Formation of current density profile in tilted current sheets

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