Abstract
This tutorial paper is devoted to theoretical aspects of the coherent electrostatic structures that have been encountered in various space plasmas. These structures, called solitary waves, electrostatic shocks or double layers have been observed in the solar wind, the Earth bow shock, the auroral zones and the magnetotail. Most of these structures can be interpreted in terms of electron or ion phase space holes. Their1D structure, their emergence from plasma instabilities, their mutual interactions, their bidimensional stability, and their ability to create large scale electric fields are discussed in this paper.
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Mottez, F. Instabilities and Formation of Coherent Structures. Astrophysics and Space Science 277, 59–70 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012224820136
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012224820136