Kolmogorov and Irosnikov-Kraichnan scaling in the anisotropic turbulent solar wind
Abstract
Description
Solar wind turbulence is dominated by Alfvénic fluctuations but the power spectral exponents somewhat surprisingly evolve toward the Kolmogorov value of -5/3, that of hydrodynamic turbulence. We show that at 1AU the turbulence decomposes linearly into two coexistent components perpendicular and parallel to the local average magnetic field. The first of these is consistent with propagating Alfvén wavepackets and shows the scaling expected of Alfvénic turbulence, namely Irosnikov- Kraichnan. The second shows Kolmogorov scaling which we also find in the number and magnetic energy density, and Poynting flux.
4 pages, 6 figures, submitted PRL
4 pages, 6 figures, submitted PRL