Inter-relationships between Small-Scale Magnetic Flux Ropes and Switchbacks in the Young Solar Wind from Parker Solar Probe Observations

Findings from the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission uncover frequent occurrences of small-scale magnetic flux ropes (SMFRs) and switchbacks (SBs - sharp deflection of magnetic field direction with radial velocity spike inside) as structural components of the solar wind. These mesoscale structures are present at all heliocentric distances and are specifically active in the young solar wind. SMFRs exhibit fundamental physical traits akin to larger structures but are distinguished by their notably smaller scale, lasting from seconds to a couple of hours, spanning distances from a few thousand kilometers to several solar radii (Rs). Previous research has identified mesoscale features, including successive SMFRs, blobs, and SBs observed in the inner heliosphere. These observations were made during the PSP's co-rotational orbits with the Sun, aligned radially along a narrow longitudinal zone. By examining these sequential structures, we have determined SB structures at the boundaries of SMFRs. We showed that the cross-occurrence of SBs and SMFRs is significant and these SBs’ geometries are determined by the SMFR orientation. Our findings of switchbacks associated with SMFRs suggest that they are integral to understanding the magnetic topology and the evolution of SBs, influenced by surrounding structures during their propagation. Furthermore, stability assessments are conducted at the boundaries of SMFRs to derive the specific local origin of SBs and factors, which affect their parameters, providing insights into the dynamic processes shaping the young solar wind.