GRS basics

• The Great Red Spot (GRS) is a vortex which subtends a diameter of 25000 km.

• Observations extend over 300 years.

• The vortex is anti-cyclonic: upwelling of fluid from the center creates a pressure high, which then flows outwards and spins due to the coriolis effect.

• Due to adiabatic cooling of rising material, the center of the GRS is significantly colder.