Investigation of the Diffusion Region With Varying Turbulence Intensities Around the X-Line of Magnetotail Reconnection

Abstract

Magnetic reconnection and turbulence are two fundamental processes in space plasma environments. They are intricately coupled, driving energy transfer and conversion. Despite significant research efforts, the development of turbulence within the reconnection diffusion region and its impact on the reconnection process remain open questions. In this study, we analyze 16 magnetotail reconnection cases observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, focusing on the diffusion regions in the vicinity of the X-line. We find that turbulence tends to be stronger in diffusion regions with lower plasma density and plasma beta. Turbulence can enhance the electron energization process in the diffusion region primarily through electron heating. As turbulence intensifies, the continuous current layer of the diffusion region breaks into fragmented currents, suggesting a transition from laminar to turbulent reconnection. Moreover, spectral breaks between ion and electron cyclotron frequencies are consistently observed in magnetic and electric field fluctuations within reconnecting current sheets, suggesting that such breaks may be a characteristic feature of the reconnection process. These findings provide valuable insights into the development and role of turbulence within the reconnection diffusion region.