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arXiv · 1101.0924

Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection regimes: A review

D. I. Pontin
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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, 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.

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D. I. Pontin. 2011-01-05. Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection regimes: A review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2010.12.022

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