magnetohydrodynamic wave
Quick Summary
Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves are disturbances that propagate through electrically conducting fluids, such as plasmas, in the presence of magnetic fields. These waves are a significant source of variation in Earth's magnetic field, causing minute oscillations observed at the surface.12
MHD waves are classified as ultralow-frequency (ULF) waves, with periods ranging from one to 1,000 seconds. They can be generated by various mechanisms, including resonant oscillations of Earth's magnetic field lines in response to solar wind activity, instabilities within the plasma, and sudden changes in the solar wind's pressure or direction. These waves play a crucial role in understanding plasma behavior and phenomena like geomagnetic pulsations.2
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