EPIC Simulations of Neptune's Dark Spots Using an Active Cloud Microphysical Model

TL;DR

This paper uses an advanced climate model with active methane cloud microphysics to simulate Neptune's dark vortices, providing insights into their stability, evolution, and observed drift rates.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed microphysical model within EPIC GCM to simulate Neptune's dark spots, capturing cloud formation and vortex dynamics more accurately than prior models.

Findings

Vortex shows distinct methane vapor density contrast

Simulations match observed drift rates of dark spots

Provides insights into vortex stability and evolution

Abstract

The Great Dark Spot (GDS-89) observed by Voyager 2 was the first of several large-scale vortices observed on Neptune, the most recent of which was observed in 2018 in the northern hemisphere (NDS-2018). Ongoing observations of these features are constraining cloud formation, drift, shape oscillations, and other dynamic properties. In order to effectively model these characteristics, an explicit calculation of methane cloud microphysics is needed. Using an updated version of the Explicit Planetary Isentropic Coordinate General Circulation Model (EPIC GCM) and its active cloud microphysics module to account for the condensation of methane, we investigate the evolution of large scale vortices on Neptune. We model the effect of methane deep abundance and cloud formation on vortex stability and dynamics. In our simulations, the vortex shows a sharp contrast in methane vapor density inside compared to outside the vortex. Methane vapor column density is analogous to optical depth and provides a more consistent tracer to track the vortex, so we use that variable over potential vorticity. We match the meridional drift rate of the GDS and gain an initial insight into the evolution of vortices in the northern hemisphere, such as the NDS-2018.