Summary: component reconnection topology varys with IMF, but differently...

• Typical Bz ~ 0

  • Closed and lobe flux tubes become open flank flux tubes
  • Moderate, skewed polar cap convection

• Northward Bz

  • Lobe flux tubes become open flank flux tubes
  • Polar cap convection reduced, reversed

• Southward Bz

  • Closed flux tubes become open lobe tubes
  • Rapid antisunward polar cap convection

• Conclusions/Inferences:

  • ìsashî changes sides with IMF rotation!
  • Accounts for ìtheta auroraî dynamics?

NL Topology based on component reconnection

NL Topology based on anti-parallel,

or high shear reconnection

Previous slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version