Evolution of the electron heat flux in the expanding solar wind: Helios observations

Details Evolution of the electron heat flux in the expanding solar wind: Helios observations Evolution of the electron heat flux in the expanding solar wind: Helios observations

Dec 2010

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010agufmsh11b1665s&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2010, abstract #SH11B-1665

Physics

Plasma Physics

[7859] Space Plasma Physics / Transport Processes, [7899] Space Plasma Physics / General Or Miscellaneous

Scientific paper

Electron velocity distribution functions (eVDFs) observed in the solar wind exhibit significant deviations from Maxwellian properties. In particular, a considerable skewness, the so-called strahl population, is typically present along the local magnetic field at supra-thermal energies. Supra-thermal electrons, building up the non-thermal strahl tail of the eVDF, carry a substantial part of the heat flux in the solar wind. Understanding the fundamental heat transport and dissipation in the expanding solar wind plasmas therefore requires a detail analysis of eVDF properties and kinetic treatment of observed phenomena. Here we present a large survey of electron heat flux properties as observed between 0.3 and 1 AU by the Helios I&II spacecraft. The study is based on a full analytical modeling of measured 2D eVDFs and consequent analysis of derived eVDF moments. Particularly we examine electron heat flux properties and their evolution along the solar wind expansion with respect to local electron temperature and temperature gradient. In addition we compare our findings with theoretical approaches of heat transport in plasma environments and related mechanisms.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Evolution of the electron heat flux in the expanding solar wind: Helios observations 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 Evolution of the electron heat flux in the expanding solar wind: Helios observations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Evolution of the electron heat flux in the expanding solar wind: Helios observations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1507478