On the role of wave-particle interactions in the macroscopic dynamics of collisionless plasmas

Abstract

Here we present a commentary on the role of small-scale (e.g., few tens of meters) wave-particle interactions in large-scale (e.g., few tens of kilometers) processes and their capacity to accelerate particles from thermal to suprathermal or even to cosmic-ray energies. The purpose of this commentary is to provoke thought and further investigation into the relative importance of electromagnetic waves in the global dynamics of many macroscopic systems. We specifically focus on the terrestrial radiation belts and collisionless shock waves as examples.