Magnetic field reconnection at the magnetopause: An overview

The basic qualitative and quantitative aspects of reconnection in its magnetopause setting are summarized. First, the basic morphological and dynamic features of asymmetric reconnection are examined with emphasis on the important role played by the rotational discontinuity in these geometries. Second, the structure and other properties of rotational discontinuities are discussed. Third, the manner in which individual particles are energized or de-energized during their interaction with current layers in general, and rotational discontinuities in particular, is examined. Finally, the question of nonsteady, localized reconnection and its relation to flux transfer events is discussed and a qualitative model is proposed to describe these phenomena.