A theory of two-ribbon solar flares is presented which identifies the primary energy release site with the tops of the flare loops. The flare loops are formed by magnetic reconnection of a locally opened field configuration produced by the eruption ofa pre-flare filament. Such eruptions are commonly observed about 15 min prior to the flare itself. It is proposed that the flare loops represent the primary energy release site even during the earliest phase of the flare, i.e., 'the flare loops are in fact the flare itself.
Based upon the supposition that the energy release at the loop tops is in the form of Joulean dissipation of magnetic energy at the rising reconneetion site, a quantitative model of the energy release process is developed based upon an analytic reconnecting magnetic field geometry believed to represent the basic process. Predicted curves of energy density vs time are compared with X-ray observations taken aboard Skylab for the events of 29 July, 13 August, and 21 August in 1973. Considering the crudity of the model, the comparisons appear reasonable. The predicted field strengths necessary to produce the observed energy density curves are also reasonable, being in the range 100-1000 G.