The standard flare model in three dimensions

Abstract

Context. The standard CSHKP model for eruptive flares is two-dimensional. Yet observational interpretations of photospheric currents in pre-eruptive sigmoids, shear in post-flare loops, and relative positioning and shapes of flare ribbons, all together require threedimensional extensions to the model. Aims. We focus on the strong-to-weak shear transition in post-flare loops, and on the time-evolution of the geometry of photospheric electric currents, which occur during the development of eruptive flares. The objective is to understand the three-dimensional physical processes, which cause them, and to know how much the post-flare and the pre-eruptive distributions of shear depend on each other. Methods. The strong-to-weak shear transition in post-flare loops is identified and quantified in a flare observed by STEREO, as well as in a magnetohydrodynamic simulation of CME initiation performed with the OHM code. In both approaches, the magnetic shear is evaluated with field line footpoints. In the simulation, the shear is also estimated from ratios between magnetic field components.