The meteorology of the Jovian atmosphere
Abstract
The paper reviews and interprets direct observational evidence concerning motions in the Jovian atmosphere. The theory of dynamical regimes on rotating planets is outlined, emphasizing the importance of Coriolis forces, thermally driven turbulence, inertial instability, and baroclinic instability. Integrated theories of Jupiter's atmospheric structure and dynamics are discussed along with calculations of radiative-convective equilibrium, calculations of large-scale motions in the free-convection regime, and calculations for a baroclinic-instability regime. Dynamical investigations of zonal motions, the planet's banded structure, the Great Red Spot, and various nonsymmetric features are summarized. It is concluded that the regime in the visible cloud layers at low latitudes is likely to be an inertial instability or forced convection with very nearly adiabatic lapse rates; that the zones are probably regions of higher pressure, warmer temperatures, rising motions, and enhanced cloudiness; and that the belts are probably regions of lower pressure, cooler temperatures, sinking motions, and relative clearness.
- Publication:
-
IAU Colloq. 30: Jupiter: Studies of the Interior, Atmosp here, Magnetosphere and Satellites
- Pub Date:
- 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976jsia.coll..586S
- Keywords:
-
- Cloud Cover;
- Jupiter Atmosphere;
- Jupiter Red Spot;
- Meteorology;
- Planetary Structure;
- Baroclinic Waves;
- Coriolis Effect;
- Forced Convection;
- Free Convection;
- Planetary Rotation;
- Thermal Instability;
- Thermodynamic Equilibrium;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration