Large-scale waves and shocks in the solar corona (Invited Talk)

Alexander Warmuth

A review of large-scale wave phenomena and shocks in the solar corona is presented. The focus is on flare-associated, globally propagating disturbances (Moreton waves, EIT waves, etc.) and type II radio bursts. It is shown that all these phenomena can be explained by a common underlying physical disturbance: a large-amplitude fast-mode MHD wave. This wave can be (at least initially) shocked and is freely propagating (i.e. a blast wave). Possible generation mechanisms of the disturbance are explored: flares, CMEs and smaller-scale ejecta are considered as potential sources of the waves. Finally, implications for particle acceleration and possible applications for coronal seismology are briefly discussed.