The evershed effect as a wave phenomenon

It is suggested that longitudinal compression waves are propagating parallel to the solar surface from the umbra towards the photosphere. It is shown that the line-absorption coefficient is asymmetrical, when integrated over a wavelength of the compression wave. The effect of the waves on the line profile is discussed, and it is shown that asymmetrical line profiles of the type observed in sunspot penumbrae will be produced.With the Evershed effect interpreted as an acoustical wave phenomenon the propagation (of the waves) may also be perpendicular to the magnetic lines of force, whereas material motion is likely to be restricted to the direction along the lines of force.