Transient fast reconnection in dynamic current sheets with anomalous resistivity

Two-dimensional compressible magnetohydrodynamic simulations of current sheet dynamics under the influence of multiple anomalous resistivity areas and slight asymmetries are presented. Following induced tearing and multiple coalescence, a plasmoid is formed and accelerated. Dominant X-points drive the dynamical evolution and lead to transient occurrence of a Petschek-like reconnection geometry. The dependence of current density extrema, plasmoid bulk velocity and maximum reconnection rate on the Lundquist number is examined.