Wave phenomena

TL;DRAbstract

Plasma waves are prevalent throughout the ionospheres. The waves can just have fluctuating electric fields or they can have both fluctuating electric and magnetic fields. Also, the wave amplitudes can be either small or large, depending on the circumstances. Small amplitude waves do not appreciably affect the plasma, and in many situations they can be used as a diagnostic of physical processes that are operating in the plasma. Large amplitude waves, on the other hand, can have a significant effect on the plasma dynamics and energetics. In general, there is a myriad of waves that can propagate in a plasma, and it is not possible, or warranted, to give a detailed discussion here. Instead, the focus in this chapter is on just the fundamental wave modes that can propagate in both magnetized and unmagnetized plasmas. First, the general characteristics of waves are presented. This is followed by a discussion of small amplitude waves in both unmagnetized and magnetized plasmas, including high

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