Quasiperiodic Fast-mode Wave Trains Associated with the 2015 June 22 M6.5 Flare in NOAA Active Region 12371: Observations and 3D Magnetohydrodynamic Modeling

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Authors: Tongjiang Wang, Wei Liu, Leon Ofman, Xudong Sun, Meng Jin
Cited by: 2
References: 88

Abstract

Abstract Quasiperiodic fast-propagating (QFP) wave trains are a distinctive form of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) disturbance frequently observed in the solar corona. Yet their excitation mechanism and propagation characteristics are not well understood. In this study, we investigate a well-observed QFP wave event associated with an M6.5-class flare and coronal mass ejection that occurred in NOAA Active Region 12371 on 2015 June 22, by combining multiwavelength observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager with data-inspired 3D MHD simulations. The QFP wave trains propagating at high speeds of 1140−1760 km s −1 are detected in the AIA 171 Å channel, following global extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) wave fronts visible at 171 and 193 Å traveling at considerably lower speeds of 300−510 km s −1 . Wavelet analysis reveals consistent 2–4 minutes periodicities in both the QFPs and flare quasiperiodic pulsations observed in UV/EUV and hard-X-ray emissions, suggesting a common origin likely linked to intermittent magnetic reconnection. Guided by these observations, we construct realistic 3D MHD models incorporating dense fan-loop structures and periodic drivers applied at different locations. The simulations reproduce the key characteristics of the observed wave trains. Comparison between cases with and without a coronal background (nonloop plasma emission) indicates that coronal density structuring significantly modifies the detected wave amplitudes and propagation patterns. Our results highlight the importance of realistic coronal magnetic configurations in modeling QFP dynamics and suggest that their observed association with fan loops in AIA 171 Å may represent a temperature-dependent visibility effect rather than a genuine confinement of the waves.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics Stellar planetary and galactic studies

Publication details

Journal / source
The Astrophysical Journal
Publisher
American Astronomical Society
Volume
1001
Issue
1
Pages
80–80
Publication date
6 April 2026
Language
EN