The Old and New Meanings of Cloud 'Belt' and 'Zone': A Study of Jovian and Saturnian Atmospheric Banding

TL;DR

This study compares the atmospheric banding on Jupiter and Saturn, revealing different circulation patterns associated with bright cloud bands and clarifying modern versus historical definitions of 'zone' and 'belt'.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of Jovian and Saturnian cloud band brightness and circulation, updating the terminology and understanding of planetary atmospheric structures.

Findings

Jovian bright bands near the equator are linked to anti-cyclonic circulation.

Saturnian bright equatorial bands are associated with cyclonic motion.

Modern definitions of 'zone' and 'belt' differ from historical interpretations.

Abstract

The brightness of cloud bands on Jupiter and Saturn as a function of latitude is reported. Bright Jovian bands near the equator are located in regions of anti-cyclonic circulation of the atmosphere. By contrast, bright equatorial bands on Saturn are associated with cyclonic motion. Modern definitions of the cloud band terms 'zone' and 'belt' are distinguished from their old meanings.