Planetary circulations. II. The Jovian quasi-geostrophic regime.
Abstract
The two-level quasi-geostropic approximation (Phillips, 1956) provides the simplest circulation model suitable for determining whether multijet circulations can occur under realistic planetary conditions. The paper evaluates the characteristics of the two-level quasi-geostrophic model for a wide range of parameter values in the Jovian domain. Evaluation of this model supports the hypothesis that quasi-geostrophic circulations with multiple, zonally aligned jets can be realistically produced under conditions appropriate to Jupiter and Saturn. The jets result from the interaction of planetary wave propagation and a quasi-geostrophic turbulent cascading that is energized by baroclinic instability. Results for Jupiter suggest that condensation processes related to the geostrophically balanced pressure variations produce the main cloud bands and Great Red Spot, while local temperature changes due to baroclinic instability and frontogenesis bring about the eddy cloud systems embedded within the main bands
- Publication:
-
Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
- Pub Date:
- May 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1175/1520-0469(1979)036<0932:PCTJQG>2.0.CO;2
- Bibcode:
- 1979JAtS...36..932W
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Circulation;
- Baroclinity;
- Geostrophic Wind;
- Jupiter Atmosphere;
- Aerodynamic Drag;
- Atmospheric Models;
- Graphs (Charts);
- Jet Flow;
- Jupiter Red Spot;
- Jupiter Atmosphere:Circulation