Simulating Jupiter's Atmosphere with the EPIC General Circulation Model

Raul Morales-Juberias

Jovian atmospheric dynamics is characterized by the persistence of alternating zonal winds that define the anticyclonic and cyclonic domains, and give the planet its famous banded appearance. Embedded in these alternating currents, several different types of meteorological features appear that render Jupiter's atmosphere attractive from both the observational and theoretical points of view. The relative simplicity of the planet provides an inviting framework for learning more about the general equations governing atmospheric dynamics, and for comparing to Earth's meteorology and oceanography. Our knowledge of Jupiter's physical properties is becoming extensive as a result of multiple data sets obtained from Earth-based and spacecraft observatories. However, many questions still need to be answered, for example, what is the vertical structure of observed features such as the Great Red Spot and the belts and zones? We use the Explicit Planetary Isentropic-Coordinate (EPIC) Atmospheric Model to simulate Jovian meteorology, with the aim of shedding light on such questions. This talk will include various recent examples, including comparisons of observations versus EPIC simulations.