Geosciences Dept. Seminar: Symmetric stability of fluid planets

Abstract:

A well known mesoscale instability on Earth can cause banded precipitation in terrestrial midlatitudes. With few exceptions, studies of symmetric stability to date have examined environments for which the 'traditional approximation' of the Coriolis force, in which motion in the local vertical direction is neglected, is appropriate. Recent work by others suggests that this approximation is inadequate for depths and speeds relevant to deep convection, and that the presence of symmetric instability is modified by the full Coriolis force in important ways. Jupiter and other rapidly rotating fluid planets clearly violate the traditional approximation. Using contemporary zonal wind observations of Jupiter and a range of simple assumptions, we explore the potential presence of equatorial symmetric instability due to deep convection, and discuss whether it could be observed. Additionally, we consider implications for the Galileo probe, which provided Jupiter's only existing, and highly enigmatic, atmospheric profile.

Seminar Organizer: Dr. Ravit Heled