Scale-dependent alignment in compressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

Using 10,0803 grid simulations, we analyze scale-dependent alignment in driven, compressible, no net-flux magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. The plasma self-organizes into localized, strongly aligned regions. Alignment spans all primitive variables and their curls. Contrary to incompressible theory, velocity-magnetic alignment scales as θ(λ)∼λ1/8, where λ is the scale, suggesting a distinct three-dimensional eddy anisotropy and a much higher critical transition scale toward a reconnection-mediated cascade.