Nonlinear evolution of 3D whistler waves in space plasmas

Abstract

The present model is proposed to study the nonlinear effects related to quasi-transverse 3D whistler waves in three different regions of space plasmas which are Earth's radiation belt, magnetopause, and solar wind plasma at 1 A.U. We have analysed the effect of considering the third dimension in the dynamics of whistler waves on Localization of whistler waves and associated magnetic field power spectra. Three dimensionally propagating oblique whistler waves get localized due to background density perturbation. This background density modulation is supposed to be originating due to the propagation of low frequency kinetic Alfven waves in the background. The ponderomotive nonlinearity originating due to high amplitude whistler waves has been taken into account to develop the model equations. Next, these coupled model equations have been solved numerically using the pseudo-spectral method. Simulation results are investigated to study the process of field localization and magnetic field power spectrum. The resulting magnetic field power spectrum is discussed in detail in view of their observation in all the three above mentioned regions of space plasmas.