On the Interpretation of Magnetic Helicity Signatures in the Dissipation Range of Solar Wind Turbulence

Details On the Interpretation of Magnetic Helicity Signatures in the Dissipation Range of Solar Wind Turbulence On the Interpretation of Magnetic Helicity Signatures in the Dissipation Range of Solar Wind Turbulence

2009-10-27

arxiv.org/abs/0910.5023v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Earth and Planetary Astrophysics

Accepted to Astrophysical Journal Letters, 5 pages, 2 figures

Scientific paper

Measurements of small-scale turbulent fluctuations in the solar wind find a non-zero right-handed magnetic helicity. This has been interpreted as evidence for ion cyclotron damping. However, theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that the majority of the energy in solar wind turbulence resides in low frequency anisotropic kinetic Alfven wave fluctuations that are not subject to ion cyclotron damping. We demonstrate that a dissipation range comprised of kinetic Alfven waves also produces a net right-handed fluctuating magnetic helicity signature consistent with observations. Thus, the observed magnetic helicity signature does not necessarily imply that ion cyclotron damping is energetically important in the solar wind.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the Interpretation of Magnetic Helicity Signatures in the Dissipation Range of Solar Wind Turbulence does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with On the Interpretation of Magnetic Helicity Signatures in the Dissipation Range of Solar Wind Turbulence, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the Interpretation of Magnetic Helicity Signatures in the Dissipation Range of Solar Wind Turbulence will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-481835