The Field of Solar Physics: Review and Recommendations for Ground-Based Solar Research -- Copyright -- Preface -- Contents -- 1 Principal Findings -- 2 Solar Research Today: A Science Overview -- INTRODUCTION -- RESEARCH NEEDS -- 3 Principal Science Opportunities and Initiatives for Ground-Based Solar Research -- PROBING THE SOLAR INTERIOR -- The Basic Issues -- Initiatives and Impacts -- Theory and Modeling -- Neutrino Observations -- Helioseismology Projects -- Investigation of the Interiors of Other Solarlike Stars -- THE PHYSICS AT SMALL SPATIAL SCALES -- The Basic Issues -- Magnetic Field Generation and Intermittency -- Equilibrium and Stability Theory -- Rapid Magnetic Field Reconnection -- The Physics of Thermal Heat Conduction -- Plasma Diagnostics, Heating, and Motions -- Initiatives and Impacts -- High-Spatial-Resolution Visible and Infrared Observations -- Infrared Telescope Instrumentation for Imaging and Spectroscopy -- High-Spatial-Resolution Microwave Instrumentation -- Theory and Modeling -- MECHANISMS UNDERLYING THE SOLAR CYCLE -- The Basic Issues -- The Causes of Solar Variability -- The Nature of Solar Magnetism -- The Influences of the Sun on the Earth -- Initiatives and Impacts -- THE PHYSICS OF TRANSIENTS -- The Basic Issues -- Abundances -- Radiophysics and Plasma Dynamics -- Coronal Dynamics -- Initiatives and Impacts -- Hard X-rays and Gamma-Rays -- Neutron Monitors -- Radio Observations -- MAX-91 -- Fast Optical Spectroscopy -- Vector Magnetographs -- Advanced Coronal Observations -- 4 Institutional Issues and Policy Recommendations -- STRUCTURE OF NSF MANAGEMENT OF SOLAR PROGRAMS -- OTHER MAJOR ISSUES AND NEEDED INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES: DIRECTING FUNDING APPROPRIATELY -- Respond to Changing Demographics of Solar Physics.

Strengthen the Experimental Base of Universities and Encourage Interaction Between National Centers ... -- Protect Newly Funded Initiatives by Ensuring Their Continued Support -- Provide Funding for Highest-Priority New Initiatives -- Probing the Solar Interior -- Neutrino observations. -- Helioseismology projects. -- The Physics at Small Spatial Scales -- Mechanisms Underling the Solar Cycle -- The Physics of Transients -- Appendixes -- Appendix A The Demographics of Solar Physics -- Age Distribution -- Workplace Distribution -- Appendix B National Science Foundation Funding for Solar Physics -- Geosciences Directorate -- Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate -- National Science Foundation Budget for Solar Physics -- Appendix C Previous Relevant National Research Council Reports.