  The linear and nonlinear properties of large amplitude electron-acoustic
waves are investigated in a magnetized plasma comprising two distinct electron
populations (hot and cold) and immobile ions. The hot electrons are assumed to
be in a non-Maxwellian state, characterized by an excess of superthermal
particles, here modelled by a kappa-type long-tailed distribution function.
Waves are assumed to propagate obliquely to the ambient magnetic field. Two
types of electrostatic modes are shown to exist in the linear regime, and their
properties are briefly analyzed. A nonlinear pseudopotential type analysis
reveals the existence of large amplitude electrostatic solitary waves and
allows for an investigation of their propagation characteristics and existence
domain, in terms of the soliton speed (Mach number). The effects of the key
plasma configuration parameters, namely, the superthermality index and the cold
electron density, on the soliton characteristics and existence domain, are
studied. The role of obliqueness and magnetic field are discussed.
