IRIS Observations of Magnetic Interactions in the Solar Atmosphere between Preexisting and Emerging Magnetic Fields. II. UV Emission Properties

Abstract

Multiwavelength ultraviolet (UV) observations by the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph satellite in active region NOAA 12529 have recently pointed out the presence of long-lasting brightenings, akin to UV bursts, and simultaneous plasma ejections occurring in the upper chromosphere and transition region during secondary flux emergence. These signatures have been interpreted as evidence of small-scale, recurrent magnetic reconnection episodes between the emerging flux region (EFR) and the preexisting plage field. Here we characterize the UV emission of these strong, intermittent brightenings and study the surge activity above the chromospheric arch filament system (AFS) overlying the EFR. We analyze the surges and the cospatial brightenings observed at different wavelengths. We find an asymmetry in the emission between the blue and red wings of the Si IV λ1402 Å and Mg II k λ2796.3 lines, which clearly outlines the dynamics of the structures above the AFS that form during the small-scale eruptive phenomena. We also detect a correlation between the Doppler velocity and skewness of the Si IV λλ1394 and 1402 line profiles in the UV burst pixels. Finally, we show that genuine emission in the Fe XII λ1349.4 line is cospatial to the Si IV brightenings. This definitely reveals a pure coronal counterpart to the reconnection event.