Numerical model of long-lived Jovian vortices

The extension of the measured zonal velocity profile into the adiabatic interior of Jupiter, while eddies and large oval structures are confined to a shallow stably-stratified upper layer, are assumed in a nonlinear numerical model of long-lived Jovian vortices. In agreement of the observed flows of Jupiter, each vortex is stationary with respect to the shear flow at a critical latitude that is close to the latitude of the vortex center. The solutions obtained are strongly nonlinear, in contrast to the solitary wave solutions that are the weakly nonlinear extensions of ultralong linear waves. The merging of two stable vortices upon collision, rather than the non-interaction predicted by solitary wave theory, is in keeping with Jovian vortex observations. It is suggested that long-lived vortices maintain themselves against dissipation by absorbing smaller vortices produced by convection.