2026/01/20 by Jiaru Shi, Wanying Kang · 1 voice
Physics and Astronomy · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Astro and Planetary Science #Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies #Geological and Geochemical Analysis
paper · doi:10.1073/pnas.2500791123
openalex publication_date 2026/01/20 · openalex created_date 2026/01/22 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27
The distinct polar vortex dynamics observed on Jupiter and Saturn may provide insights into their interiors. In this study, we examine how the number and structure of polar vortices vary with forcing strength, dissipation rate, and interior stratification using a 1.5-layer quasi-geostrophic model. This simplified setup enables a broad exploration of the parameter space, revealing that vortex characteristics are determined by the sequence in which three key length scales-the deformation radius [Formula: see text], the zonostrophic scale [Formula: see text], and the dissipative scale [Formula: see text]-are encountered as energy cascades from small to large scales. Four distinct vortex patterns are identified, including a vortex crystal resembling Jupiter's polar vortices and a single-vortex state akin to that of Saturn. The conditions under which these patterns emerge provide constraints on the stratification of Jupiter and Saturn.