Energy Flux Densities in Electron-only Magnetic Reconnection in Space Plasma

Abstract Electron-only magnetic reconnection, a novel form of magnetic reconnection recently discovered in plasma turbulence, exhibits distinct features from the well-studied standard magnetic reconnection with ion coupling. Our study investigates its energy partition features by utilizing in situ measurements from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission. Electron enthalpy flux exhibits a strong linear relationship with electron velocity. The spatial distributions of electron kinetic energy and enthalpy fluxes are influenced by the asymmetric effects and guide fields in a similar manner to how the spatial distributions of electron velocity are affected. The guide field enhances Poynting flux to a magnitude that rivals, or even surpasses, electron enthalpy flux, while also deflects it toward the outflow direction. These findings impact the understanding of energy partition in magnetic reconnection.