Small-scale background magnetic field on the sun in solar cycle 23

Based on SOHO/MDI data (an archive of magnetic maps with a resolution of ∼2″), we have investigated the dynamics of the small-scale background magnetic field on the Sun in solar cycle 23. The cyclic variations and surface structure of the background magnetic field have been analyzed using the mean estimates of 〈B〉 and 〈B2〉 of the observed magnetic field strength B for various solar surface areas and at various B levels. We have established that the cyclic variations of 〈2〉 at latitudes below 30° are essentially similar to those of the total radio flux F10.7. A significant difference between the background magnetic fields in the northern and southern solar hemispheres persisting throughout the solar cycle has been detected. We have found the effect of background magnetic field growth toward the solar limb and concluded that the transversal component in the background magnetic field is significant. The relatively weak small-scale background magnetic fields are shown to form a special population with its own special laws of cyclic variation.