The solar tachocline and its variation (?)

Abstract

The solar tachocline, located at the interface between the latitude-dependent rotation of the convection zone and the rigid radiative interior, presents high gradients of angular velocity which are of particular interest for the models of the solar dynamo and angular momentum transport. Furthermore, latitudinal and temporal variations of the tachocline parameters, if any, are also of particular interest in order to constrain models. We present a review of some of the theories of the tachocline and their predictions that may be tested by helioseismology. We describethe methods for inferring the tachocline parameters from observations and the associated difficulties. A review of results previously obtained is given and an analysis of the new 6 years database of LOWL observations is presented which yields no compelling evidence of variations or general trend of the tachocline parameters during the ascending phase of the current solar cycle (1994-2000).