Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection regimes: A review

TL;DR

This review discusses the latest theoretical models and computational simulations of three-dimensional magnetic reconnection in complex astrophysical plasmas, highlighting its differences from traditional two-dimensional models.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in understanding 3D magnetic reconnection, including new models and the complexity of energy release in 3D magnetic fields.

Findings

Reconnection in 3D fields is more complex than in 2D models.

Recent models reveal intricate energy release processes.

Advances improve understanding of astrophysical plasma phenomena.

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.