Interpretation of multi-satellite observations of extended reconnection x-lines

Recent multisatellite observations of reconnection in the solar wind show that vey long extended x-lines are present[1]. Recently we have proposed a mechanism for the extension of x-lines [2]. However, our previous study was limited to zero guide field (antiparallel reconnection). We extend the study here to different guide field values (component reconnection). The dynamics of x-line formation and evolution in 3D magnetic reconnection is studied using a fully kinetic approach. An x-line of small length is initialized using a perturbation localized in the current direction. The electrons and ions drift diamagnetically along the current direction of the initial x-line and are further accelerated by the reconnection electric field. The electron and ion motion is in opposite directions and each species extends one end of the x-line. The effect of the guide field is shown to alter significantly the modus of extension of the x-line.status: publishe