Chromospheric Heating by Magnetohydrodynamic Waves and Instabilities

The importance of the chromosphere in the mass and energy transport within the solar atmosphere is now widely recognized. This review discusses the physics of magnetohydrodynamic waves and instabilities in large-scale chromospheric structures as well as in magnetic flux tubes. We highlight a number of key observational aspects that have helped our understanding of the role of the solar chromosphere in various dynamic processes and wave phenomena, and the heating scenario of the solar chromosphere is also discussed. The review focuses on the physics of waves and invokes the basics of plasma instabilities in the context of this important layer of the solar atmosphere. Potential implications, future trends and outstanding questions are also delineated.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the importance of the chromosphere in mass and energy transport within the solar atmosphere. It discusses the physics of magnetohydrodynamic waves and instabilities in large-scale chromospheric structures and magnetic flux tubes, and also highlights key observational aspects that aid in understanding the role of the solar chromosphere in various dynamic processes and wave phenomena. Additionally, the heating scenario of the solar chromosphere is examined, along with potential implications, future trends, and outstanding questions in this field.