Objective: To determine the thermal evolution and wave properties in spicules
Scientific Background: Hinode and ground-based observations of spicules have indicated the presense of vigorous Alfvenic waves, and suggest that these ubiquitous features play an important role in the energy and mass balance of the outer solar atmosphere. Both swaying and torsional motions with significant amplitudes have been observed on chromospheric spicules (De Pontieu et al., 2007, Okamoto et al., 2011, De Pontieu et al., 2012) . In addition, coordinated studies of SOT, EIS and SDO/AIA (De Pontieu et al., 2009, De Pontieu et al., 2011) suggest that spicules often disappear from chromospheric passbands because they are rapidly heated to TR and coronal temperatures. However, the detailed thermal evolution and wave propagation has been difficult to determine because of their rapid evolution on small spatial scales, and lack of coverage in transition region passbands. Coordinated observing with IRIS now provides excellent coverage in the upper chromosphere and transition region at high spatial, temporal and spectral resolution, which will allow us to address the energy budget, propagation and dissipation of Alfvenic waves, and the thermal evolution of spicules. These are crucial for a better theoretical understanding and/or modeling of these ubiquitous jets. |
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