Abstract The magnetic field in many astrophysical plasmas – such as the solar corona and Earth’s magnetosphere – has been shown to have a highly complex, three-dimensional structure. Recent advances in theory and computational simulations have shown that reconnection in these fields also has a three-dimensional nature, in contrast to the widely used two-dimensional (or 2.5-dimensional) models. Here we discuss the underlying theory of three-dimensional magnetic reconnection. We also review a selection of new models that illustrate the current state of the art, as well as highlighting the complexity of energy release processes mediated by reconnection in complicated three-dimensional magnetic fields.
Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection regimes: A review
Advances in Space Research ; 47 , 9 ; 1508-1522
2010-12-20
15 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection regimes: A review
Online Contents | 2011
|Three dimensional computer simulation of magnetic loop associated with magnetic reconnection
Online Contents | 2006
|Three dimensional computer simulation of magnetic loop associated with magnetic reconnection
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2006
|Three dimensional reconnection in astrophysical plasmas
NTRS | 1990
|