Abstract

Abstract We deduce the dissipative Alfven wave equation in a medium stratified in one direction, with a transverse magnetic field, in the presence of dissipation by fluid viscosity and electrical resistance; the dissipative Alfven wave equation generalizes earlier results for homogeneous (Cowling, 1960) and inhomogeneous (Campos, 1983a) media, and corrects an error in the literature (Heyvaerts and Priest, 1983). The wave equation is solved exactly in two cases: a uniform magnetic field, and a magnetic field decreasing with height. In both cases the mean state is assumed to be isothermal, with a constant rate of ionization, so that the magnetic diffusivity is constant, but the dynamic viscosity increases with height. There are therefore two regions, a low- (high-) altitude region where electrical resistance dominates fluid viscosity (or vice versa), and an asymptotic regime relevant to the uppermost (lowermost) layers. The two regions are separated by a transition layer, across which the wave field is cont...

Full Text
Paper version not known

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.