Theoretical constraints on the microscale fluctuations in the interplanetary medium.

Abstract

Theoretical constraints on the character of microscale fluctuations in the solar wind are examined. The microfluctuations could be either ?discontinuities' or more smoothly varying structures. If the fluctuations are waves, they are probably mostly Alfv]en waves (or rotational discontinuities), and if they are stationary structures, they are tangential pressure balances (or tangential discontinuities). It is formally proved that a true analog of the small-amplitude MHD ?entropy wave' (or contact discontinuity) does not exist for collisionless plasmas.