Fluid Dynamics of Jupiter in the Lab: Deep Jets and Floating Vortices

Jupiter’s dynamics shapes its clouds but remains largely unknown below this natural observational barrier. Unravelling the underlying three-dimensional flows is one of the goals of NASA’s ongoing Juno mission. In order to contribute to take the most of this extraordinary flux of new data, we have addressed the Jovian dynamics using idealised laboratory experiments complemented by theoretical and numerical analyses. I will present some recent results and ongoing works.

I will describe the generic force balance responsible for the three-dimensional pancake-like shape and surprising stability of the Great Red Spot. I will explain the mechanism of formation of the observed large Jovian jets, and compare their spectral properties to measurements from our experimental set-up that has reached, for the first time in the lab, the so-called zonostrophic turbulence regime. Finally, I will describe the suitable conditions to produce stable clusters of floating vortices at Jupiter’s poles.

This talk will illustrate the benefits of a constructive, multi-method, and interdisciplinary approach of challenging open questions in planetary fluid dynamics.