A high-resolution, three-dimensional model of Jupiter's Great Red Spot

Abstract

The turbulent flow at the periphery of the Great Red Spot (GRS) contains many fine-scale filamentary structures, while the more quiescent core, bounded by a narrow high-velocity ring, exhibits organized, possibly counterrotating, motion. Past studies have neither been able to capture this complexity nor adequately study the effects of vertical stratification LR(Z) on the GRS. We present results from a series of high-resolution, three-dimensional simulations that advect the dynamical tracer, potential vorticity. The detailed flow is successfully captured with a characteristic value of LR≈2000 km, independent of the precise vertical stratification profile. Copyright 2001 by the American Geophysical Union.