Stable 3-dimensional Vortex Families Consistent with Jovian Observations Including the Great Red Spot

TL;DR

This study models stable 3D Jovian vortices using observed atmospheric data, revealing that constant-vorticity vortices resemble the Great Red Spot and exhibit properties not explained by 2D models.

Contribution

It introduces a new 3D vortex model consistent with observations, showing the stability and structure of Jovian vortices like the GRS, and provides analytical and scaling insights.

Findings

Constant-vorticity vortices resemble the GRS.

Vortices can become hollow over time, matching observations.

Stable vortices' mid-plane lies above the convective zone.

Abstract

Detailed observations of the velocities of Jovian vortices exist at only one height in the atmosphere, so their vertical structures are poorly understood. This motivates this study that computes stable 3-dimensional, long-lived planetary vortices that satisfy the equations of motion. We solve the anelastic equations with a high-resolution pseudo-spectral method using the observed Jovian atmospheric temperatures and zonal flow. We examine several families of vortices and find that {\it constant-vorticity} vortices, which have nearly-uniform vorticity as a function of height and horizontal areas that go to zero at their tops and bottoms, converge to stable vortices that look like the Great Red Spot (GRS) and other Jovian anticyclones. In contrast, the {\it constant-area} vortices proposed in previous studies, which have nearly-uniform areas as a function of height and vertical vorticities that go to zero at their tops and bottoms, are far from equilibrium, break apart, and converge to {\it constant-vorticity} vortices. Our late-time vortices show unexpected properties. Vortices that are initially non-hollow become hollow (i.e., have local minima of vertical vorticity at their centers), which is a feature of the GRS that cannot be explained with 2-dimensional simulations. The central axes of the final vortices align with the planetary-spin axis even if they initially align with the local direction of gravity. We present scaling laws for how vortex properties change with the Rossby number and other non-dimensional parameters. We analytically prove that the horizontal mid-plane of a stable vortex must lie at a height above the top of the convective zone.