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Detailed Reference Information |
Shay, M.A., Drake, J.F., Swisdak, M., Dorland, W. and Rogers, B.N. (2003). Inherently three dimensional magnetic reconnection: A mechanism for bursty bulk flows?. Geophysical Research Letters 30: doi: 10.1029/2002GL016267. issn: 0094-8276. |
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We examine the development of mesoscale structure during 3-D magnetic reconnection which initiates from random perturbations. Reconnection develops as multiple x-line segments with characteristic scale lengths of ~1--4 Re in the cross tail direction. For relatively wide initial current sheets (several c/ωpi), these finite length x-lines remain spatially isolated and drive reconnection which is strongly reminiscent of bursty bulk flows (BBFs) in the magnetotail. In narrower initial current layers the x-line segments merge together to a state in which large scale magnetic energy release takes place. Thus, the degree of compression of the magnetotail may ultimately determine if energy is released in local bursts or globally as a substorm. |
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Abstract |
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Keywords
Space Plasma Physics, Magnetic reconnection, Magnetospheric Physics, Magnetotail, Magnetospheric Physics, Numerical modeling |
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union 2000 Florida Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-1277 USA 1-202-462-6900 1-202-328-0566 service@agu.org |
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