Presents a comprehensive review of physical processes in astrophysical plasmas. This title
presents a review of the detailed aspects of the physical processes that underlie the observed
properties structures and dynamics of cosmic plasmas. An assessment of the status of
understanding of microscale processes in all astrophysical collisionless plasmas is provided.
The topics discussed include turbulence in astrophysical and solar system plasmas as a
phenomenological description of their dynamic properties on all scales observational
theoretical and modelling aspects of collisionless magnetic reconnection the formation and
dynamics of shock waves and a review and assessment of microprocesses such as the hierarchy
of plasma instabilities non-local and non-diffusive transport processes and ionisation and
radiation processes. In addition some of the lessons that have been learned from the extensive
existing knowledge of laboratory plasmas as applied to astrophysical problems are also covered.
This volume is aimed at graduate students and researchers active in the areas of cosmic plasmas
and space science. Originally published in Space Science Reviews journal Vol. 278 2-4 2013.
