Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection regimes: A review

Authors :: Pontin, D. I.
Publication Year :: 2011
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.<br />Comment: Accepted for publication in Advances in Space Research. (Based on paper presented at 38th COSPAR meeting, Bremen, 2010.)