Classification of atmospheric traveling waves at cloud level

TL;DR

This paper classifies all types of atmospheric traveling waves at cloud level within a quasi-geostrophic framework, providing a robust criterion for their dynamical possibility and linking classifications to observed waves on Jupiter and Saturn.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive classification scheme for atmospheric traveling waves of all amplitudes, extending beyond small perturbations, and applies it to planetary atmospheres.

Findings

Each wave type observed on Jupiter or Saturn fits the classification.

Provides a criterion for the dynamical feasibility of wave profiles.

Analyzes the rigidity of large-amplitude waves and shear flow propagation.

Abstract

We classify within the quasi-geostrophic framework all types of traveling waves in zonal bands of the planetary atmosphere at cloud level according to their wave speeds. This classification pertains to waves of all amplitudes, going beyond the small-amplitude perturbative regime. It provides a structurally robust criterion for determining which traveling-wave profiles are dynamically possible and we show that each wave classification type was observed on Jupiter or Saturn. Building on this classification, we also investigate the related rigidity issue for large-amplitude traveling waves and waves propagating near shear flows. Our study offers a unified quantitative characterization of the intrinsic constraints for traveling waves in the quasi-geostrophic regime of planetary atmospheric flow.