Sources of the Mid Latitude Fast Solar Wind

The traditional paradigm of the solar wind is bimodal: a fast, coronal hole associated wind and a slow, streamer associated wind. We address this bimodal solar wind view using a detailed analysis of ionic and elemental abundances, as well as solar wind dynamic properties. From this analysis we conclude that there is a subclass of fast solar wind characterized by a charge state distribution that is similar to slow wind, but with an elemental composition which is coronal-hole like. We present arguments for origin and acceleration of this wind using compositional and kinetic properties. Finally, we conclude that the existence of this wind explains the continuum of velocity and charge states seen between the fast and slow solar wind.