The Formation of large-scale vortices on Jupiter and Saturn

The two images above show large-scale flows structures in the polar regions of Jupiter (L) and Saturn (R). These arise from the interaction between convection and rotation in the stratified outer regions of the planets – regions in which physical properties such as viscosity vary strongly with position. This project will investigate a simplified model that incorporates all of these dynamic features. In particular, we shall consider a two-layer model of rotating convection in which the superposed layers can have very different physical attributes. Whereas both rotating single-layer convection and non-rotating two layer-convection have each received attention, the two aspects have never been studied in conjunction, thus making this research of potential high impact in astrophysical and geophysical fluid dynamics.