Magnetic reconnection in space and fusion plasmas

Magnetic reconnection (MR) processes, which result from local modifications of the connectivity of magnetic field lines and can thus connect plasmas of different origins (such as solar plasma and the terrestrial magnetosphere), are by nature multi-scale. This change of connectivity is accompanied by a fast release of magnetic energy as heat and accelerated particles which are at the origin of many observed phenomena in nature and plasma experiments [1, 2]. Taking into account different geometries, common features characterizing MR in both space and fusion plasmas become apparent. While the presence of a strong magnetic guide field in one direction may suggest a 2D approach, under many circumstances, a 3D description is unavoidable when attempting to capture key dynamics. When the 2D picture is possible and thus a (quasi-)periodic direction is present or a nearly-invariant direction can be identified, the change of topology of the magnetic field occurring during a MR....