Objective
The solar corona is significantly hotter than the solar surface — a longstanding and unresolved phenomenon known as the coronal heating problem. One proposed explanation centres on Alfvén wave turbulence models. However, existing models fail to incorporate coronal loops and plumes, thereby overlooking key aspects of wave physics. Moreover, these models rely on additional, artificial heating terms to sustain the high temperatures observed in the solar corona, suggesting that a fundamental physical heating mechanism may be missing.
To address the limitations of current Alfvén wave turbulence models, we have developed a novel kink wave turbulence model that explains the high temperature of the solar corona through energy transport and dissipation via kink waves. This model explicitly incorporates coronal loops and plumes and is grounded in direct observations of high-power kink waves.
One-dimensional (1D) proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated that kink waves alone are capable of maintaining the high temperatures of the solar corona without the need for artificial heating mechanisms. However, the 1D approach does not capture the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the solar corona. To overcome this limitation, the WHiSKi project aims to extend the 1D kink wave turbulence model into a comprehensive 3D global coronal model. By comparing model predictions with observational data, we seek to identify the regions of the solar corona that are heated through kink wave turbulence, thereby contributing to resolving the coronal heating problem.
The resulting global coronal model will be made available to the space weather community through integration into ESA’s Virtual Space Weather Modelling Centre. By unifying kink wave-based global coronal models with heliospheric, magnetospheric, and ionospheric frameworks, this tool will enhance predictions of space weather phenomena and help mitigate their adverse effects on satellites, GPS systems, and power grids.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics fluid dynamics
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electrical engineering power engineering electric power transmission
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software software applications virtual reality
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-ADG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3000 Leuven
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.