Comparison of solar wind driving mechanisms: Ion cyclotron resonance versus kinetic suprathermal electron effects

Sunny W.Y. Tam, Tom Chang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The combined kinetic effects of two possible solar wind driving mechanisms, ion cyclotron resonance and suprathermal electrons, have been studied in the literature [1]. However, the individual contribution by these two mechanisms was unclear. We compare the two effects in the fast solar wind. Our basic model follows the global kinetic evolution of the solar wind under the influence of ion cyclotron resonance, while taking into account Coulomb collisions, and the ambipolar electric field that is consistent with the particle distributions themselves. The kinetic effects associated with the suprathermal electrons can be included in the model as an option. By comparing our results with and without this option, we conclude that, without considering any wave-particle interactions involving the electrons, the kinetic effects of the suprathermal electrons are relative insignificant in the presence of ion cyclotron resonance in terms of driving the solar wind.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSolar Wind Ten
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 10th International Solar Wind Conference
EditorsMarco Velli, Roberto Bruno, Francesco Malara
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
Pages259-262
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)0735401489
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003 Sept 2
Event10th International Solar Wind Conference - Pisa, Italy
Duration: 2002 Jun 172002 Jun 21

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume679
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other10th International Solar Wind Conference
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityPisa
Period02-06-1702-06-21

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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