Effects Of Large-Scale Simple Velocity Shear On A Fluctuating Interplanetary Magnetic Field

The effects of large-scale simple velocity shear on a magnetic field in a low-beta MHD fluid are examined in the limit that the magnetic field does not significantly affect the fluid flow. The large-scale fluid shear stretches the magnetic field and can cause significant field amplification. Application to the solar wind suggests that the latitudinal shear observed may contribute significantly to the observed periods of underwound or radial magnetic field.