The universally growing mode in the solar atmosphere: coronal heating by drift waves

Details The universally growing mode in the solar atmosphere: coronal heating by drift waves The universally growing mode in the solar atmosphere: coronal heating by drift waves

2009-06-11

arxiv.org/abs/0906.2071v1

MNRAS vol. 398, p. 918 (2009)

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

To appear in MNRAS

Scientific paper

The heating of the plasma in the solar atmosphere is discussed within both frameworks of fluid and kinetic drift wave theory. We show that the basic ingredient necessary for the heating is the presence of density gradients in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic field vector. Such density gradients are a source of free energy for the excitation of drift waves. We use only well established basic theory, verified experimentally in laboratory plasmas. Two mechanisms of the energy exchange and heating are shown to take place simultaneously: one due to the Landau effect in the direction parallel to the magnetic field, and another one, stochastic heating, in the perpendicular direction. The stochastic heating i) is due to the electrostatic nature of the waves, ii) is more effective on ions than on electrons, iii) acts predominantly in the perpendicular direction, iv) heats heavy ions more efficiently than lighter ions, and v) may easily provide a drift wave heating rate that is orders of magnitude above the value that is presently believed to be sufficient for the coronal heating, i.e., $\simeq 6 \cdot 10^{-5} $J/(m$^3$s) for active regions and $\simeq 8 \cdot 10^{-6} $J/(m$^3$s) for coronal holes. This heating acts naturally through well known effects that are, however, beyond the current standard models and theories.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The universally growing mode in the solar atmosphere: coronal heating by drift waves 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 The universally growing mode in the solar atmosphere: coronal heating by drift waves, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The universally growing mode in the solar atmosphere: coronal heating by drift waves will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-516535