Comment - on 'Analysis of Petschek-Type Reconnection in Non-Uniform Field and Flow Geometries', by Michael T. Kiendl, Vladimir S. Semenov, Igor V. Kubyshkin, Helfried K. Biernat, Richard P. Rijnbeek, and Bruno P. Besser

Comment on an article by Kiendl et al. (1997) on Petschek-type reconnection in nonuniform field and flow geometries is presented. Kiendl et al. assume an inflow region from both sides into the reconnection region. The commenter adduces, in stark contrast, a superposed epoch analysis of the bulk velo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Space science reviews 1997-11, Vol.82 (3-4), p.463-466
Main Author: Heikkila, Walter J
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Comment on an article by Kiendl et al. (1997) on Petschek-type reconnection in nonuniform field and flow geometries is presented. Kiendl et al. assume an inflow region from both sides into the reconnection region. The commenter adduces, in stark contrast, a superposed epoch analysis of the bulk velocity normal to the magnetopause, v(n), for inbound (entry) crossings and outbound (exit) crossings. He argues that there was a significant difference between entry into the magnetosphere and exit for v(n). It is concluded that the theory Kiendl et al. review is irrelevant to the physics of the magnetopause. The actual physics is like a shock transition. The interpretation by Kiendl et al. of energy conversion is also addressed. (AIAA)
ISSN:0038-6308
1572-9672
DOI:10.1023/A:1005092731022