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A finite-difference convective model for Jupiter's equatorial jet

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2006

Kwing L. Chan*
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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We present results of a numerical model for studying the dynamics of Jupiter's equatorial jet. The computed domain is a piece of spherical shell around the equator. The bulk of the region is convective, with a thin radiative layer at the top. The shell is spinning fast, with a Coriolis number = ΩL/V on the order of 50. A prominent super-rotating equatorial jet is generated, and secondary alternating jets appear in the higher latitudes. The roles of terms in the zonal momentum equation are analyzed. Since both the Reynolds number and the Taylor number are large, the viscous terms are small. The zonal momentum balance is primarily between the Coriolis and the Reynolds stress terms.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2007

References

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Robinson, F.J. & Chan, K.L. 2001, MNRAS 321, 723CrossRefGoogle Scholar