Hybrid MHD-kinetic modeling of standing shear Alfven waves in space plasmas

Summary form only given, as follows. Over the last several years, much attention has been directed toward wave-particle interactions in Standing Shear Alfven waves as an acceleration mechanism for electrons. This is especially true in the context of Field Line Resonances and auroral arc formation in the Earth´s magnetosphere, but also has bearing in other space plasma systems such as solar coronal loops. In order to help address these issues, we have developed a new hybrid MHD-kinetic model using the cold plasma MHD equations and kinetic electrons. This has been developed in cartesian, cylindrical and dipolar coordinates, with the latter incorporating the effect of the magnetic mirror force. The guiding center equations are used for the motion of the electrons and the system in closed via an expression for the parallel electric field in terms of the moments of the electron distribution function. Perpendicular electric fields are derived from the ideal MHD approximation. We present the results of simulations for all three coordinate systems and highlight specific examples of Landau damping and the effects of magnetic field curvature on parallel electric field generation, electron acceleration and the evolution of the Standing Shear Alfven wave system.