Magnetic remanence mechanisms in iron and iron-nickel alloys,metallographic recognition criteria and implications for lunar sample research

Mechanisms responsible for remanent magnetization in lunar samples are different from mechanisms for terrestrial samples simply because lunar samples contain iron and iron alloys, while terrestrial samples contain oxides as major remanence carriers. Nine new remanence mechanisms for iron and iron-nickel alloys are proposed in this paper, and their characteristics are summarized. The remanence mechanisms are MTRM (Martensitic), DARM (Duplex Anneal), RCRM (Recrystallization), SRRM (Shock Transition), TPRM (Transition Point), TMRM (Transformation), RMRM (Reverse Transformation), TSRM (Shock Twinning), DCRM (Precipitation). Specific metallographic criteria for recognition of phase structures associated with the mechanisms are briefly described, and micrographs of some of the phase designations are presented. Magnetic remanence properties for iron-nickel alloys are dependent on the amount of nickel and on the thermal history of the alloy. Specific phase structures associated with some transformations impart high magnetic stability even in large grains of metal and alloys ( 1 mm). The proposed mechanisms may apply to the complete size range of metal in the lunar samples (0.002m to 1000m). It is likely that magnetic remanence properties in lunar samples will have to be reinterpreted in terms of the proposed mechanisms.     

Possible magnetic effects due to fine particle metal and intergrown phases in lunar samples

Electron microscopy has confirmed the existence of both body centered cubic (BBC)-α metal and face centered cubic (FCC)-γ metal in lunar fines and breccia samples. Under appropriate conditions of composition, size, and other constraints iron-nickel alloys can exist as FCC phases over the entire range from 0 to 100% nickel. Lunar rock magnetism research has not generally considered the implications of structures, mechanisms, crystallography, and possible interaction effects in fine particle metal. FCC metal is antiferromagnetic (? 30 wt % nickel) and would be measured in the paramagnetic component, showing a cryogenic temperature Neel point; only BCC metal would figure in the estimation of the free iron content based on saturation magnetization measurements. Evidence is presented for changes in saturation magnetization, magnetic remanence, and coercivity, and for the introduction of magnetic anisotropy when FCC metal transforms to BCC metal. From the results in the published metallurgical literature it is inferred that the induced magnetic anisotropy observed during plastic deformation of fine FCC iron precipitates in a copper matrix is associated with uniaxial development of BCC plates in the FCC precipitate. Directional impulse or any uniaxial deformation may produce magnetic anisotropy if FCC metal is made to transform to BCC metal (theγ→α _M transformation), and there will be an angular dependence for remanence acquisition, because of shape, which must be considered in paleointensity determinations. It should be noted that the transformation can be activated at any temperature below the Curie point of the BCC metal High field rotational hysteresis (Wr) has been measured in lunar fines and rocks, indicating that exchange anisotropy and/or ferromagnetic minerals with large uniaxial anisotropy exist in the lunar samples. The following are possible sources of the hysteresis:

1. Fine intergrowths of spinels or other nonequilibrium phase intergrowths developed during subsolidus reduction;
2. Fine particle intergrowths of iron and iron sulfide;
3. Iron and wustite or magnetite due to fine particle oxidation;
4. Ferromagnetic (BCC) and antiferromagnetic (FCC) metallic intergrowths.

     

Khatyrka,a new CV3 find from the Koryak Mountains,Eastern Russia

A new meteorite find, named Khatyrka, was recovered from eastern Siberia as a result of a search for naturally occurring quasicrystals. The meteorite occurs as clastic grains within postglacial clay‐rich layers along the banks of a small stream in the Koryak Mountains, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug of far eastern Russia. Some of the grains are clearly chondritic and contain Type IA porphyritic olivine chondrules enclosed in matrices that have the characteristic platy olivine texture, matrix olivine composition, and mineralogy (olivine, pentlandite, nickel‐rich iron‐nickel metal, nepheline, and calcic pyroxene [diopside‐hedenbergite solid solution]) of oxidized‐subgroup CV3 chondrites. A few grains are fine‐grained spinel‐rich calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions with mineral oxygen isotopic compositions again typical of such objects in CV3 chondrites. The chondritic and CAI grains contain small fragments of metallic copper‐aluminum‐iron alloys that include the quasicrystalline phase icosahedrite. One grain is an achondritic intergrowth of Cu‐Al metal alloys and forsteritic olivine ± diopsidic pyroxene, both of which have meteoritic (CV3‐like) oxygen isotopic compositions. Finally, some grains consist almost entirely of metallic alloys of aluminum + copper ± iron. The Cu‐Al‐Fe metal alloys and the alloy‐bearing achondrite clast are interpreted to be an accretionary component of what otherwise is a fairly normal CV3 (oxidized) chondrite. This association of CV3 chondritic grains with metallic copper‐aluminum alloys makes Khatyrka a unique meteorite, perhaps best described as a complex CV3 (ox) breccia.     

Magnetic classification of stony meteorites: 2. Non‐ordinary chondrites

Abstract— A database of magnetic susceptibility (χ) measurements on different non‐ordinary chondrites (C, E, R, and ungrouped) populations is presented and compared to our previous similar work on ordinary chondrites. It provides an exhaustive study of the amount of iron‐nickel magnetic phases (essentially metal and magnetite) in these meteorites. In contrast with all the other classes, CM and CV show a wide range of magnetic mineral content, with a two orders of magnitude variation of χ. Whether this is due to primary parent body differences, metamorphism or alteration, remains unclear. C3–4 and C2 yield similar χ values to the ones shown by CK and CM, respectively. By order of increasing χ, the classes with well‐grouped χ are: R << CO < CK ≈ CI < Kak < CR < E ≈ CH < CB. Based on magnetism, EH and EL classes have indistinguishable metal content. Outliers that we suggest may need to have their classifications reconsidered are Acfer 202 (CO), Elephant Moraine (EET) 96026 (C4–5), Meteorite Hills (MET) 01149, and Northwest Africa (NWA) 521 (CK), Asuka (A)‐88198, LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 031156, and Sahara 98248 (R). χ values can also be used to define affinities of ungrouped chondrites, and propose pairing, particularly in the case of CM and CV meteorites.     

Turbulent effects of sunspot magnetic field reconstruction

We study the effects of two-dimensional turbulence generated in sunspot umbra due to strong magnetic fields and Alfven oscillations excited in sunspots due to relatively weak magnetic fields on the evolution of sunspots. Two phases of sunspot magnetic field decaying are shown to exist. The initial rapid phase of magnetic field dissipation is due to two-dimensional turbulence. The subsequent slow phase of magnetic field decaying is associated with Alfven oscillations. Our results correspond to observed data that provide evidence for two types of sunspot evolution. The effect of macroscopic diamagnetic expulsion of magnetic field from the convective zone or photosphere toward sunspots is essential in supporting the long-term stability and equilibrium of vertical magnetic flux tubes in sunspots.     

Enhanced nondestructive characterization of ordinary chondrites using complex magnetic susceptibility measurements

Ordinary chondrites have previously been nondestructively characterized using bulk magnetic susceptibility, broadly reflecting their Fe-Ni alloy content. We seek to expand the information that can be recovered from magnetic susceptibility by using the University of Toronto Electromagnetic Induction Spectrometer (UTEMIS) to measure the complex magnetic susceptibility tensor of 20 ordinary chondrites samples in addition to 16 Gao–Guenie (H5) chondrites at 35 frequencies from 90 Hz to 64 kHz, at variable low applied field strengths <10 A m⁻¹. Following removal of the field-dependent component of susceptibility, frequency dependence, in- and out-of-phase components, and bulk magnetic susceptibility were interpreted. Most meteorites showed no frequency-dependent in-phase responses, but had a frequency-dependent out-of-phase response attributed to eddy currents induced in conductive minerals. Greater in- and out-of-phase frequency dependence correlated with lower fayalite content in olivine and was, in turn, inversely proportional to Fe-Ni alloy content. The uncertainty in the UTEMIS measurements ranges from approximately 0.05% for low-frequency in-phase measurements to a maximum of 3% for low-frequency out-of-phase measurements. This uncertainty level was far lower than the intra-meteorite variability for the Gao–Guenie suite suggesting inhomogeneity at scales of approximately 10 g.     

Magnetic classification of stony meteorites: 3. Achondrites

Abstract— A database of magnetic susceptibility measurements of stony achondrites (acapulcoite‐lodranite clan, winonaites, ureilites, angrites, aubrites, brachinites, howardite‐eucrite‐diogenite (HED) clan, and Martian meteorites, except lunar meteorites) is presented and compared to our previous work on chondrites. This database provides an exhaustive study of the amount of iron‐nickel magnetic phases (essentially metal and more rarely pyrrhotite and titanomagnetite) in these meteorites. Except for ureilites, achondrites appear much more heterogeneous than chondrites in metal content, both at the meteorite scale and at the parent body scale. We propose a model to explain the lack of or inefficient metal segregation in a low gravity context. The relationship between grain density and magnetic susceptibility is discussed. Saturation remanence appears quite weak in most metal‐bearing achondrites (HED and aubrites) compared to Martian meteorites. Ureilites are a notable exception and can carry a strong remanence, similar to most chondrites.     

An experimental study on Fischer‐Tropsch catalysis: Implications for impact phenomena and nebular chemistry

Abstract— Fischer‐Tropsch catalysis, by which CO and H₂ are converted to CH₄ on the surface of transition metals, has been considered to be one of the most important chemical reactions in many planetary processes, such as the formation of the solar and circumplanetary nebulae, the expansion of vapor clouds induced by cometary impacts, and the atmospheric re‐entry of vapor condensate due to asteroidal impacts. However, few quantitative experimental studies have been conducted for the catalytic reaction under conditions relevant to these planetary processes. In this study, we conduct Fischer‐Tropsch catalytic experiments at low pressures (1.3 times 10^?4 bar ≤ P ≤ 5.3 times 10^?1 bar) over a wide range of H₂/CO ratios (0.25–1000) using pure iron, pure nickel, and iron‐nickel alloys. We analyze what gas species are produced and measure the CH₄ formation rate. Our results indicate that the CH₄ formation rate for iron catalysts strongly depends on both pressure and the H₂/CO ratio, and that nickel is a more efficient catalyst at lower pressures and lower H₂/CO ratios. This difference in catalytic properties between iron and nickel may come from the reaction steps concerning disproportionation of CO, hydrogenation of surface carbon, and the poisoning of the catalyst. These results suggest that nickel is important in the atmospheric re‐entry of impact condensate, while iron is efficient in circumplanetary subnebulae. Our results also indicate that previous numerical models of iron catalysis based on experimental data at 1 bar considerably overestimate CH₄ formation efficiency at lower pressures, such as the solar nebula and the atmospheric re‐entry of impact condensate.     

Measuring Magnetic Oscillations in the Solar Photosphere: Coordinated Observations with MDI,ASP and MWO

A comprehensive observing effort was undertaken to simultaneously obtain full Stokes profiles as well as longitudinal magnetogram maps of a positive plage region on 8 December, 1998 with the Michelson Doppler Imager, the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter and Mt. Wilson Observatory magnetograph. We compare 1.2 spatially-averaged signals of velocities as well as filter magnetograph longitudinal flux signals with Stokes determined fluctuations in filling factor, field inclination, magnetic flux and field strength. The velocity signals are in excellent agreement. Michelson Doppler Imager magnetic flux correlates best with fluctuations in the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter filling factor, not inclination angle or field strength. A correlated flux and filling factor change in the absence of a field strength fluctuation can be understood in terms of internally unperturbed flux tubes being buffeted by external pressure fluctuations. The 12.5 square aperture spatially averaged Mt. Wilson magnetograph signals are compared with Michelson Doppler Imager signals from the corresponding observing area. Velocity signals are in superb agreement. Magnetic signals exhibit similar oscillatory behavior. Lack of Advanced Stokes Polarimeter data for this time excludes interpretation of magnetic fluctuations as due to filling factor or field inclination angle. Mt. Wilson Observatory simultaneous sampling of the nickel and sodium spectral line profiles with several wing pairs allowed inter-comparison of signals from different heights of formation. Slight phase shifts and large propagation speeds for the velocity signals are indicative of modified standing waves. Phase speeds associated with magnetic signals are characteristic of photospheric Alfvén speeds for plage fields. The phase speed increase with height agrees with the altitude dependence of the Alfvén speed. The observed fluctuations and phases are interpreted as a superposition of signatures from the horizontal component of the driving mechanism sweeping the field lines in/out of the resolution area and the magnetic response of the flux tube to this buffeting.     

Geochemical zoning and magnetic mineralogy at Fe,Ni‐alloy–troilite interfaces of three iron meteorites from Morasko,Coahuila II,and Mundrabilla

We combined high‐resolution and space‐resolved elemental distribution with investigations of magnetic minerals across Fe,Ni‐alloy and troilite interfaces for two nonmagmatic (Morasko and Mundrabilla) IAB group iron meteorites and an octahedrite found in 1993 in Coahuila/Mexico (Coahuila II) preliminarily classified on Ir and Au content as IIAB group. The aim of this study was to elucidate the crystallization and thermal history using gradients of the siderophile elements Ni, Co, Ge, and Ga and the chalcophile elements Cr, Cu, and Se with a focus on magnetic minerals. The Morasko and Coahuila II meteorite show a several mm‐thick carbon‐ and phosphorous‐rich transition zone between Fe,Ni‐alloy and troilite, which is characterized by magnetic cohenite and nonmagnetic or magnetic schreibersite. At Morasko, these phases have a characteristic trace element composition with Mo enriched in cohenite. In both Morasko and Coahuila II, Ni is enriched in schreibersite. The minerals have crystallized from immiscible melts, either by fractional crystallization and C‐ and P‐enrichment in the melt, or by partial melting at temperatures slightly above the eutectic point. During crystallization of Mundrabilla, the field of immiscibility was not reached. Independent of meteorite group and cooling history, the magnetic mineralogy (daubreelite, cohenite and/or schreibersite, magnetite) is very similar to the troilite (and transition zone) for all three investigated iron meteorites. If these minerals can be separated from the metal, they might provide important information about the early solar system magnetic field. Magnetite is interpreted as a partial melting or a terrestrial weathering product of the Fe,Ni‐alloy under oxidizing conditions.     

Bursts with temporal fine structure at 5730 MHz

An analysis of solar radio bursts with temporal fine structure (TFS) at 5730 MHz in relation to the magnetic configuration of the corresponding active regions (AR) is presented. We found that the occurrence of TFS bursts increases with increasing complexity of the AR's magnetic configuration. The degree of polarization of TFS bursts varies over a wide range. Most of these fast bursts with a high degree of polarization were observed in active regions with a simple magnetic configuration β. Most of the unpolarized fast bursts were observed in active regions with the most complicated configuration βγδ. Because bursts that are polarized in different modes have different displacements of position with respect to that of associated microwave bursts, we conclude that there are at least two types of TFS bursts at 5730 MHz. We think that fast bursts that are polarized in the ordinary mode are due to microwave type III bursts.     

Solar Magnetoconvection – (Invited Review)

In recent years the study of how magnetic fields interact with thermal convection in the Sun has made significant advances. These are largely due to the rapidly increasing computer power and its application to more physically relevant parameters regimes and to more realistic physics and geometry in numerical models. Here we present a survey of recent results following one line of investigations and discuss and compare the results of these with observed phenomena.     

Latitude and Magnetic Flux Dependence of the Tilt Angle of Bipolar Regions

Magnetogram data of 517 bipolar active regions are analyzed to study latitude, magnetic flux, polarity separation dependence of tilt angle of the active regions with well-defined bipolar magnetic configurations. The data were obtained at Huairou Solar Observing Station in Beijing during 1988 to October 2001. By statistical analysis, it is found: (1) The tilt angle () is a function of the latitude (). Our observed result, sin=0.5 sin, is in good agreement with that obtained by Wang and Sheeley (1991). (2) The tilt angle is a function of the magnetic flux. The tilt angle increases (decreases) with flux increasing when the flux is smaller (larger) than 5×10²¹ Mx. (3) The tilt angle is a function of the magnetic polarity separation. The tilt angle increases (decreases) with the separation increasing when the separation is smaller (larger) than 8×10⁹ cm. (4) The magnetic flux ( in 10²⁰ Mx) is correlated to the magnetic polarity separation (d in Mm), following ₂₀d ^1.15. The result is close to the observed result of Wang and Sheeley (1989), ₂₀d ^1.3. (5) The tilt fluctuations are independent of the latitude, but depend slightly on the separation, which is similar to the result obtained by Fisher, Fan, and Howard (1995). (6) The distribution function of the ratio of net magnetic flux to total magnetic flux is almost centered around zero net flux. The imbalance of magnetic flux is lower than 10% for 47% of our samples; 31% of active regions are in imbalance of the magnetic flux between 10% and 20%.     

The topological association of Hα structures and magnetic fields

The topological associations between H structures and magnetic fields are examined for an active region observed on two different dates. The structures seen in the on and off band of H filtergrams are compared with the contour maps of magnetic fields at the level of magnetogram observations. Similar comparisons are made also with the configurations of force-free magnetic lines of force at various heights evaluated with the use of formulations developed previously by Nakagawa and Raadu (1972).Among the results of significance, we may note that (1) H plages could be identified with regions of magnetic field larger than ±80 G, (2) the network of bright dots seen in H -1 Å filtergrams follow closely ±80 G contours. (3) stable prominences lie along either neutral lines or valleys of magnetic fields, (4) the configuration of magnetic lines of force shows discrete domain structures suggesting bipolar nature of local magnetic fields, and (5) within a domain the configuration is governed apparently by evalutional consequences. Details of analyses are described with discussions on the limitations and possible future improvements.The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.Operated by Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under contract with the National Science Foundation.     

Line formation in microturbulent magnetic fields

The formation of Zeeman lines in Gaussian microturbulent magnetic fields is considered assuming LTE. General formulae are derived for the local mean values of the transfer matrix elements. The cases of one-dimensional (longitudinal), isotropic, and two-dimensional (transversal) magnetic microturbulence are studied in some detail. Asymptotic formulae are given for small mean as well as for small microturbulent magnetic fields. Characteristic effects of magnetic microturbulence on the transfer coefficients are: (i) the broadening of the frequency contours, although only for the case of longitudinal Zeeman effect and longitudinal magnetic microturbulence this effect can be described analogous to Doppler broadening, (ii) the appearance of a pseudo-Zeeman structure for nonlongitudinal magnetic microturbulence, (iii) the reduction of maximal values of circular polarization, and (iv) the appearance of characteristic linear polarization effects due to the anisotropy of the magnetic microturbulence.Line contours and polarization of Zeeman triplets are computed for Milne-Edddington atmospheres. It is shown that magnetic intensification due to microturbulent magnetic fields may be much more efficient than that due to regular fields. The gravity center of a Zeeman line observed in circularly polarized light remains a reasonable measure of the line of sight component of the mean magnetic field for a line strength47-1. For saturated lines, the gravity center distance depends significantly on the magnetic microturbulence and its anisotropy. The influence of magnetic microturbulence on the ratio of longitudinal field magnetographic signals shows that unique conclusions about the magnetic microstructure can be drawn from the line ratio measurement only in combination with further spectroscopic data or physical reasoning.     

火星磁层中O^＋离子分布的理论研究

对火星磁层中背阳面区来自电离层的Ｏ＋离子沿磁力线的密度和通量密度分布进行了理论研究．设火星的磁场由内禀磁场和感应磁场相叠加而成,结合不同的内禀磁矩条件进行了计算．结果表明：（１）随着火心距离的增大,火星磁层中Ｏ＋离子的密度和通量密度沿磁力线都呈现出下降趋势;（２）随着Ｚ坐标的增大,火星磁层中Ｏ＋离子的密度和通量密度先呈现出下降趋势,后又逐渐上升;（３）火星的内禀磁场越强,Ｏ＋离子的密度和通量密度沿磁力线下降得越快;（４）在火星磁尾一定距离处,Ｏ＋离子的密度和通量密度随磁矩的增大而减小．这样,可通过探测火星磁层中离子的密度和通量密度分布来确定火星内禀磁场的强弱     

3D magnetic reconnection at an X-ray bright point

On May 1, 1993, a flaring X-ray bright point (XBP) was observed for about 16 hours in the old, disintegrating, bipolar active region (AR) NOAA 7493. During this period, a minor magnetic bipole (10²⁰ Mx) emerged in the region. We have found observational evidence showing that the XBP brightenings were due to magnetic reconnection between the new bipole and pre-existing plage fields. The aim of the present work is to substantiate with magnetic modelling what has been shown by the observations. For this purpose we extrapolate the observed photospheric magnetic fields in the linear force-free approximation and follow its evolution during the lifetime of the XBP. From the computed coronal field lines we determine the location of regions of drastic change in field-line linkage, called quasi-separatrix layers or QSLs. QSLs are open layers that behave physically like separatrices: the break down of ideal magnetohydrodynamics and the release of free magnetic energy may occur at these locations when their thickness is small enough. The extrapolated field lines, with photospheric footpoints on both sides of QSLs, match the observed chromospheric and coronal structures (arch filament system, XBP and faint X-ray loops (FXL)). We study also the evolution of the width of the QSL located over the new negative polarity pore: the calculated QSL is very thin (typically less than 100 m) during the lifetime of the XBP, but becomes much thicker ( 10⁴ m) after the XBP has faded. Furthermore we show that peaks in X-ray brightness propagate along the FXL with a velocity of 670 km s^-1, starting from the XBP location, implying that the energy is released where the emerging bipole impacts against pre-existing coronal loops. We discuss the possible mechanism of energy transport and conclude that the energy is conducted to the remote footpoints of the FXL by a thermal front. These results strongly support the supposition that the XBP brightness and flaring are due to the interaction of different flux systems, through 3D magnetic reconnection, at QSLs.Member of the Carrera del Investigador Cientifíco, CONICET.Also at Konkoly Observatory, Budapest, Pf. 67, H-1525 Hungary.     

Structure and evolution of supermassive rotating magnetic polytropes

The structure of rotating magnetic polytropes is considered in Roche approximation. Investigation of the influence of poloidal as well as toroidal magnetic fields on the conditions of the beginning of matter outflow due to rotational instability is carried out. The influence of the turbulent convection and twisting of magnetic force lines on the time of smoothing of differential rotation is considered. The estimate of the magneto-turbulence energy generated by differential rotation is presented. Both maximum possible energy output and duration of the quasi-statical evolution phase up to the appearance of hydrodynamic instability due to the effects of General Relativity are calculated for supermassive magnetic polytropes of index three with uniform or differential rotation. The radiusmass relation is obtained for supermassive differentially-rotating magnetic polytropes referring to the longest part of the quasi-statistical evolution stage; some consequences are pointed out, including the period-luminosity relation.The evolution of the considered models of supermassive rotating magnetic polytropes with different character of rotation and different geometry of a magnetic field is discussed.The results obtained are summarized in the last section.Receipt delayed by postal strike in Great Britain.     

Shock remagnetization associated with meteorite impact at planetary surfaces

Shock remagnetization is a significant mode of alteration of the intensity and direction of magnetization in planetary crustal rocks subjected to the dynamic and thermochemical effects associated with meteorite impact. Shock remagnetization will take place almost instantaneously during and following the transient shock episode, and over longer times depending on residual temperature effects associated with shock heating and the production of impact melt. Remagnetization will follow certain demagnetization effects. The following transitions and residual effects will result in remagnetization of planetary crustal material:

1. First order reversible crystallographic transitions in bodycentered cubic iron-nickel alloys.
2. Second order Curie temperature transitions in face-centered cubic iron-nickel alloys.
3. Shock induced uniaxial anisotropy due to magnetoelasstic coupling of magnetic vectors to the shock wave.
4. Shock melting of iron containing silicates.
5. Subsolidus reduction and FeO decomposition.
6. Partial ther moremanence due to post-shock temperature.
7. Total thermoremanence due to post-shock temperature.
8. Production of a superparamagnetic distribution of iron which is sensitive to surface temperature fluctuation.
9. Thermal effects in metal and alloy phases.

Lunar breccia and soil samples are generally more reduced than crystalline rocks and some of th's reduction is subsolidus probably associated with the transient thermal effects due to meteorite impact in teh porous reglith.     

Topology of Magnetic Field and Coronal Heating in Solar Active Regions – II. The Role of Quasi-Separatrix Layers

The photospheric vector magnetic fields, H and soft X-ray images of AR 7321 were simultaneously observed with the Solar Flare Telescope at Mitaka and the Soft X-ray Telescope of Yohkoh on October 26, 1992, when there was no important activity in this region. Taking the observed photospheric vector magnetic fields as the boundary condition, 3D magnetic fields above the photosphere were computed with a new numerical technique. Then quasi-separatrix layers (QSLs), i.e., regions where 3D magnetic reconnection takes place, were determined in the computed 3D magnetic fields. Since Yohkoh data and Mitaka data were obtained in well-arranged time sequences during the day, the evolution of 3D fields, H features and soft X-ray features in this region can be studied in detail. Through a comparison among the 3D magnetic fields, H features and soft X-ray features, the following results have been obtained: (a) H plages are associated with the portions of QSLs in the chromosphere; (b) diffuse coronal features (DCFs) and bright coronal features (BCFs) are morphologically confined by the coronal linkage of the field lines related to the QSLs; (c) BCFs are associated with a part of the magnetic field lines related to the QSLs. These results suggest that as the likely places where energy release may occur by 3D magnetic reconnection, QSLs play an important role in the chromospheric and coronal heating in this active region.