Observation of moist convection in Jupiter's atmosphere
Article Abstract:
Moist convection, which resembles large clusters of thunderstorm cells on the Earth, is a key element in converting heat flow into kinetic energy in the atmosphere around Jupiter. This research used images taken by the NASA Galileo spacecraft in orbit around Jupiter on May 4, 1999. It is estimated that the total vertical transport of heat by storms like the one seen in these images is of the same order as Jupiter's internal heat source. The storms seem to be analogous to clusters of thunderstorm cells on Earth known as mesoscale convective complexes. If the analogy is valid, it indicates that large-scale convergence exists at low levels beneath the storms.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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Moist convection as an energy source for the large-scale motions in Jupiter's atmosphere
Article Abstract:
The dark and bright bands into which Jupiter is divided, known as belts, have a net rising motion at the cloud base. Information from the Galileo spacecraft indicates that lightning arises mainly in the belts, and is linked with optically thick, high white cloud clusters that arise suddenly and expand to diameters of more than 1,000 km in a few days. Lightning implies moist convection and moist convection needs a supply of moisture-laden air from Jupiter's interior. In numerical models, the unstable nature of Jupiter's zonal jets gives rise to waves and eddies that remove energy from the zonal jets, which grow broader and weaker.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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Depth of a strong jovian jet from a planetary-scale disturbance driven by storms
Article Abstract:
The depth and features of the two plumes observed in the Jupiter's atmosphere are studied. The findings reveal that the depth of a strong jovian jet from a planetary-scale disturbance depends on the storms.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2008
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