View in EDS

A laboratory model for Jovian polar vortex crystals.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: A laboratory model for Jovian polar vortex crystals.
Authors: Benzeggouta, Djihane1 (AUTHOR), Favier, Benjamin1 (AUTHOR), Le Bars, Michael1 (AUTHOR) michael.le-bars@cnrs.fr
Source: Earth & Planetary Science Letters. Apr2026, Vol. 680, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Vortex motion, Fluid dynamics, Vortex methods, Mathematical models, Stratified flow, Coriolis force
Abstract: • We experimentally reproduce long-lived vortex crystals like those at Jupiter's poles. • A toy model captures the balance of forces that set vortex spacing. • A central vortex increases spacing but is not required for crystal stability. • Vortex spacing also depends on shielding and vortex number. • Crystal rotation direction depends on radial spacing in experiments. [Display omitted] We present an experimental model in which three similar cyclonic vortices are released into the upper layer of a rotating, two-layer stratified fluid system with a free upper surface, and spontaneously organize into a stable, long-lived vortex crystal. We analyze the crystal organization using a simplified toy model, in which the radial dynamics arise from a balance between an attractive force (the β -effect) and repulsive interactions between neighboring vortices. The experimental equilibrium distance agrees with the toy-model predictions. It increases with lower cyclone shielding, a greater number of vortices, and the presence of a central vortex. The azimuthal drift of the vortex crystals strongly correlates with their radial spacing: when far apart, they drift westward due to the β -drift, as seen at Jupiter's poles; when close, strong mutual advection leads to eastward drift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Earth & Planetary Science Letters is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:• We experimentally reproduce long-lived vortex crystals like those at Jupiter's poles. • A toy model captures the balance of forces that set vortex spacing. • A central vortex increases spacing but is not required for crystal stability. • Vortex spacing also depends on shielding and vortex number. • Crystal rotation direction depends on radial spacing in experiments. [Display omitted] We present an experimental model in which three similar cyclonic vortices are released into the upper layer of a rotating, two-layer stratified fluid system with a free upper surface, and spontaneously organize into a stable, long-lived vortex crystal. We analyze the crystal organization using a simplified toy model, in which the radial dynamics arise from a balance between an attractive force (the β -effect) and repulsive interactions between neighboring vortices. The experimental equilibrium distance agrees with the toy-model predictions. It increases with lower cyclone shielding, a greater number of vortices, and the presence of a central vortex. The azimuthal drift of the vortex crystals strongly correlates with their radial spacing: when far apart, they drift westward due to the β -drift, as seen at Jupiter's poles; when close, strong mutual advection leads to eastward drift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:0012821X
DOI:10.1016/j.epsl.2026.119877