts. The co-spatial variation of velocity above the blue-shifted footpoints of various loop threads shows a transition from very small upflow velocities ranging from (-1 to +1) km/s in the Mg\,{\sc ii} k line (2796.20~Å; formation temperature: log (T/K) = 4.0) to the high upflow velocities from (-10 to -20) km/s in Si\,{\sc iv}. Thus, the transition of the plasma flows from red-shift (downflows) to the blue-shift (upflows) is observed above the footpoints of these loop systems in the spectral line C\,{\sc ii} (1334.53~Å; \log (T/K) = 4.3) lying between Mg\,{\sc ii} k and Si\,{\sc iv} (1402.77~Å; log (T / K) = 4.8). This flow inversion is consistently observed in all three sets of the observational data. The other footpoint of loop system always remains red-shifted indicating downflowing plasma. The multi-spectral line analysis in the present paper provides a detailed scenario of the plasma flows inversions in cool loop systems leading to the mass transport and their formation. The impulsive energy release due to small-scale reconnection above loop footpoint seems to be the most likely cause for sudden initiation of the plasma flows evident at TR temperatures.

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arXiv2018

Quasi-periodic pulsations in a solar flare with an unusual phase shift

Two kinds of processes could occur during the flare decay phase: processes of energy release or processes of energy relaxation. Quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) of the broadband emission are a good tool for the verification of mechanisms. We aim to study the processes during the decay phase of the X-class solar flare SOL2014-03-29T17:48. The observations in X-ray, microwave, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) bands are exploited to study the fine temporal, spatial, and spectral structures of the flare. The periods, amplitudes, and phases of both the fluxes and physical parameters (emission measure, temperature) are studied using standard methods of correlation, Fourier, and wavelet analyses. It is found that the source of the QPPs is associated with the uniform post-flare loop. The X-ray source is located at the top of the arcade. QPPs with the similar characteristic time scales of $P\approx$ 74--80 s are found in the X-ray (3--25 keV) and microwave (15.7 GHz) emissions. Besides, QPPs with the same period are found in the time profiles of both the temperature ($T_e$) and emission measure ($EM$). The QPPs in temperature and the QPPs in emission measure demonstrate anti-phase behavior. The analysis reveals the quasi-periodic process of energy relaxation, without any additional source of energy during the decay phase. The periods of the QPPs are in a good agreement with second harmonic of standing slow magneto-acoustic wave in the arcade which could be triggered by a Moreton wave initiated by the flare in the direct vicinity of the arcade.

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arXiv2015

Three dimensional MHD Modeling of Vertical Kink Oscillations in an Active Region Plasma Curtain

Observations on 2011 August 9 of an X6.9-class flare in active region (AR) 11263 by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on-board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), were followed by a rare detection of vertical kink oscillations in a large-scale coronal active region plasma curtain in EUV coronal lines. The damped oscillations with periods in the range 8.8-14.9 min were detected and analyzed recently. Our aim is to study the generation and propagation of the MHD oscillations in the plasma curtain taking into account realistic 3D magnetic and density structure of the curtain. We also aim at testing and improving coronal seismology for more accurate determination of the magnetic field than with standard method. We use the observed morphological and dynamical conditions, as well as plasma properties of the coronal curtain based on Differential Emission Measure (DEM) analysis to initialize a 3D MHD model of its vertical and transverse oscillations by implementing the impulsively excited velocity pulse mimicking the flare generated nonlinear fast magnetosonic propagating disturbance interacting with the curtain obliquely. The model is simplified by utilizing initial dipole magnetic field, isothermal energy equation, and gravitationally stratified density guided by observational parameters. Using the 3D MHD model, we are able to reproduce the details of the vertical oscillations and study the process of their excitation by nonlinear fast magnetosonic pulse, propagation, and damping, finding agreement with the observations. We estimate the accuracy of simplified slab-based coronal seismology by comparing the determined magnetic field strength to actual values from the 3D MHD modeling results and demonstrate the importance of taking into account more realistic magnetic geometry and density for improving coronal seismology.

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arXiv2015

Solar Magnetic Flux Ropes

The most probable initial magnetic configuration of a CME is a flux rope consisting of twisted field lines which fill the whole volume of a dark coronal cavity. The flux ropes can be in stable equilibrium in the coronal magnetic field for weeks and even months, but suddenly they loose their stability and erupt with high speed. Their transition to the unstable phase depends on the parameters of the flux rope (i.e., total electric current, twist, mass loading etc.), as well as on the properties of the ambient coronal magnetic field. One of the major governing factors is the vertical gradient of the coronal magnetic field which is estimated as decay index (n). Cold dense prominence material can be collected in the lower parts of the helical flux tubes. Filaments are therefore good tracers of the flux ropes in the corona, which become visible long before the beginning of the eruption. The perspectives of the filament eruptions and following CMEs can be estimated by the comparison of observed filament heights with calculated decay index distributions. The present paper reviews the formation of magnetic flux ropes, their stable and unstable phases, eruption conditions, and also discusses their physical implications in the solar corona.

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arXiv2012

Observations of Multiple Surges Associated with Magnetic Activities in AR10484 on 25 October 2003

We present a multiwavelength study of recurrent surges observed in Hα, UV (SOHO/EIT) and Radio (Learmonth, Australia) from the super-active region NOAA 10484 on 25 October, 2003. Several bright structures visible in Hα and UV corresponding to subflares are also observed at the base of each surge. Type III bursts are triggered and RHESSI X-ray sources are evident with surge activity. The major surge consists of the bunches of ejective paths forming a fan-shape region with an angular size of (\approx 65\degree) during its maximum phase. The ejection speed reaches upto \sim200 km/s. The SOHO/MDI magnetograms reveal that a large dipole emerges east side of the active region on 18-20 October 2003, a few days before the surges. On October 25, 2003, the major sunspots were surrounded by "moat regions" with moving magnetic features (MMFs). Parasitic fragmented positive polarities were pushed by the ambient dispersion motion of the MMFs and annihilated with negative polarities at the borders of the moat region of the following spot to produce flares and surges. A topology analysis of the global Sun using PFSS shows that the fan structures visible in the EIT 171 A images follow magnetic field lines connecting the present AR to a preceding AR in the South East. Radio observations of type III bursts indicate that they are coincident with the surges, suggesting that magnetic reconnection is the driver mechanism. The magnetic energy released by reconnection is transformed into plasma heating and provides the kinetic energy for the ejections. A lack of a radio signature in the high corona suggests that the surges are confined to follow the closed field lines in the fans. We conclude that these cool surges may have some local heating effects in the closed loops, but probably play a minor role in global coronal heating and the surge material does not escape to the solar wind.

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arXiv2011

Observational signatures of the coronal kink instability with thermal conduction

It is known from numerical simulations that thermal conduction along magnetic field lines plays an important role in the evolution of the kink instability in coronal loops. This study presents the observational signatures of the kink instability in long coronal loops when parallel thermal conduction is included. The 3D nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic equations are solved numerically to simulate the evolution of a coronal loop that is initially in an unstable equilibrium. The loop has length 80 Mm, width 8 Mm and an initial maximum twist of Phi = 11.5 pi, where Phi is a function of the radius. The initial loop parameters are obtained from a highly twisted loop observed in the TRACE 171 A waveband. Synthetic observables are generated from the data. These observables include spatial and temporal averaging to account for the resolution and exposure times of TRACE images. Parallel thermal conduction reduces the maximum local temperature by up to an order of magnitude. This means that different spectral lines are formed and different internal loop structures are visible with or without the inclusion of thermal conduction. However, the response functions sample a broad range of temperatures. The result is that the inclusion of parallel thermal conductivity does not have as large an impact on observational signatures as the order of magnitude reduction in the maximum temperature would suggest; the net effect is a blurring of internal features of the loop structure.

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arXiv2011

Transient induced MHD oscillations : A tool to probe the solar active regions

Solar transients and eruptive phenomena which are ubiquitous in the solar atmosphere, can shed new light to the understanding of the outstanding problems like coronal heating and the solar wind acceleration. Observations in the entire electromagnetic spectrum of such dynamical processes of large and small-scale transient/eruptive events, with highly dynamic magnetic field configuration, and energetic particles, provide crucial information about the plasma processes at mega-Kelvin temperature embedded in a complex magnetic field, and also energy build-up/energy-release processes, taking place in such events. One of the most important phenomenological aspects of solar eruptive phenomena is the induced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves generated during these energetic processes, which carry a potential signature to probing the solar active regions. In this paper, we briefly review the recent trends of the transient (e.g., flares) induced quasi-periodic oscillations in the solar atmosphere and discuss their implications in diagnosing the solar active regions, providing the clue to understanding local plasma dynamics and heating.

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