Abstract
present in situ observation of double layer (DL) and associated electron
measurement in the subspin time resolution in the separatrix region
during reconnection for the first time. The DL is inferred to propagate
away from the X line at a velocity of about ion acoustic speed and the
parallel electric field carried by the DL can reach -20 mV/m. The
electron displays a beam distribution inside the DL and streams toward
the X line with a local electron Alfvén velocity. A series of
electron holes moving toward the X line are observed in the wake of the
DL. The identification of multiple similar DLs indicates that they are
persistently produced and therefore might play an important role in
energy conversion during reconnection. The observation suggests that
energy dissipation during reconnection can occur in any region where the
DL can reach.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 4851-4858 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Geophysical Research Letters |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 14 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 28 Jul 2014 |
Keywords
- magnetic reconnection
- double layers
- electron holes