Generation, Topology, and Motion of Flux Transfer Events

Abstract:

Flux Transfer Events (FTEs) occur as the result of transient
reconnection at the magnetopause. Numerous models have been
proposed to explain the formation and subsequent motion of FTEs.
Here, we use OpenGGCM simulations of the magnetosphere to show
that (a) FTEs form by sequential multiple X-line reconnection,
i.e., as a FTE forms, a new X-line develops in its wake, which
creates the next FTE; (b) the motion of FTEs is controlled by
both dipole tilt angle and by the sign of the IMF By component;
(c) FTEs contain flux of various topologies, and a fully
developed FTE contains mostly closed flux; and (d) FTEs can
occur in conjunction with Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) waves, such that
large amplitude breaking KH waves are triggered by FTEs and
eventually engulf the FTE.