On the plausible observational features of the nonlinear interaction between the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and magnetic reconnection

Abstract:

The Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) and magnetic reconnection are two of the most important processes for the solar wind interaction with the Earth's magnetosphere. Recent observational studies support that KHI can operate under southward IMF conditions. As such, it is suggested that both magnetic reconnection and the KHI can operate simultaneously. The nonlinear interaction between these two modes significantly modulates their respective onset conditions. Consequently, the observational features of these two modes are expected to be modified. This study will focus on the plausible observational features of the nonlinear interaction between the KHI and reconnection (KHRX) based on three-dimensional MHD simulations. The typical plasma and field observational signatures from KHRX and traditional magnetic reconnection will be compared in this presentation. We will also discuss how those results compare with in-situ observational signatures of "flux transfer events".