A theory for the origin of the slow solar wind is described. Recent papers have demonstrated that magnetic flux moves across coronal holes as a result of the interplay between the differential rotation of the photosphere and the non-radial expansion of the solar wind in more rigidly rotating coronal holes. This flux will be deposited at low latitudes and should reconnect with closed magnetic loops, thereby releasing material from the loops to form the slow solar wind. It is pointed out that this mechanism provides a natural explanation for the charge-states of elements observed in the slow solar wind, and for the presence of the First-Ionization Potential, or FIP, effect in the slow wind and its absence in fast wind. Comments are also provided on the role that the ACE mission should have in understanding the slow solar wind.
[link to pooh.engin.umich.edu]

During the declining and minimum phases of the solar cycle, the solar wind is dominated by high-speed (500-800 kilometers per second) flows emanating from coronal holes
regions of low coronal density and temperature where the magnetic field is weak and the field lines are open to interplanetary space
In the ascending phase of the solar activity cycle and at solar maximum, the average solar wind speed slows, as the polar coronal holes shrink (and even disappear) and the high-speed flows narrow and weaken.
[link to pluto.space.swri.edu]

this article also talks about the relation with CIR's, and we just had one of those last week

[link to iopscience.iop.org]


the dark areas on this photo are likley coronal holes
[link to sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov]
we can see the north polar Coronal Hole is almost completly gone, the southern polar coronal hole is getting smaller, as the mid region coronal holes are becoming larger
this shows that a active solar max is not far off

IIA. Geophysical Activity Summary 21/2100Z to 22/2100Z:
The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled, consistent with effects
from a weak coronal hole high speed stream.
[link to www.swpc.noaa.gov]