Nonlinear dynamics, of large-amplitude circularly polarized Alfvenic wave p
ackets, is investigated using a one-dimensional hybrid model. Kinetic effec
ts such as finite-Larmor radius and nonlinear Landau damping, which become
significant for plasmas with beta similar to 1, are appropriately accounted
for in these high-resolution hybrid simulations. Spatio-temporal evolution
, of the left-hand polarized (LHP) wave packets, shows that they collapse b
ecause of the decreasing dispersive effects. However, singularities are arr
ested by the wave-particle interactions. At some critical time t(c), which
depends on the plasma beta and the initial amplitude of the wave packet, we
observe a turning point. At this turning point, the polarization changes f
rom LHP to RHP (right-hand polarized). The wave packet then starts broadeni
ng due to increasing dispersion associated with the RHP. Implications of co
llapse of the magnetic structures are briefly discussed. (C) 2000 American
Institute of Physics. [S1070-664X(00)02810-X].