Acoustic Flux and Turbulence in the Solar Photosphere

Using slit scans of solar photospheric spectral lines originating in the middle photosphere a 2-D field on the Sun was obtained and the occurrence of acoustic flux is investigated. As proxies for acoustic flux generation enhanced turbulence (measured by fwhm variations) as well as large continuum intensity values are used. The results show that acoustic flux is not limited to the intergranular space and is also produced by horizontal motions that may become supersonic leading to turbulence. These motions lead to brightenings as it was predicted by theoretical models.