Axisymmetric density waves in Saturn's rings

Abstract

Density waves in Saturn's rings are usually tightly wrapped spiral patterns generated by resonances with either Saturn's moons or structures inside the planet. However, between the Barnard and Bessel Gaps in the Cassini Division (i.e. between 120 240 and 120 300 km from Saturn's spin axis), there are density variations that appear to form an axisymmetric density wave consisting of concentric zones of varying densities that propagate radially through the rings. Axisymmetric waves cannot be generated directly by a satellite resonance, but instead appear to be excited by interference between a nearby satellite resonance and normal-mode oscillations on the inner edge of the Barnard Gap. Similar axisymmetric waves may exist just interior to other resonantly confined edges that exhibit a large number of normal modes, including the Dawes ringlet in the outer C ring and the outermost part of the B ring.