Nonlinear dynamics and chaos in space plasmas

The theory and observation of nonlinear wave coupling phenomena in solar-sy stem plasmas are reviewed. Rocket and satellite observations have provided evidence of nonlinear wave interactions in space plasmas, in particular, in relation to the generation and propagation of radio waves in solar corona, interplanetary medium and Earth's magnetosphere. These radio waves represe nt the electromagnetic signature of solar-terrestrial coupling and are usef ul for forecasting and monitoring of space weather. Nonlinear wave-wave cou pling in plasmas can be modeled as a dynamical system of coupled oscillator s involving one, two or higher-order wave triplets. For a three-wave dissip ative system, the temporal transition from order to chaos may evolve via pe riod doubling or intermittence. For a four-wave Hamiltonian system involvin g two coupled wave triplets, the spatiotemporal transition from order to ch aos is analyzed using the concepts of stable and unstable homogeneous manif olds.