A Simple Model of Convection in the Jovian Atmosphere
Abstract
A theoretical model for the latitudinal structure of alternating zones and belts in the Jovian atmosphere is proposed. The explanation is based on the theory of convection in rapidly rotating spherical fluid shells heated from within. The Boussinesq approximation is used and effects of turbulences are taken into account in terms of a constant eddy viscosity. The main conclusion is that the boundary of the polar region corresponds to the latitude for which the distance from the axis is equal to the radius of Jupiter's metallic hydrogen core.
- Publication:
-
Icarus
- Pub Date:
- October 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0019-1035(76)90053-1
- Bibcode:
- 1976Icar...29..255B
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Circulation;
- Atmospheric Models;
- Convective Flow;
- Jupiter Atmosphere;
- Polar Regions;
- Astronomical Models;
- Boussinesq Approximation;
- Eddy Viscosity;
- Planetary Structure;
- Rotating Fluids;
- Spherical Shells;
- Turbulence Effects