Plasma Waves Near Reconnection Sites

Abstract

Reconnection sites are known to be regions of strong wave activity covering a broad range of frequencies from below the ion gyrofrequency to above the electron plasma frequency. Here we explore the observations near the reconnection sites of high frequency waves, frequencies well above the ion gyrofrequency. We concentrate on in situ satellite observations, particularly on recent observations by the Cluster spacecraft and, where possible, compare the observations with numerical simulations, laboratory experiments and theoretical predictions. Several wave modes are found near the reconnection sites: lower hybrid drift waves, whistlers, electron cyclotron waves, Langmuir/upper hybrid waves, and solitary wave structures. We discuss the role of these waves in the reconnection onset and supporting the reconnection, in anomalous resistivity and diffusion, as well as a possibility for using these waves as a tool for remote sensing of reconnection sites.