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Theory of super‐diffusion for the magnetopause
Author(s) -
Treumann Rudolf A.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/97gl01760
Subject(s) - scaling , physics , thermal diffusivity , diffusion , turbulence , plasma diffusion , plasma , turbulent diffusion , statistical physics , population , invariant (physics) , flux (metallurgy) , mechanics , classical mechanics , thermodynamics , geometry , materials science , mathematical physics , mathematics , quantum mechanics , sociology , demography , metallurgy
The diffusivity in a plasma is enhanced over classical diffusion when the particles undergo Lévy flight interactions caused by scale‐invariant turbulence. In this case classical parallel diffusion (heat flux) is modified. Perpendicular magnetized diffusion coefficients obtained assume a scaling D ∝ k B T/B 1+δ where δ < 1. This scaling is closer to Bohm‐scaling than conventional theories predict. The non‐classical diffusion coefficients depend on time. As a consequence, the expected density profiles will not exhibit the usually assumed diffusive shapes. It is suggested that in regions of strong plasma turbulence enhanced super‐diffusivity may contribute to the population of the inner LLBL.