Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 March 2009
Using the derivative nonlinear SchrÖdinger equation, resonant four-wave mixing of finite-amplitude Alfvén waves is explored in this paper. The evolution equations governing the amplitudes of the interacting waves and the conservation relations ale derived from the basic equation. These evolution equations are used to study parametric amplification and oscillation of two small-amplitude Alfvén waves due to two large-amplitude pump (Alfvén) waves. It is also shown that three pump waves can mix together to generate a low-frequency Alfven wave in a dissipative plasma.