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Y. Mok (University of California, Irvine), J. Linker, Z. Mikic (SAIC, San Diego)
We have studied the dynamic evolution of current carrying magnetic structures responding to temporal changes of plasma flows and magnetic-field strength on the solar surface. These non-potential structures can be formed by a variety of mechanisms, such as plasma flows that twist the initially potential field and flux emergence. A commonly seen example is an arcade field with shear plasma motions at the footpoints of the field lines that result in a narrow current layer directly above the neutral line. We have found that magnetic tearing and possibly eruption of the structure can take place if there is a sudden change in surface plasma flows or magnetic field strength. This simple mechanism can be used as a model for some of the violent events in the corona.