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A normal-mode approach to Jovian atmospheric dynamicA nonlinear, quasi-geostrophic, baroclinic model of Jovian atmospheric dynamics is proposed, in which vertical variations of velocity are represented by a truncated sum over a complete set of orthogonal functions obtained by a separation of variables of the linearized quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equation. A set of equations for the time variation of the mode amplitudes in the nonlinear case is then derived. It is shown that, for a planet with a neutrally stable, fluid interior instead of a solid lower boundary, the barotropic mode represents motions in the interior, and is not affected by the baroclinic modes. One consequence of this is that a normal-mode model with one baroclinic mode is dynamically equivalent to a one-layer model with solid lower topography. It is also shown that, for motions in Jupiter's cloudy lower troposphere, the stratosphere behaves nearly as a rigid lid, so that the normal-mode is applicable to Jupiter. The accuracy of the normal-mode model for Jupiter is tested using the following simple problems: (1) forced, vertically propagating Rossby waves, using two and three baroclinic modes, and (2) baroclinic instability, using two baroclinic modes. It is found that the normal-mode model provides qualitatively correct results, even with only a very limited number of vertical degrees of freedom.
Document ID
19890063813
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Achterberg, Richard K.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Ingersoll, Andrew P.
(California Institute of Technology Pasadena, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1989
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Volume: 46
ISSN: 0022-4928
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
89A51184
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-58
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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