Macroscopic Elongation of the Diffusion Region: Theoretical and Observational Consequences

Details Macroscopic Elongation of the Diffusion Region: Theoretical and Observational Consequences Macroscopic Elongation of the Diffusion Region: Theoretical and Observational Consequences

Dec 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006agufmsm43c..06h&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2006, abstract #SM43C-06

Physics

2723 Magnetic Reconnection (7526, 7835), 7526 Magnetic Reconnection (2723, 7835)

Scientific paper

Recent results from fully kinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations [1] indicate the electron diffusion region does not remain microscopic but expands in time to form an extended electron current layer. This surprising result has major implications for reconnection and requires revamping of many of the theories that were based on the assumption that the electron diffusion region would remain microscopic. We attribute the expansion as being due to rapid outward convection of magnetic flux due to electron jets leading to a reduction in the Bn field, which in turn leads to further expansion. As the electron diffusion region expands, it forms a bottleneck limiting the reconnection rate. The question arises as to whether this expansion is also captured in models with fluid electrons or would the diffusion region remain localized due to the Hall term as predicted by some authors. To address this issue, we have examined and contrasted the evolution and stability of the diffusion region in Hall MHD, hybrid, and full particle simulations. The results of this study will be illustrated through several examples and the implications for understanding and interpretation of observational data from Cluster and the upcoming MMS mission will be discussed. [1] W. Daughton, J. Scudder and H. Karimabadi, Phys. Plasmas 13, 072101, 2006

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