The effects of rotation on the evolution of rising omega loops in a stratified model convection zone

We present three-dimensional MHD simulations of buoyant magnetic Ñux tubes that rise through a stratiÐed model convection zone in the presence of solar rotation. The equations of MHD are solved in the anelastic approximation, and the results are used to determine the eects of solar rotation on the dynamic evolution of an)-loop. We Ðnd that the Coriolis force signiÐcantly suppresses the degree of fragmentation at the apex of the loop during its ascent toward the photosphere. If the initial axial Ðeld strength of the tube is reduced, then, in the absence of forces due to convective motions, the degree of apex fragmentation is also reduced. Our simulations conÐrm the results of thin Ñux-tube calculations that show the leading polarity of an emerging active region positioned closer to the equator than the trailing polarity and the trailing leg of the loop oriented more vertically than the leading leg. We show that the Coriolis force slows the rise of the tube and induces a retrograde Ñow in both the magnetized and unmagnetized plasma of an emerging active region. Observationally, we predict that this Ñow will appear to originate at the leading polarity and will terminate at the trailing polarity