Element Abundances and FIP: SEPs, Corona, and Solar Wind

Abstract

We have used abundance measurements to identify the sources and the physical processes of acceleration and transport of SEPs. Here we study energetic particles themselves as samples of the solar corona that is their origin, distinguishing the corona from the photosphere and the SEPs from the solar wind. Theoretically, differences in the first ionization potential “FIP effect” may distinguish closed- and open-field regions at the base of the corona, which may also distinguish SEPs from the solar wind. There is not a single coronal FIP effect, but two patterns, maybe three. Are there variations? What about He?