Collisionless Shocks in Space Plasmas
Structure and Accelerated Particles

An engaging introduction to collisionless shocks in space plasmas, presenting a complete review, from first principles to current research.

David Burgess (Author), Manfred Scholer (Author)

9780521514590, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 July 2015

365 pages, 173 b/w illus.
25.3 x 17.9 x 2 cm, 0.86 kg

'The authors, together with the publishers, are to be congratulated for producing a book that is such an enjoyable as well as an informative read. It should prove an ideal source of information for postgraduate students of space-plasma physics and astrophysics, as well as being a high-quality reference work for professionals in these and related fields.' The Observatory

Shock waves are an important feature of solar system plasmas, from the solar corona out to the edge of the heliosphere. This engaging introduction to collisionless shocks in space plasmas presents a comprehensive review of the physics governing different types of shocks and processes of particle acceleration, from fundamental principles to current research. Motivated by observations of planetary bow shocks, interplanetary shocks and the solar wind termination shock, it emphasises the physical theory underlying these shock waves. Readers will develop an understanding of the complex interplay between particle dynamics and the electric and magnetic fields that explains the observations of in situ spacecraft. Written by renowned experts in the field, this up-to-date text is the ideal companion for both graduate students new to heliospheric physics and researchers in astrophysics who wish to apply the lessons of solar system shocks to different astrophysical environments.

Preface
1. Shocks
2. Basic concepts
3. The quasi-perpendicular shock: macrostructure
4. The quasi-perpendicular shock: microstructure
5. The quasi-parallel shock
6. Diffusive shock acceleration
7. Coherent shock acceleration
8. Electron acceleration
9. Global and modified shocks
Appendix. Simulation techniques
Further reading
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Earth sciences, geography, environment, planning [R], Astrophysics [PHVB], Plasma physics [PHFP], Physics [PH]