Scaling of Asymmetric Reconnection in Compressible Plasmas

The scaling of the reconnection rate with external parameters is reevaluated, considering asymmetry between the inflow regions and compressibility. The results show a modest beta dependence of the reconnection rate. Previous results obtained for incompressible plasmas are reproduced in the limit of large plasma beta. The results further demonstrate the importance of the conversion of magnetic energy to enthalpy flux, which remains finite even in the incompressible limit. The assumptions and results of the scaling analysis are compared with resistive MHD simulations.