Magnetic reconnection in collisionless field reversals - The universality of the ion tearing mode

Journal Article · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/91GL02245· OSTI ID:5209888

Kuznetsova, M M; Zelenyi, L M ^[1]

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1. Space Research Inst., Moscow (Russian Federation)

A theoretical analysis of the stability of a quasi-neutral sheet with small normal magnetic component B{sub n} is presented. It is demonstrated that contrary to the statement of Pellat et al., pitch angle diffusion (PAD) can remove the stabilizing effect of B{sub n}. The PAD results in the escape of electrons to the region of negligibly small wave-particle interactions which decreases the electron contribution to the energy balance equation. In the limit of strong PAD the ion tearing mode growth rate gives the universal upper estimate of the rate of collisionless spontaneous reconnection.

• OSTI ID: 5209888
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 18:10; ISSN 0094-8276; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

661320* -- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (1992-)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COLLISIONLESS PLASMA
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EQUATIONS
FERMIONS
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
LEPTONS
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC RECONNECTION
MAGNETOTAIL
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
PLASMA SHEET
TEARING INSTABILITY