Friday, May 4, 2012

1205.0749 (J. M. TenBarge et al.)

Interpreting Magnetic Variance Anisotropy Measurements in the Solar Wind    [PDF]

J. M. TenBarge, J. J. Podesta, K. G. Klein, G. G. Howes
The magnetic variance anisotropy ($\mathcal{A}_m$) of the solar wind has been used widely as a method to identify the nature of solar wind turbulent fluctuations; however, a thorough discussion of the meaning and interpretation of the $\mathcal{A}_m$ has not appeared in the literature. This paper explores the implications and limitations of using the $\mathcal{A}_m$ as a method for constraining the solar wind fluctuation mode composition and presents a more informative method for interpreting spacecraft data. The paper also compares predictions of the $\mathcal{A}_m$ from linear theory to nonlinear turbulence simulations and solar wind measurements. In both cases, linear theory compares well and suggests the solar wind for the interval studied is dominantly Alfv\'{e}nic in the inertial and dissipation ranges to scales $k \rho_i \simeq 5$.
View original: http://arxiv.org/abs/1205.0749

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