Forward and inverse cascades in decaying two-dimensional electron magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

Electron magnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) turbulence in two dimensions is studied via highresolution numerical simulations with a normal diffusivity. The resulting energy spectra asymptotically approach a k−5/2 law with increasing RB, the ratio of the nonlinear to linear timescales in the governing equation. No evidence is found of a dissipative cutoff, consistent with non-local spectral energy transfer. Dissipative cutoffs found in previous studies are explained as artificial effects of hyperdiffusivity. Relatively stationary structures are found to develop in time, rather than the variability found in ordinary or MHD turbulence. Further, EMHD turbulence displays scale-dependent anisotropy with reduced energy transfer in the direction parallel to the uniform background field, consistent with previous studies. Finally, the governing equation is found to yield an inverse cascade, at least partially transferring magnetic energy from small to large scales.