On the Generation and Evolution of Switchbacks and the Morphology of the Alfvénic Transition: Low Mach-number Boundary Layers

Abstract

Abstract We investigate the generation and evolution of switchbacks (SBs), the nature of the sub-Alfvénic wind observed by the Parker Solar Probe (PSP), and the morphology of the Alfvénic transition, all of which are key issues in solar wind research. First we highlight a special structure in the pristine solar wind, termed a low Mach-number boundary layer (LMBL). An increased Alfvén radius and suppressed SBs are observed within an LMBL. A probable source on the Sun for an LMBL is the peripheral region inside a coronal hole with rapidly diverging open fields. The sub-Alfvénic wind detected by PSP is an LMBL flow by nature. The similar origin and similar properties of the sub-Alfvénic intervals favor a wrinkled surface for the morphology of the Alfvénic transition. We find that a larger deflection angle tends to be associated with a higher Alfvén Mach number. The magnetic deflections have an origin well below the Alfvén critical point, and deflection angles larger than 90° seem to occur only when M A ≳ 2. The velocity enhancement in units of the local Alfvén speed generally increases with the deflection angle, which is explained by a simple model. A nonlinearly evolved, saturated state is revealed for SBs, where the local Alfvén speed is roughly an upper bound for the velocity enhancement. In the context of these results, the most promising theory on the origin of SBs is the model of expanding waves and turbulence, and the patchy distribution of SBs is attributed to modulation by reductions in the Alfvén Mach number. Finally, a picture of the generation and evolution of SBs is created based on the results.