Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008dps....40.4307l&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #40, #43.07; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 40, p.475
Physics
Scientific paper
Along with its oscillatory changes in shape and equatorward drift, the 1989 Great Dark Spot of Neptune (GDS-89) was notable for its bright companion clouds. These methane clouds appear to be orographic, formed by condensation as moist air is forced over the vortex. Such companion clouds are not unique to GDS-89 (similar features were observed with the 1994 GDS in Neptune's northern hemisphere), but the constant motions of GDS-89 imply a changing effective topography which would in turn alter the shapes of the clouds. In return, the existence of the cloud might also influence the appearance of the vortex.
This project combines oscillating, drifting models of GDS-89 with cloud microphysics to produce a dynamic vortex and bright companion. The numerical model used for this study is the Explicit Planetary Isentropic-Coordinate General Circulation Model (EPIC GCM). Previously, Stratman et al. (2001) used the isentropic-coordinate version of this GCM and a non-condensing methane tracer model to place the bright companion clouds and the top of GDS-89 in the vicinity of the tropopause. This project initially considers a cloud model based on a simplified version of the cloud microphysics scheme developed by Palotai and Dowling (2008) modified for methane. In contrast to Stratman et al., vortex and zonal wind conditions are chosen to yield an elliptical feature oscillating with periods of several days and moderate meridional drift. The current version of EPIC also supports finer vertical resolution with a hybrid vertical coordinate, yielding better cloud locations. The primary objectives are to match the observed vortex motions and cloud distributions seen by Voyager II and to examine the interaction between the moist atmospheres and the vortex. Current results indicate that the inclusion of significant methane humidity may alter the dynamics of the vortex as well as the distribution of the clouds.
Deng Xinghua
Le Beau Raymond P.
Palotai Csaba
No associations
LandOfFree
Dynamic Simulation of Neptune's 1989 Great Dark Spot and its Bright Companion 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 Dynamic Simulation of Neptune's 1989 Great Dark Spot and its Bright Companion, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamic Simulation of Neptune's 1989 Great Dark Spot and its Bright Companion will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1439027