The Effects of Rotation on the Evolution of Rising Omega Loops in a Stratified Model Convection Zone

We present three-dimensional MHD simulations of buoyant magnetic flux tubesthat rise through a stratified model convection zone in the presence of solarrotation. The equations of MHD are solved in the anelastic approximation, andthe results are used to determine the effects of solar rotation on the dynamicevolution an Omega-loop. We find that the Coriolis force significantlysuppresses the degree of fragmentation at the apex of the loop during itsascent toward the photosphere. If the initial axial field strength of the tubeis reduced, then, in the absence of forces due to convective motions, thedegree of apex fragmentation is also reduced. We show that the Coriolis forceslows the rise of the tube, and induces a retrograde flow in both themagnetized and unmagnetized plasma of an emerging active region.Observationally, we predict that this flow will appear to originate at theleading polarity, and will terminate at the trailing polarity.Comment: 25 pages, 8 figures, ApJ in pres