Inverse reconstruction technique based on time-dependent Petschek-type reconnection model: first application to THEMIS magnetotail observations

Abstract

We apply the inverse reconstruction technique based on the two-dimensional time-dependent Petschek-type reconnection model to a dual bipolar magnetic structure observed by THEMIS B probe in the Earth's magnetotail during a substorm on 22 February 2008 around 04:35 UT. The technique exploits the recorded bipolar magnetic field variation as an input and provides the reconnection electric field and the location of the X-line as an output. As a result of the technique application, we get (1) the electric field, reaching ~1.1 mV/m at the maximum and consisting of two successive pulses with total duration of ~6 min, and (2) the approximate X-line position located in the magnetotail between 18 and 20 RE.