Open AccessA high‐resolution, three‐dimensional model of Jupiter's Great Red Spot
Author(s) -
Cho James YK.,
Torre Juárez Manuel,
Ingersoll Andrew P.,
Dritschel David G.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: planets
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2000je001287
Subject(s) - stratification (seeds) , physics , turbulence , potential vorticity , vortex , vorticity , jupiter (rocket family) , geology , geometry , geophysics , mechanics , astronomy , seed dormancy , botany , germination , mathematics , space shuttle , dormancy , biology
The turbulent flow at the periphery of the Great Red Spot (GRS) contains many fine‐scale filamentary structures, while the more quiescent core, bounded by a narrow high‐velocity ring, exhibits organized, possibly counterrotating, motion. Past studies have neither been able to capture this complexity nor adequately study the effects of vertical stratification L R ( z ) on the GRS. We present results from a series of high‐resolution, three‐dimensional simulations that advect the dynamical tracer, potential vorticity. The detailed flow is successfully captured with a characteristic value of L R ≈ 2000 km, independent of the precise vertical stratification profile.