We present a solitary Alfv\'en wave model that exhibits nontrivial three-dimensional twisting of open magnetic field lines while preserving constant ∣B∣. Embedded rotational discontinuities sharply deflect the otherwise uniform field lines, producing localized, large-amplitude field reversals in one-dimensional profiles that closely resemble the ``switchbacks'' observed by the Parker Solar Probe in the inner heliosphere. This indicates that switchbacks, as seen in one-dimensional spacecraft time series, arise from traversals through strongly curved segments of open magnetic field lines.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2512.12585,
title = {What are Switchbacks?},
author = {Zesen Huang and Marco Velli and Yuliang Ding},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2512.12585},
year = {2025}
}