Singularities and Reconnection in MHD Turbulence

ORAL

Abstract

Observations of reconnection in plasmas indicates that it is typically fast, i.e. at a speed which is a significant fraction of the Alfven speed. Recent theoretical and numerical work has provided support for the hypothesis that in a turbulent medium it occurs at the turbulent velocity. We will discuss the nature of the singularities necessary for fast reconnection, and its speed as a function of scale. Simulations of fast reconnection in three dimensional turbulence provide evidence that the process is mediated by localized current sheets.

Authors

  • Ethan Vishniac

    McMaster University

  • Alexander Lazarian

    University of Wisconsin

  • Gregory Eyink

    Johns Hopkins University