Anisotropic Turbulence of Shear-Alfvén Waves

Abstract

Weak turbulence of shear-Alfvén waves is considered in the limit of strongly anisotropic pulsations that are elongated along the external magnetic field. The kinetic equation thus derived agrees with the Galtier et al. formulation of the full three-dimensional helical case when taking the proper limit. This new approach allows for significant simplification, and, as a result, the applicability conditions for the weak turbulence theory are now more transparent. It thus provides an attractive theoretical framework for describing anisotropic MHD turbulence in astrophysical contexts where a strong magnetic field is present and for which shear-Alfvén waves are important.