Magnetic reconnections in the presence of three-dimensional magnetic nulls and quasi-separatrix layers

TL;DR

This study uses 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations to investigate magnetic reconnection processes around null points and quasi-separatrix layers, revealing how magnetic field configurations influence reconnection dynamics.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the role of magnetic nulls and QSLs in 3D reconnection, highlighting the effects of different magnetic field strengths on reconnection behavior.

Findings

Strong electric currents and torsional fan reconnection at nulls.

Weak QSL reconnection driven by initial unbalanced forces.

Stronger QSL reconnection when separatrix surfaces meet at the quasi-separator.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic simulations are carried out to explore magnetic reconnections in the presence of 3D magnetic nulls and quasi-separatrix layers (QSLs). The initial magnetic fields are created by superposing uniform vertical magnetic fields of two different magnitudes on a linear force-free field. The interior of the numerical box contains two 3D nulls with separatrix domes separated by a quasi-separator (or hyperbolic flux tube) with QSLs. In the first simulation, the uniform vertical field is so large that the nulls are located at low heights and the domes are separate. Initially unbalanced Lorentz forces drive rotational flows that form strong electric currents and strong torsional fan reconnection at the 3D nulls and weak QSL reconnection at the hyperbolic flux tube. Flipping or slipping of field lines is observed in both cases. In the second simulation, with a weaker vertical field and larger domes, the separatrix surfaces meet at the central quasi-separator and their rotation drives stronger QSL reconnection than before.