Mesoscale convection in the clouds of Venus

Details Mesoscale convection in the clouds of Venus Mesoscale convection in the clouds of Venus

Mar 1981

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981natur.290...17c&link_type=abstract

Nature, vol. 290, Mar. 5, 1981, p. 17-20.

Physics

13

Convection Clouds, Mesoscale Phenomena, Radiative Heat Transfer, Turbulent Diffusion, Venus Atmosphere, Venus Clouds, Adiabatic Flow, Atmospheric Boundary Layer, Atmospheric Stratification, Benard Cells, Boussinesq Approximation, Pioneer Venus 2 Entry Probes, Rayleigh Number, Thermodynamic Properties, Venus, Clouds, Convection, Meteorology, Ultraviolet, Atmosphere, Heat, Radiation, Anisotropy, Eddy Diffusion, Mariner 10, Pioneer 11, Depth, Photographs, Data, Rayleigh Number, Flux, Diameter, Radiative Transf

Scientific paper

A theory explaining the high aspect ratios for cloud level convection in the Venusian atmosphere is presented. The apparent flatness of large-scale convection cells in the Venusian clouds is accounted for by anisotropic eddy diffusion and radiative transfer effects. Horizontal eddy diffusivities must be at least ten-fold greater than vertical diffusivities. Anisotropy ratios greater than or approximately equal to 1,000 are sufficient to explain the flattening in cases where the vertical eddy diffusivity is greater than or approximately equal to 100,000 sq cm/s and the effects of radiative transfer are negligible. For vertical diffusivity greater than or approximately equal to 100,000 sq cm/s, radiative transfer contributes to the flattening. Radiative transfer alone can not account for the apparent aspect ratios, as this would require vertical heat diffusivities large enough to give a nonphysically high value of convective heat transport.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Mesoscale convection in the clouds of Venus 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 Mesoscale convection in the clouds of Venus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mesoscale convection in the clouds of Venus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1038817