Authors: R. Komm, I. Gonzalez-Hernandez, F. Hill, R. Howe; D. Haber, B.
Hindman; T. Corbard
Affiliation: National Solar Observatory; JILA, University of Colorado; Observatoire
de la Cote d'Azur, France
We study horizontal flows in the upper solar convection zone derived from MDI Dynamics Program data using ring-diagram analysis. We start exploring the dynamics of the near surface layers and the interaction between flows and magnetic flux by deriving fluid dynamics descriptors such as the divergence of the horizontal flow components. Using the continuity equation, we can derive the vertical velocity component from the measured flow divergence. We study the vertical velocity component from the previous solar minimum to the current maximum and its relation to the distribution of solar magnetic activity. Preliminary results show that strong downflows are more likely to be associated with locations of strong magnetic activity (in agreement with studies by other authors). We will show the latest results. The results of this investigation will help prepare the science plan for SDO/HMI.