The bands of Jupiter represent a global system of powerful winds. Broad eastward equatorial jets are flanked by smaller-scale, higher-latitude jets flowing in alternating directions. Jupiter's large thermal emission suggests that the winds are powered from within, but the zonal flow depth is limited by increasing density and electrical conductivity in the molecular hydrogen-helium atmosphere towards the centre of the planet. Two types of planetary flow models have been explored: shallow-layer models reproduce multiple high-latitude jets, but not the equatorial flow system, and deep convection models only reproduce an eastward equatorial jet with two flanking neighbours. Here we present a numerical model of three-dimensional rotating convection in a relatively thin spherical shell that generates both types of jets. The simulated flow is turbulent and quasi-two-dimensional and, as observed for the jovian jets, simulated jet widths follow Rhines' scaling theory. Our findings imply that Jupiter's latitudinal transition in jet width corresponds to a separation between the bottom-bounded flow structures in higher latitudes and the deep equatorial flows.
Spacecraft data reveal a very Earth-like Jovian magnetic field. This is
surprising since numerical simulations have shown that the vastly different
interiors of terrestrial and gas planets can strongly affect the internal
dynamo process. Here we present the first numerical dynamo that manages to
match the structure and strength of the observed magnetic field by embracing
the newest models for Jupiter's interior. Simulated dynamo action primarily
occurs in the deep high electrical conductivity region while zonal flows are
dynamically constrained to a strong equatorial jet in the outer envelope of low
conductivity. Our model reproduces the structure and strength of the observed
global magnetic field and predicts that secondary dynamo action associated to
the equatorial jet produces banded magnetic features likely observable by the
Juno mission. Secular variation in our model scales to about 2000 nT per year
and should also be observable during the one year nominal mission duration.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Geophysical Research
Letter
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