Particle acceleration by MHD surface wave and formation of aurora

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA081i028p05083· OSTI ID:7332067

Hasegawa, A

Hydromagnetic surface waves, excited either by a MHD plasma instability or by an externally applied impulse, are shown to resonantly mode convert to the kinetic Alfven wave, the Alfven wave having a wavelength comparable to the ion gyroradius in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field. The kinetic Alfven wave has a component of its electric field in the direction of the ambient magnetic field and can accelerate plasma particles along the field line. Because of the property of the wave the acceleration occurs on a thin magnetic surface separated by the ion gyroradius. A possible relation between this type of acceleration and the formation of aurora arcs is discussed. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974
• OSTI ID: 7332067
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 81:28; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201 -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ACCELERATION
ALFVEN WAVES
AURORAE
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
INSTABILITY
MAGNETOSPHERE
PLASMA ACCELERATION
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES