Nonlinear structures in space and laboratory plasmas

Coherent nonlinear structures in the form of vortical motions are frequently observed in laboratory devices and in auroral plasmas. Our objective here is to suggest that any realistic description of plasma vortices must involve three-dimensional nonlinear wave models, which account for the nonlinear coupling between finite amplitude electrostatic and/or electromagnetic disturbances. Specifically, we shall discuss properties of various types of vortex structures that are associated with nonlinear convective cells, drift and interchange modes as well as with nonlinear inertial Alfvén waves. We hope that the present investigation shall provide a guideline for understanding the properties of various nonlinear structures in space and laboratory plasmas.