Abstract
It has been suggested recently that the traditional single‐fluid MHD description of ULF pulsations is wrong and that a two‐fluid model (which includes electron inertia) is required [Bellan, 1994]. If this claim is correct, it suggests most previous studies are inadequate and of questionable value. We have examined the appropriate equations and find that two‐fluid effects are not important for typical ULF pulsations. Specifically, the time taken to develop spatial scales similar to the electron inertia length far exceeds the lifetime of the waves. We argue that the singular normal modes of single‐fluid MHD are important properties of the magnetospheric system that should be studied. They may be employed to calculate the evolution of waves and are also a useful mathematical limit of the more realistic dissipative normal modes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
