# Anomalous vortex motion induced by asymmetric vorticity distribution in rapidly rotating thermal convection

## TL;DR

This study reveals unexpected outward vortex motion in rotating thermal convection due to symmetry-breaking caused by centrifugal buoyancy, challenging traditional centrifugal effect expectations.

## Contribution

It uncovers a novel anomalous vortex behavior driven by asymmetric vorticity distribution in rapidly rotating convection.

## Key findings

- Outward motion of cyclones observed contrary to centrifugal effect.
- Symmetry-breaking in vortex population and vorticity magnitude explained.
- Vortex dynamics dominated by strong anticyclones in certain regimes.

## Abstract

In rotating Rayleigh-B\'enard convection, columnar vortices advect horizontally in a stochastic manner. When the centrifugal buoyancy is present the vortices exhibit radial motions that can be explained through a Langevin-type stochastic model. Surprisingly, anomalous outward motion of cyclones is observed in a centrifugation-dominant flow regime, which is contrary to the well-known centrifugal effect. We interpret this phenomenon as a symmetry-breaking of both the population and vorticity magnitude of the vortices brought about by the centrifugal buoyancy. Consequently, the cyclones submit to the collective vortex motion dominated by the strong anticyclones. Our study provides new understanding of vortex motions that are widely present in many natural systems.