Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection regimes
Abstract
The magnetic field in many astrophysical plasmas -such as the Solar corona and Earth's magnetosphere -has been shown to have a highly complex structure that is clearly three-dimensional (3D). Recent advances in theory and computational experiments have shown that the nature of reconnection in 3D is fundamentally different from 2D models. Here we discuss the underlying theory of 3D magnetic reconnection. We also review a selection of new 3D reconnection models that illustrate the current state of the art, as well as highlighting the complexity of energy release processes mediated by reconnection in complicated 3D magnetic fields.
- Publication:
-
38th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010cosp...38.1934P