Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection regimes : a review. / Pontin, D. I.
In: Advances in Space Research, Vol. 47, No. 9, 03.05.2011, p. 1508-1522.Research output: Contribution to journal › Scientific review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection regimes
T2 - a review
A1 - Pontin,D. I.
AU - Pontin,D. I.
PY - 2011/5/3
Y1 - 2011/5/3
N2 - <p>The magnetic field in many astrophysical plasmas - such as the solar corona and Earth's magnetosphere - has been shown to have a highly complex, three-dimensional structure. Recent advances in theory and computational simulations have shown that reconnection in these fields also has a three-dimensional nature, in contrast to the widely used two-dimensional (or 2.5-dimensional) models. Here we discuss the underlying theory of three-dimensional magnetic reconnection. We also review a selection of new models that illustrate the current state of the art, as well as highlighting the complexity of energy release processes mediated by reconnection in complicated three-dimensional magnetic fields. (C) 2011 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</p>
AB - <p>The magnetic field in many astrophysical plasmas - such as the solar corona and Earth's magnetosphere - has been shown to have a highly complex, three-dimensional structure. Recent advances in theory and computational simulations have shown that reconnection in these fields also has a three-dimensional nature, in contrast to the widely used two-dimensional (or 2.5-dimensional) models. Here we discuss the underlying theory of three-dimensional magnetic reconnection. We also review a selection of new models that illustrate the current state of the art, as well as highlighting the complexity of energy release processes mediated by reconnection in complicated three-dimensional magnetic fields. (C) 2011 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</p>
KW - Magnetic fields
KW - Magnetic reconnection
KW - Magnetohydrodynamics
KW - Quasi-separatrix layers
KW - Parallel electric fields
KW - Current sheet formation
KW - Null points
KW - Solar corona
KW - 3 dimensions
KW - Kinematic reconnection
KW - Flux tubes
KW - Kink instability
KW - Aligned current
U2 - 10.1016/j.asr.2010.12.022
DO - 10.1016/j.asr.2010.12.022
M1 - Scientific review
JO - Advances in Space Research
JF - Advances in Space Research
SN - 0273-1177
IS - 9
VL - 47
SP - 1508
EP - 1522
ER -