Distribution of Flare Energies Based on Independent Reconnecting Structures

A model is presented to explain the observed frequency distribution of flare energies, based on independent flaring at a number of distinct topological structures (separators) within active-region magnetic fields. The model is a modification and generalization of a recent model due to Craig (2001), and reconciles that model with the observed flare waiting-time distribution, and the observed absence of a flare waiting-time versus energy relationship. The basic assumptions of the model are that flares of energy E ² occur at separators of length , and that the frequency of flaring at a separator is defined by the Alfvén transit time of the structure. To reproduce the observed distribution of flare energies the model requires a probability distribution P( ) ^–1 of separator lengths within active regions. This prediction of the model is in principle testable. A theoretical origin for this distribution is also discussed.