Analytic Magnetic Reconnection Solutions in Two and Three Dimensions

I. J. D. Craig (University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand)

A discussion is given of analytic reconnection solutions in 
two and three dimensions.   We begin with a brief account of 
neutral point reconnection and provide a construction for 
``fan'' current and ''spine''  current solutions in ``open'' 3D
geometries.     These models are then compared with dynamic, resistive 
simulations obtained using a 3D periodic code.   We go
on to discuss time-dependent,  planar reconnection in the presence of 
axial guide (or ``separator'') fields.    It is pointed out that Hall currents
and plasma inertial effects are naturally included within the general
analytic formulation.    We show that Hall currents may speed up or
slow down the reconnection rate depending on the orientation of the
axial guide component.