A LINEAR SOLUTION FOR MAGNETIC RECONNECTION DRIVEN BY CONVERGING OR DIVERGING FOOTPOINT MOTIONS

In this paper, we develop a linear, analytic model for magnetic reconn ection and current sheet formation at an X-type neutral line in the so lar atmosphere. The reconnection process is assumed to be driven by co nverging or diverging footpoint motions at the photosphere. In particu lar, we examine how the stressed magnetic configuration around the neu tral line is influenced by the magnitude of the photospheric driving v elocities and the properties of the plasma between the photosphere and the neutral line. From application of the model to the solar atmosphe re in active regions, we suggest that flux cancellation in the photosp here may be accomplished through gradual, linear reconnection with lit tle noticeable heating of the atmosphere around the reconnection site and that the classical coronal neutral line current sheet will likely undergo continual rapid dissipation that prevents the build-up of enou gh stored magnetic energy to power a flare.