Formation of current density profile in tilted current sheets

We investigate Cluster observations of strongly tilted sheets (flapping events) in the magnetotail. In accor- dance with the simple model of slip deformation (vertical differential displacement of neighboring flux tubes), the Jy current density component in the tilted sheet remains con- stant and equal to that in the horizontal undisturbed sheet. However, a substantial Jz component appears proportional to the local sheet tilt. Slip-type variations, having smaller scale than the full crossing, locally change the tilt and Jz and may thus create a variety of non-classical (bifurcated, asymmetric etc) current density profiles.

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