Flux tube

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A flux tube is a region of space bounded by a flux surface, i.e., a surface such that the magnetic field is everywhere perpendicular to the surface normal.

Sketch of a flux tube with magnetic field lines in red

In flux coordinates, such a surface has cylindrical topology. In a closed magnetic field region, the topology is toroidal.

The magnetic flux traversing any cross sectional area of a flux tube is invariant.

Contrary to magnetic islands, that are bounded by a separatrix, there is not necessarily any essential dynamical difference between the regions inside and outside of a flux tube.

See also