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We analyze the properties of steady and time-dependent C shocks underconditions prevailing in giant molecular clouds. For steady C shocks, we showthat ionization equilibrium holds and use numerical integrations to obtain theshock thickness mediated by ambipolar diffusion as a function of density,inflow velocity, magnetic field, and ionization fraction in the cloud. Ourformula also agrees with an analytic estimate based on ion-neutral momentumexchange. Using time-dependent numerical simulations, we show that C shockshave a transient stage when the neutrals are compressed much more strongly thanthe magnetic field. The transient stage has a duration set by the neutral-ioncollision time, t_AD ~ L_shock/v_drift ~ 0.1 - 1 Myr. This transient creates astrong enhancement in the mass-to-magnetic flux ratio. Under favorableconditions, supercritical prestellar cores may form and collapse promptly as aresult of magnetic flux loss during the transient stage of C shocks.

Ambipolar Diffusion in Action: Transient C shock Structure and Prestellar Core Formation