HR: 17:15h
AN: SM34A-06    [Abstracts]
TI: Observations of Linear and Non-Linear Alfven Waves
AU: * Andersson, L
EM: laila.andersson@lasp.colorado.edu
AF: LASP/CU, 1234 Innovation Drive, Boulder, CU 8030 United States
AB: Much of the theories and simulations of Alfven waves today are based on linear physics. When observing the effects of small-scale Alfven waves it is clear that linear studies cannot explain all the observed features. It is clear that the Alfven waves close to the ionosphere are often non-linear. Therefore, observed small-scale Alfven waves will in an attempt be graded to indicate how non-linear each observed wave is. The data from the FAST satellite (particle, electric and magnetic field information) will used. In this presentation we will present the methods are used to grade the waves and then present how well each parameters can separate out the waves. The large goal of this study is to provide with observational information how an assumed linear small scale Alfven wave behaves and then contrasting it to a non-linear Alfven wave through a large statistical study. Such statistical study will also provide information of under which circumstances one or the other wave type is most likely to develop.
DE: 2407 Auroral ionosphere (2704)
SC: SPA-Magnetospheric Physics [SM]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005