Wave Heating of the Solar Atmosphere

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent observational and theoretical advances in understanding how magnetic waves contribute to heating the solar atmosphere, emphasizing their diagnostic potential and the physical processes involved.

Contribution

It synthesizes current observational discoveries and theoretical models to elucidate the role of magnetic waves in coronal heating, highlighting the sequence from wave observation to energy dissipation.

Findings

Magnetic waves are key in solar atmospheric dynamics.

Recent observations support wave-based heating mechanisms.

Theoretical models link wave properties to energy dissipation processes.

Abstract

Magnetic waves are a relevant component in the dynamics of the solar atmosphere. Their significance has increased because of their potential as a remote diagnostic tool and their presumed contribution to plasma heating processes. We discuss our current understanding on coronal heating by magnetic waves, based on recent observational evidence and theoretical advances. The discussion starts with a selection of observational discoveries that have brought magnetic waves to the forefront of the coronal heating discussion. Then, our theoretical understanding on the nature and properties of the observed waves and the physical processes that have been proposed to explain observations are described. Particular attention is given to the sequence of processes that link observed wave characteristics with concealed energy transport, dissipation, and heat conversion. We conclude with a commentary on how the combination of theory and observations should help us understanding and quantifying magnetic wave heating of the solar atmosphere.