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

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.

LaTeX 2e, aastex classfile, 8 pages, 4 EPS figures; v2: introductory part rewritten, a few bibliographic references added