Discussion Group B: Progress on Initiation Mechanisms 1. Determine topology of initiating field –Initiate broad observational investigation on filament fields –Examine formation, structure, evolution, & dynamics –Should be able to determine if field is twisted and how much (Amari et al.)

Discussion Group B: Initiation Mechanisms 2. Determine what moves first –Filament moves before flare, but how about CME vs filament –Difficult to see overlying field – dimming regions?

Discussion Group: Initiation Mechanisms 3. Determine role of flare reconnection (tether-cutting) –Clearly important for accelerating eruption –But can it produce a CME by itself? (from, DeVore et al, 2005; Aulanier et al, 2005)

Discussion Group: Initiation Mechanisms 4. Determine effect of resistivity on breakout (& flare) –So far have mainly used numerical diffusion –Some work with const. isotropic η – inconclusive so far –Need to incorporate generalized Ohms law

(from Lynch et al 2005) Discussion Group: Initiation Mechanisms 5. Determine effect of geometry on breakout mechanism –Does it work for circular spots –Does it work for observed flux distributions

Discussion Group: Initiation Mechanisms 6. Determine eruption mechanism for twisted rope models –Is it kink or loss-of-equilibrium or reconnection or ?? –Does it vary with twist, overlying field

Discussion Group: Initiation Mechanisms 7. Determine range of eruptive behavior for twisted rope models –Often see filaments split or not eject during eruption –Often see filament eruption with no kinking