Abstract
The dispersion relation for ion acoustic waves that can propagate in a plasma, with the geometry corresponding to a collisionless perpendicular shock wave, is investigated. We find that for (k∥/k⊥)>(me/mi)1/2 these modes behave as ion sound waves in an unmagnetized plasma. In the presence of ion sound turbulence, electrons diffuse rapidly. As a consequence, the distribution function becomes square-shaped with spherical symmetry, and the electrons are heated. The heating rate is small, however, over a typical shock thickness. By comparing the results with measurements of the electron distribution function at the earth's bow shock, we find qualitative agreement regarding the shape of f, whereas the observed jump of the electron temperature seems to be due essentially to adiabatic heating.
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