Are cyclones in Jupiter’s polar regions modulated by the radially directional Rayleigh–Taylor instability?

Abstract

The persistence and symmetry of cyclones around the poles of Jupiter are unknown. In the present investigation, inspired by cyclones at the South Pole of the Earth, we propose a mechanism that provides an explanation for this problem. The negative temperature gradient with respect to latitude may play an important role here. This temperature gradient is induced by solar radiation because of the small axial inclination of Jupiter. Our numerical simulations suggest that cyclones in the polar regions of Jupiter may be modulated or controlled by the radially directional Rayleigh–Taylor instability, driven by centrifugal force and the negative temperature gradient along the latitude.

Keywords

• cyclone
• polar region of jupiter
• temperature gradient along the latitude
• rayleigh–taylor instability