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We present a novel model in which shortening of a magnetic flux tubefollowing localized, three-dimensional reconnection generates stronggas-dynamic shocks around its apex. The shortening releases magnetic energy byprogressing away from the reconnection site at the Alfven speed. This launchesinward flows along the field lines whose collision creates a pair ofgas-dynamic shocks. The shocks raise both the mass density and temperatureinside the newly shortened flux tube. Reconnecting field lines whose initialdirections differ by more that 100 degrees can produce a concentrated knot ofplasma hotter that 20 MK, consistent with observations. In spite of these hightemperatures, the shocks convert less than 10% of the liberated magnetic energyinto heat - the rest remains as kinetic energy of bulk motion. Thesegas-dynamic shocks arise only when the reconnection is impulsive and localizedin all three dimensions; they are distinct from the slow magnetosonic shocks ofthe Petschek steady-state reconnection model.

Gas-dynamic shock heating of post-flare loops due to retraction following localized, impulsive reconnection