MHD Waves in the Solar Atmosphere

Develops a fresh mathematical approach to coronal seismology, explaining oscillatory phenomena by drawing upon original research and complex modelling techniques.

Bernard Roberts (Author)

9781108427661, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 July 2019

524 pages, 38 b/w illus.
25.4 x 18 x 2.7 cm, 1.19 kg

'Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is an extremely useful description for a wide variety of plasmas on a macroscopic scale. Such description also demands microscopic interrogation but still provides an excellent first pass at complete understanding. All physicists who study plasmas or conducting fluids must have more than passing familiarity with MHD. Roberts (Univ. of St. Andrews, Scotland) provides an excellent introduction to MHD in general and MHD waves …' M. A. Reynolds, Choice

This volume presents a full mathematical exposition of the growing field of coronal seismology which will prove invaluable for graduate students and researchers alike. Roberts' detailed and original research draws upon the principles of fluid mechanics and electromagnetism, as well as observations from the TRACE and SDO spacecraft and key results in solar wave theory. The unique challenges posed by the extreme conditions of the Sun's atmosphere, which often frustrate attempts to develop a comprehensive theory, are tackled with rigour and precision; complex models of sunspots, coronal loops and prominences are presented, based on a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) view of the solar atmosphere, and making use of Faraday's concept of magnetic flux tubes to analyse oscillatory phenomena. The rapid rate of progress in coronal seismology makes this essential reading for those hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the field.

1. General principles
2. Waves in a uniform medium
3. Magnetically structured atmospheres
4. Surface waves
5. Magnetic slabs
6. Magnetic flux tubes
7. The twisted magnetic flux tube
8. Connection formulas
9. Gravitational effects
10. Thin flux tubes: the sausage mode
11. Thin flux tubes: the kink mode
12. Damping
13. Nonlinear aspects
14. Solar applications of MHD wave theory
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Atmospheric physics [PHVJ], Plasma physics [PHFP], Fluid mechanics [PHDF], Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS], Applied mathematics [PBW]