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Simulations of superrotation using a GCM for Venus’ middle atmosphere

Earth, Planets and Space volume 59, pages 971–979 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

A superrotation is simulated in a T10L100 general circulation model for Venus’ middle atmosphere (VMAGCM), in which the radiative effects of aerosols are calculated. The simulation in a domain of 30–100 km is conducted under the condition of a bottom zonal flow with a velocity of 50 m s−1 at the equator. Thermal tides contribute to the maintenance of the cloud-top superrotation together with meridional circulation and vertically propagating gravity waves. The meridional circulation and wave activity are sensitive to the vertical eddy diffusion. Although the equatorial zonal flow has a velocity of about 70 m s−1 when the vertical eddy diffusion coefficient (KV) is set at 5.0 m s−2, it has a velocity of <100 m s−1 when KV = 2.5 m s−2. The fully developed equatorial jet for the small KV case is enhanced at 65 km by small-scale gravity waves emitted from the cloud top.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-kouen, Kasuga, Fukuoka, 816-8580, Japan

    Masaru Yamamoto

  2. Center for Climate System Research, University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8568, Japan

    Masaaki Takahashi

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  1. Masaru Yamamoto
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  2. Masaaki Takahashi
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Correspondence to Masaru Yamamoto.

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Yamamoto, M., Takahashi, M. Simulations of superrotation using a GCM for Venus’ middle atmosphere. Earth Planet Sp 59, 971–979 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03352036

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03352036

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