Zonal jets in rotating convection with mixed mechanical boundary conditions

Details Zonal jets in rotating convection with mixed mechanical boundary conditions Zonal jets in rotating convection with mixed mechanical boundary conditions

Jun 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004icar..169..492a&link_type=abstract

Icarus, Volume 169, Issue 2, p. 492-498.

Computer Science

16

Jupiter, Saturn, Atmospheres, Convection

Scientific paper

Large-scale zonal flows, as observed on the giant planets, can be driven by thermal convection in a rapidly rotating spherical shell. Most previous models of convectively-driven zonal flow generation have utilized stress-free mechanical boundary conditions (FBC) for both the inner and the outer surfaces of the convecting layer. Here, using 3D numerical models, we compare the FBC case to the case with a stress free outer boundary and a non-slip inner boundary, which we call the mixed case (MBC). We find significant differences in surface zonal flow profiles produced by the two cases. In low to moderate Rayleigh number FBC cases, the main equatorial jet is flanked by a strong, high-latitude retrograde jets in the northern and southern hemispheres. For the highest Rayleigh number FBC case, the equatorial jet is flanked by strong reversed jets as well as two additional large-scale alternating jets at higher latitudes. The MBC cases feature stronger equatorial jets but, much weaker, small-scale alternating zonal flows are found at higher latitudes. Our high Rayleigh number FBC results best compare with the zonal flow pattern observed on Jupiter, where the equatorial jet is flanked by strong retrograde jets as well as small-scale alternating jets at high latitude. In contrast, the MBC results compare better with the observed flow pattern on Saturn, which is characterized by a dominant prograde equatorial jet and a lack of strong high latitude retrograde flow. This may suggest that the mechanical coupling at the base of the jovian convection zone differs from that on Saturn.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Zonal jets in rotating convection with mixed mechanical boundary conditions 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 Zonal jets in rotating convection with mixed mechanical boundary conditions, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Zonal jets in rotating convection with mixed mechanical boundary conditions will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-853271