Observational evidence seems to support the conclusion that the largest, most energetic solar events are due to processes in the solar interior. Therefore the most energetic solar events would likely be caused by factors which affect the solar interior. (See this paper for details.)
http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~hhudso...ictability.pdf
The Unpredictability of the Most Energetic Solar Events by H. Hudson
Quote:
Conclusions:
...We have shown, based on the decay phases of Solar Cycles 22 and 23, an unexpected example of large-amplitude variations in the occurrence of the most energetic solar events. We could also trace this pattern in SEP fluxes and in sunspot group areas. These most energetic events (GOES X1 or greater) do not follow the usual Poisson statistics with mean rates that govern lesser flares with shorter waiting times. The waiting times for the most energetic events indeed often exceed the active-region lifetimes, or the solar rotation period. Their statistics therefore reflect physics unrelated to coronal energy buildup and the mean flaring rate for a given active region. We suggest that solar interior dynamics dictates the pattern of occurrence of the most energetic events, rather than the coronal development. ...
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A theoretical argument can be made for very energetic solar flares during cycle 24 as follows.
There are predictions, based on an observed periodicity in cosmogenic isotopes (isotopes that are produced in different amounts, depending on the strength of the solar magnetic cycle.) that solar cycle 24 will be a precursor to a Dalton like minimum, which is a period of low solar activity. What is unusual for cycle 24 is that the past solar cycles have been very high. (i.e. There is a significant amount of energy from past cycles that must be dissipated.)
It has been noted, that past solar minimums correlate with how the sun moves about its barycentre. (See paper below. The sun’s motion about its barycentre is controlled by the relative position of the large planets.) Based on past solar motion, solar cycle 23 was predicted to be a low cycle based on that hypothesis. It was not of course, however, those who support the hypothesis note that cycle 24 was delayed and appears to be having trouble starting. (Additional observational data, is required to confirm or disprove the barycentre motion hypothesis.)
http://www.springerlink.com/content/w57236105034h657/
So if cycle 24 is interrupted, (barycentre motion perhaps results in a separation or oscillation in the radiative to convection zone, which interrupts the normal cycle) the magnetic field will still build up at the interface of the radiative zone to the convection zone, however rather moving to the surface as in a normal cycle, there will be a build up to a higher level than normal, which will create a very energetic solar flare.