What is Generic Structure of the 3D Null-Point Magnetic Reconnection?

TL;DR

This paper investigates the likelihood of different topological configurations of 3D null-point magnetic reconnection in random magnetic fields, highlighting the dominance of the six-tail structure and its relation to 2D models.

Contribution

It provides a probabilistic analysis of 3D null-point configurations, emphasizing the prevalence of the six-tail structure over other types in natural settings.

Findings

Six-tail configuration is most probable among 3D nulls.

At large scales, six-tail nulls resemble 2D X-type structures.

Other configurations, like fan-like nulls, are less likely.

Abstract

The probability of occurrence of various topological configurations of the 3D null-point reconnection in a random magnetic field is studied. It is found that the non-axisymmetrical six-tail configuration (or "improper radial null") should play the dominant role; while all other types of reconnection, in particular, the axially-symmetric fan-like structures (or "proper radial nulls") are realized with a much less probability. A characteristic feature of the six-tail configuration is that at the sufficiently large scales it is approximately reduced to the well-known 2D X-type structure; and this explains why the 2D models of reconnection usually work quite well.