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Detailed Reference Information
Titov et al. 2002
Titov, V.S., Hornig, G. and Démoulin, P. (2002). Theory of magnetic connectivity in the solar corona. Journal of Geophysical Research 107: doi: 10.1029/2001JA000278. issn: 0148-0227.

Although the analysis of observational data indicates that quasi-separatrix layers (QSLs) of magnetic configurations have to play an important role in solar flares, the corresponding theory is only at an initial stage so far. In particular, there is still a need of a proper definition of QSLs based on a comprehensive mathematical description of magnetic connectivity. Such a definition is given here by analyzing the mapping produced by the field lines which connect photospheric areas of positive and negative magnetic polarities. It is shown that magnetic configurations may have regions, where cross sections of magnetic flux tubes are strongly squashed by this mapping. These are the geometrical features that can be identified as the QSLs. The theory is applied to quadrupole configuration to demonstrate that it may contain two QSLs combined in a special structure called hyperbolic flux tube (HFT). Both theoretical and observational arguments indicate that the HFT is a preferred site for magnetic reconnection processes in solar flares.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Solar Physics, Astrophysics, and Astronomy, Flares, Solar Physics, Astrophysics, and Astronomy, Magnetic fields, Space Plasma Physics, Magnetic reconnection
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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