The role Alfvén waves in the generation of Earth polar auroras

Abstract

The acceleration of electrons at 1-10 keV energies is the cause of the polar aurora displays, and an important factor of magnetic energy transfer from the solar wind to the Earth. Two main families of acceleration processes are observed: those based on coherent quasi-static structures called double layers, and those based of the propagation of Alfvén Waves (AW). This paper is a review of the Alfvénic acceleration processes, and of their role in the global dynamics of the auroral zone.

arXiv commentTo be published in the proceeding of "Waves and Instabilities in Space and Astrophysical Plasmas" (WISAP) Eilat, Israel, June 19th - June 24th, 2011 "