On the low-frequency boundary of Sun-generated MHD turbulence in the slow solar wind

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the lower frequency boundary of Alfvén wave turbulence in the solar atmosphere affects heating and acceleration of the slow solar wind, linking spectral truncation to observable phenomena.

Contribution

It provides an analytical framework demonstrating the impact of the low-frequency spectral boundary on solar wind heating and acceleration, emphasizing the role of solar magnetic field structure.

Findings

Spectral truncation reduces heat production in the solar wind.

Lower boundary of wave spectra influences solar wind acceleration.

Results align with observational data on slow solar wind initiation.

Abstract

New aspects of the slow solar wind turbulent heating and acceleration are investigated. A physical meaning of the lower boundary of the Alfv\'en wave turbulent spectra in the solar atmosphere and the solar wind is studied and the significance of this natural parameter is demonstrated. Via an analytical and quantitative treatment of the problem we show that a truncation of the wave spectra from the lower frequency side, which is a consequence of the solar magnetic field structure and its cyclic changes, results in a significant reduction of the heat production and acceleration rates. An appropriate analysis is presented regarding the link of the considered problem with existing observational data and slow solar wind initiation scenarios.