Characterization of turbulence in intervals with high and low incidence of magnetic switchbacks

Carlos Hernández

Plasma and magnetic field data from the first encounter of Parker Solar Probe are used to study the influence of magnetic switchbacks on solar wind turbulence, and in particular on its spectral properties, intermittency and energy flux.

Different parameters are introduced to characterize the occurrence and incidence of magnetic switchbacks. These are then employed to seek correlations with the spectral properties of turbulence, intermittency indicators such as the kurtosis scaling exponent, and the mean energy transfer rate, calculated using the Politano-Pouquet law.

Enhanced cascade efficiency and energy transfer are observed in regions with high occurrence of switchbacks events, suggesting that their presence contributes to the development of turbulence.