EFFECT OF A SNOW PLOW IN BURSTY MAGNETIC RECONNECTION

This paper concentrates on aspects of magnetic field reconnection for a time-varying reconnection rate. There are a number of aspects of tim e-dependent reconnection that have no analogous behavior with the stea dy-state case. The localization of such time-varying features is of pa rticular interest due to the fact that modeling is generally based on the steady-state ease. In order to get optimal physical and mathematic al insight, the most simple model is used: identical plasma and magnet ic field behavior (except for the field orientation) on either side of the reconnection layer; furthermore the plasma is assumed to be incom pressible. The primary interest is the distribution of different energ y modes as a result of reconnection. Following a pulse of reconnection , propagating field reversal regions (FRRs) form. Inside these FRRs, t he magnetic field energy is decreased, leading to accelerated plasma j ets. As a result of the fast motion of the FRRs. there is an accumulat ion of magnetic energy external to their leading fronts (analogous to the snow accumulation in front of a moving snow plow), and a correspon ding energy rarefaction in their wake regions. (C) 1998 American Insti tute of Physics. [S1070-664X(98)00709-5].