Abstract

Dissipation processes in collisionless shock waves are discussed in terms of simple physical models. Two cases are considered: one is concerned with quasi-parallel shocks and the other deals with quasiperpendicular shocks. In the former case it is explained why the magnetic field profile of a parallel shock usually appears turbulent. The dominant instability responsible for collisionless dissipation processes is discussed. The situation is quite different in a quasi-perpendicular shock in which cross-field currents are believed to be responsible for the collisionless dissipation. Important instabilities are reviewed and discussed. A brief comparison of the theory with recent observations will also be given.

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