Alfven wave in dusty magnetosphere

Abstract

Dispersion relation and associated field-aligned currents are evaluated for Alfven wave with hi-Maxwellian distribution function using particle aspect approach in a warm, magnetized dusty plasma, consisting of electrons, ions and charged dust particles. Effects of different charge concentrations, dust particle density and the ratio of the temperature of the dust particle to that of electron have been examined on the propagation of Alfven wave. It is found that the dust grain concentration and charge on dust grains reduce the wave frequency of the Alfven wave. However, the temperature of dust particles increases the wave frequency. Positively charged dust grain enhances the downward field -aligned current and negatively charged dust grain increases the upward current of the lower auroral ionosphere. Similar effects are also noted for the dust grain number density, whereas the temperature of the dust grain reduces the field-aligned current. Applications of the findings are indicated for the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling.