Numerical simulation of Jupiter's Great Red Spot

Abstract

Jupiter's Great Red Spot is viewed as a vortex that arises naturally from the equations of motion of the jovian atmosphere. Here I solve numerically the equations governing fluid motion in a model of the jovian atmosphere for a variety of initial conditions. Large spots of vorticity form spontaneously in chaotic azimuthal flows and are stable if the vorticity of the spots has the same sign as the shear of the surrounding azimuthal flow. The Great Red Spot is compared with these solutions and a new prediction of its vertical structure is made.