Langmuir waves upstream of interplanetary shocks: Dependence on shock and plasma parameters

Abstract

We have examined 178 interplanetary shocks observed by the Wind spacecraft to establish which shock and plasma parameters are favorable for the production of upstream Langmuir waves and therefore to determine which shocks are likely to generate interplanetary Type II radio bursts. Of the 178 shocks included in this study, 43 produced upstream Langmuir waves, as evinced by enhancements in wave power near the plasma frequency. The large number of observed shocks permits the use of statistical tests to determine which parameters control the upstream activity. The best predictor of activity is the de Hoffmann‐Teller speed, a result consistent with the fast Fermi model of electron acceleration. Several other parameters, including the magnetic field strength and the level of solar activity (but not the Mach number), are also correlated with upstream activity. These additional parameters may be associated with an increased level of shock front curvature or upstream structure, leading to the formation of upstream foreshock regions, or with the generation of an upstream electron population favorable for shock reflection.