Stochastic heating of electrons and ions in an isothermal plasma by hydrodynamic current instability

Turbulent heating of electrons and ions by a collisionless shock wave propagating in a plasma across the magnetic field is investigated. Plasma heating in isothermal plasma occurs as a result of the development of hydrodynamic current instabilities. Heating of plasma subject to hydrodynamic current instabilities is caused by a stochastic mechanism. The temperature variation of the plasma particles at the shock front as well as an estimate of the heating time are obtained. The estimates agree well with the known experimental data.