Kinetic-Scale Processes and Small-Scale Structures Embedded within Large-Scale Solar Wind Structures

Large-scale structures in the solar wind, such as interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) and stream interaction regions (SIRs), are primary drivers of space weather and significant perturbations to the heliosphere. These structures exhibit plasma properties similar to the ambient solar wind but are distinguished by strong magnetic fields, enhanced turbulence, and elevated levels of compression and heating (with the exception of ICME flux ropes). The heavy ion composition in coronal mass ejections (CMEs) provides crucial insights into the plasma processes occurring in the solar corona and the origins of the solar wind. These ions and their charge states, serve as tracers of the coronal source regions and heating mechanisms that shape CME plasma. While their large-scale properties have been extensively studied over the past few decades, the role of microscopic processes has received comparatively less attention. Recent advancements in spacecraft observations and numerical modeling have revealed the presence of various kinetic-scale phenomena, including ultralow-frequency (ULF) waves, Alfvénic fluctuations, kinetic Alfvén waves, ion cyclotron waves, temperature anisotropies, turbulence, current sheets, etc. However, the influence of these processes on the dynamics, evolution, and energization of large-scale structures remains an open question.

This Research Topic aims to delve into how kinetic-scale phenomena influence the larger complex structures within the solar wind. We seek to understand how these processes facilitate energy partition and turbulence dissipation, consequently shaping magnetic field configurations, altering particle behaviors, and driving particle acceleration mechanisms. These findings are crucial for refining our predictions of space weather and advancing models of plasma astrophysics.

To deepen our comprehension of these complex interactions, we invite submissions that cover the following areas, but are not limited to:

• Current sheets and magnetic reconnection processes.
• Wave-particle interactions and energy dissipation.
• Turbulence-driven generation of kinetic-scale phenomena.
• Observational and simulation-based studies of proton and electron kinetics.
• Proton and electron dynamics, including anisotropies and non-Maxwellian features.
• Small-scale flux ropes and coherent structures embedded in large-scale systems.
• The role of heavy ions in kinetic-scale physics within ICMEs and their implications for understanding ICME and solar wind origins.
• Analysis of high-resolution data from Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, Wind, Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE), Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO), etc.

Researchers are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that address these themes. Contributions from diverse disciplines, including observational studies, theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and comparative studies using multi-spacecraft data, are highly welcome.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Kinetic-scale phenomena, Magnetic reconnection, Plasma turbulence, Space weather impacts, Solar Wind Structures

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.