Hydromagnetic energy balance equations for the solar atmosphere

Summary Following the pattern established in meteorology, a system of energy balance equations for the solar atmosphere is presented. Since both hydromagnetic and thermodynamic processes are considered, the system includes kinetic, potential, thermal and magnetic forms of energy. Ionization energy is indirectly included in the treatment. The spatial distribution of the energy forms and the processes transforming them are separated into zonal means and departures from such means in order to depict turbulent eddy effects. Where available data concerning solar processes are used in order to appraise certain of the terms which arise.