Deep convection-driven vortex formation on Jupiter and Saturn

Abstract

The surface of both Jupiter and Saturn has magnificent vortical storms which help shape the dynamic nature of their atmospheres. Land- and space-based observational campaigns over time have established several properties of these vortices, with some being similar between the two planets, while others are different. Shallow-water hydrodynamics, where the vortices are treated as shallow weather-layer phenomenon, is commonly evoked for explaining their formation and properties. Here we report novel formation mechanisms for vortices where the primary driving mechanism is the deep planetary convection occurring in these planets. Using three dimensional simulations of turbulent convection in rotating spherical shells, we propose two ideas: (1) rotating turbulent convection generates deep axially-aligned cyclones and anticyclones; (2) a deep planetary dynamo acts to promote additional anticyclones, some as large as Jupiter's Great Red Spot, in an overlying atmospheric layer. We use these ideas to interpret several observational properties of vortices on Jupiter and Saturn.

16 Pages, 3 main and 7 supplementary figures, 2 animations on youtube

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Cited by in corpus (9)

• Stratospheric planetary flows from the perspective of the Euler equation on a rotating sphere
• The number and location of Jupiter's circumpolar cyclones explained by vorticity dynamics
• Acoustic waves in the Jovian dusty magnetosphere: A brief review and meta-analysis
• The Oscillatory Motion of Jupiter's Polar Cyclones Results From Vorticity Dynamics
• Investigating Barotropic Zonal Flow in Jupiter's Deep Atmosphere using Juno Gravitational Data
• How do tidal waves interact with convective vortices in rapidly-rotating planets and stars?
• Depth Dependent Dynamics Explain the Equatorial Jet Difference Between Jupiter and Saturn
• A dynamo simulation generating Saturn-like small magnetic dipole tilts
• Spontaneous Generated Convective Anticyclones in Low Latitude -- A Model for the Great Red Spot