A global magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the magnetosphere when the interplanetary magnetic field is southward: The onset of magnetotail reconnection

We have used a new high‐resolution global magnetohydrodynamic simulation model to investigate the onset of reconnection in the magnetotail during intervals with southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). After the southward IMF reaches the dayside magnetopause reconnection begins and magnetic flux is convected into the tail lobes. After about 35 min, reconnection begins within the plasma sheet near midnight at x = −14 R E . Later the x line moves toward dawn and dusk. The reconnection occurs just tailward of the region where the tail attaches onto the dipole‐dominated inner magnetosphere. The simulation shows that prior to the onset of reconnection, the Poynting flux is concentrated in this region. The time required for the start of reconnection depends on the component of the magnetic field normal to the equator ( B Z ). Reconnection occurs only after the B Z component has been reduced sufficiently for the tearing mode to grow. Later, when all the plasma sheet field lines have reconnected, a plasmoid moves down the tail.