Magnetic, Kinetic, and Transition regime: Spatially-segregated structure of compressive MHD turbulence (2409.02769v1)

Abstract: Turbulence is a complex physical process that emerges in multiple areas of modern physics, and in ionized environments such as interstellar gas, the magnetic field can be dynamically important. However, the exact function of the magnetic field in the ionized gas remains unclear. We use the $M_{\rm A} = \sqrt{E_{\rm k}/E_B} $ to describe the importance of the magnetic field measured to the turbulent motion, and reveal diverse ways of mutual interaction. At low $M_{\rm A}$ (magnetic regime), the magnetic field is well-described as force-free. Despite the strong magnetic field, the motion of gas does not stay aligned with the magnetic field. At the regime of intermediate $M_{\rm A}$ (magnetic-kinetic transition regime), the velocity field and the magnetic field exhibit the highest degree of alignment, which is likely the result of a rapid relaxation. At high $M_{\rm A}$ (kinetic regime), both the magnetic field and the velocity field are irregular, with no alignment. We find observational counterparts to these regimes in observations of interstellar gas. The results highlight the diverse behavior of gas in MHD turbulence and guide future interpretations of the role of the magnetic field in astrophysical observations.