Whitepaper #228 in the Decadal Survey for Solar and Space Physics (Heliophysics) 2024-2033. Main topics: basic research. Additional topics: fundamental space plasma theory; solar physics; space-based missions/projects.
by J. M. Laming, Y.-K. Ko, J. Reep, L. Strachan, I. Ugarte-Urra, H. P. Warren, B. E. Wood, S. T. Lepri, E. Landi, S. A. Spitzer, Y. J. Rivera, M. P. Miralles, J. C. Raymond, E. Provornikova, A. Vourlidas, R. Bucik, M. A. Dayeh, and S. T. Hart
Published onJul 31, 2023
Element Fractionation by the Ponderomotive Force
We describe a qualitatively new effect recently identified in solar physics and astrophysics, that of ion-neutral separation in the chromosphere caused by the ponderomotive force associated with Alfven and fast mode waves. We argue that these abundance anomalies are a promising route to understanding solar atmospheric waves, and hence many facets of solar activity and plasma energization.
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY 4.0)
