Flux transfer events: Reconnection without separatorsA topological analysis of a simple model magnetic field of a perturbation at the magnetopause modeling an apparent flux transfer event is presented. It is shown that a localized perturbation at the magnetopause can in principle open a closed magnetosphere by establishing magnetic connections across the magnetopause. Although the model field exhibits neutral points, these are not involved in the magnetic connection of the flux tubes. The topological substructure of a localized perturbation is analyzed in a simpler configuration. The presence of both signs of the magnetic field component normal to the magnetopause leads to a linkage of topologically different flux tubes, described as a flux knot, and a filamentary substructure of field lines of different topological types which becomes increasingly complicated for decreasing magnetic shear at the magnetopause.
Document ID
19890015650
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hesse, M. (Los Alamos National Lab. NM., United States)
Birn, J. (Los Alamos National Lab. NM., United States)
Schindler, K. (Ruhr Univ., Bochum, Germany F.R. , United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: ESA, Proceedings of an International School and Workshop on Reconnection in Space Plasma, Volume 2