Polar and mid-latitude vortices and zonal flows on Jupiter and Saturn

Zonal flow on Jupiter and Saturn consists of equatorial super-rotation alternating East–West jet streams at higher latitudes . Interacting with these zonal flows, numerous vortices occur various sizes lifetimes. The Juno mission Cassini’s grand finale have shown that the jets extend deeply into their molecular envelopes. On Jupiter, vast majority low mid-latitude jovian are anticyclonic, whereas cyclones appear polar latitudes. Cassini observations revealed a similar pattern Saturn; its North South cyclonic, anticyclones mid-latitudes. We use recently developed code Rayleigh to run high-resolution simulations rotating convection in 3D spherical shells. Four models presented result dynamical flows comparable those giant planets confirm previous results, finding deep convective turbulence can explain structure jets. However, latitude strength depth stable stratification modify morphologies affect formation dynamics vortices. Lower favour shallow anticyclonic form due upward divergent near outer boundary. These typically shielded by cyclonic filaments associated downwelling return flow. In contrast, single cyclone, or clusters poles. All our this global pattern; strong preference for first shear zone away from (corresponding region Great Red Spot Storm Alley Saturn), mid-latitudes, seated cyclone each pole. Our results show cloud-level be explained terms envelopes Saturn. • study Cyclones dominate regions. Polar roots may either singularly as circumpolar clusters. Anticyclones shields Mid-latitudes. layer