Three-Dimensional Magnetic Reconnection of FInite Extent

While early models of reconnection were two-dimensional for simplicity, advances in computer power have increasingly made three-dimensional studies feasible. Many three-dimensional studies treat systems that are quasi-two-dimensional to assess the importance of three-dimensional instabilities. However, there are instances of reconnection that are of finite extent in the out-of-plane direction. For example, flux transfer events at the dayside of the magnetopause and bursty bulk flows in the magnetotail are of finite extent. To explore these types of events, we perform three-dimensional numerical simulations of reconnecting magnetic fields in a finite region of space in the out-of-plane direction using a two-fluid model including the Hall term. Implications for magnetospheric reconnection are discussed.