RADIATIVE TIME CONSTANTS IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF JUPITER

Abstract

The object is to investigate whether radiative equilibrium calculations for Jupiter are likely to be valid in view of the established state of motion near to the cloud tops, and whether or not the longwave thermal radiation is an important mode of heat transfer at all levels as compared with heat transfer by planetary motions. Radiative decay times are computed for thermal disturbances near the cloud tops of Jupiter and it is concluded that they are much larger than probable dynamical time constants. Under these circumstances radiative equilibrium calculations are of little significance.