Abstract
The paper examines plasma and magnetic-field changes occurring across 1359 directional discontinuities taken from interplanetary data spanning almost four solar rotations. The plasma field characteristics of these events exhibit a distinct variation with large-scale solar-wind velocity. At low velocities, tangential discontinuities appear to predominate. At higher velocities, a substantial and increasing fraction of directional discontinuities exhibits the plasma field properties expected of outwardly propagating rotational discontinuities. The results of Sari (1972, 1975) and of the present study suggest that in the calculation of propagation diffusion coefficients for low-energy cosmic rays, the effects of directional discontinuities should be subtracted from the magnetic fluctuation spectrum during relatively quiet wind conditions. It is not clear that such subtraction is necessary during more disturbed periods.
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.
