Nonlinear interaction of discontinuities in the solar wind and the origin of slow shocks
Nonlinear oblique interactions between tangential discontinuities (T), rotational discontinuities (A) and fast shocks (S/subf/) are investigated with the aim of explaining the origin of slow shocks in the solar wind. First, it is shown that the interaction processes S/subf/T and possibly S/subf/A are attractive candidates for explaining the origin of slow shocks consistent with observations, i.e., at the right place in the rising portion of solar wind streams and with large deviations of their normals from the radial direction. Second, heating of the solar wind by damping of fast waves is strongly enhanced by their partial conversion into slow waves. Third, it is expected theoretically that the downstream region of flare-produced shock will be considerably richer in fast and slow waves than the upstream region. Fourth, corotating shocks may produce increased numbers of slow shocks just outside 1 AU. Finally, the A moving through the solar wind ensemble of T will break up into isolated surface segments the edges of which radiate all types of MHD waves. (AIP)
- Research Organization:
- Institut fur Geophysik und Meteorologie, Technische Universitat Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- OSTI ID:
- 7270179
- Journal Information:
- J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Vol. 81:13
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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