Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufm.p33a1265p&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #P33A-1265
Physics
[3319] Atmospheric Processes / General Circulation, [5405] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Atmospheres, [6295] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Venus
Scientific paper
A general circulation model of the Venus atmosphere has been developed based on the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model (CAM), which is a widely used Earth climate model. A finite volume version of the CAM model has been extended from the ground to around 90 km altitude, to include the cloud top region on Venus within which strong superrotating winds are observed. The mechanisms by which these superrotating winds are generated and maintained in Venus' atmosphere are still not well understood. In modifying the CAM model for Venus, Earth-based parameters have been replaced by those appropriate for the Venus atmosphere. A high horizontal resolution (1 degree in latitude by 1 degree in longitude) has been included to represent small scale processes which may be important within Venus' atmosphere. A simplified thermal relaxation scheme has been used to represent the radiative processes within the model. A self consistent radiative scheme is also being implemented in the model based on the radiation model used in the Laboratoire de Meteorologie Dynamique Venus atmosphere model. A linear friction approach has been used to represent the lower boundary surface drag and at the upper boundary of the model to prevent possible reflections. Model simulations including the simplified thermal forcing are found to generate superrotating winds at cloud top altitudes with magnitudes comparable with those observed. Periodic variations are found in the magnitudes of the simulated winds and in the structure of the zonal wind jets with a timescale of around ten years. The results of the simulations suggest that the generation of the superrotating winds may be related to the presence of upward propagating waves rather than to a simple Hadley type circulation. The results are analyzed to determine the nature of the dynamical processes associated with the superrotating winds and their periodic variations, taking into account the transport of mass and angular momentum. Observational data from Mariner 10, Pioneer Venus and Venus Express may also suggest the presence of variations in the structure of the zonal wind jets. Multi-year observational datasets are required to determine the nature of any long term periodicities in Venus' atmosphere.
Covey Curtis
Grossman Allen
Lebonnois Sébastien
Parish Helen F.
Schubert Gerald
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