Changed paradigm of fast magnetic reconnection

Abstract

Although magnetic reconnection takes place in three-dimensional space, reconnection theory has focused on two-dimensional models for more than sixty years. Well-posed three-dimensional mathematics associated with the theory of fluid mixing provides a predictive and compelling explanation for why fast magnetic reconnection is prevalent---exponentially large variations in the separations between magnetic field lines. The proofs have been simplified to remove any rational reason to maintain a focus on two dimensional models, which fail to represent the mathematical properties of three-dimensional space.