Physics
Scientific paper
Mar 1982
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1982phdt........71c&link_type=abstract
Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES, 1982.Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 43-04, Sectio
Physics
Scientific paper
Planetary-scale ultraviolet albedo contrasts in the clouds of Venus are atmospheric waves which travel slowly with respect to the "4-day rotation" of the cloud -top atmosphere. These waves cannot be directly forced by topography or by the diurnal variation of solar heating, since they are not fixed with respect to the solid planet (243 day rotation period) or to the overhead motion of the Sun (117 day period). Possible forcing mechanisms for these waves include hydrodynamic instabilities and organized patterns of convection and turbulence. The forcing probably takes place over a range of frequencies, with the atmosphere exhibiting a preferred response at 4 - 6 day periods. In this thesis we develop two models of wave propagation which predict oscillations with the observed properties. The models incorporate the monotonic variation of atmospheric rotation from nearly zero at the planetary surface to the "4-day rotation" at the cloud tops. Wind shear precludes separability of the wave propagation equation, in contrast to the simpler terrestrial problem. We solve the problem by expanding in spherical harmonics (the spherical model) or by simplifying the latitude dependence (the "beta-plane" model). Preferred modes of oscillation are found by imposing forcing over a wide range of frequencies and looking for those frequencies at which the atmospheric response is greatly enhanced. Our results reveal two types of planetary-scale waves which can explain the observations: upward-propagating gravity waves, which travel slightly faster than the "4 -day rotation," and upward-propagating Rossby waves, which travel slightly slower. The two types of waves combine together with varying phase differences to give a variety of shapes, including the "horizontal Y" and related features seen in ultraviolet images of Venus.
No associations
LandOfFree
Models of Planetary-Scale Waves in the Venus Atmosphere. does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Models of Planetary-Scale Waves in the Venus Atmosphere., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Models of Planetary-Scale Waves in the Venus Atmosphere. will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1019991