Statistical analysis of discontinuities in solar wind ACE data and comparison with intermittent MHD turbulence

A. GRECCO, W.H. MATTHAEUS, S. SERVIDIO, P. CHUYCHAI, P. DMITRUK

ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL

IOP PUBLISHING LTD

Año: 2009 vol. 691 p. 1141 - 1144

0004-637X

The comparison between Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) solar wind data and simulations of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence shows a good agreement in the waiting-time analysis of magnetic field increments. Similarity between classical discontinuity identification and intermittency analysis suggests a dynamical connection between solar wind discontinuities and intermittent MHD turbulence. Probability distribution functions of increments in ACE data and in simulations reveal a robust structure consisting of small random currents, current cores, and intermittent current sheets. This adds to evidence that solar wind magnetic structures may emerge fast and locally from MHD turbulence.