The structure of the atmospheric circulation of Venus, and possible irregularities in its rotation rate
Abstract
An instability analysis is applied to determine the nature of the average angular momentum balance that should exist on Venus. The motion of tilted axisymmetric circulation cells is invoked to explain the distributions of atmospheric momentum. The centrifugal force of the stable flow is balanced by the meridional pressure gradient. Time variations in the angular momentum of the Venusian atmosphere are also discussed. Comparisions with phenomena in earth's atmosphere are made throughout.
- Publication:
-
Pisma v Astronomicheskii Zhurnal
- Pub Date:
- June 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982PAZh....8..312G
- Keywords:
-
- Angular Momentum;
- Angular Velocity;
- Atmospheric Circulation;
- Planetary Rotation;
- Venus Atmosphere;
- Centrifugal Force;
- Flow Stability;
- Meridional Flow;
- Pressure Gradients;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration