Magneto-atmospheric waves from a localized source

Abstract

A technique developed by Lighthill (1960, 1965, and 1967) for finding the asymptotic solution of an inhomogeneous wave equation with constant coefficients is applied to the study of wave propagation in magneto-atmospheres. The geometry of the wavenumber surface plays an important role in determining the generation and propagation of various types of magneto-atmospheric waves from a localized forcing region. Examples of these wavenumber surfaces are exhibited for various magnetic-field strengths and wave frequencies. The asymptotic far field is tabulated for a time-harmonic spatially Gaussian localized forcing term.