Cover Page/Proposal Summary

ROSS-00    NRA 00-OSS-01

Date Due: 4/28/2000

1. Goals: Use theoretical models constrained by observations to understand the structure and dynamics of planetary and satellite atmospheres. 2. Progress and Accomplishments: Developed a numerical model of vigorous cloud level convection in Venus' atmosphere. Explored convective penetration into adjacent stable regions, the morphology of concentrated downflows and the generation of gravity waves. Applied the model to Jupiter to show that downflow in hotspots could be forced by strong convective entrainment above the clouds. Modelled generation and propagation of internal gravity waves in Jupiter's atmosphere from Comet SL-9 impacts. Showed that outwardly propagating dark rings could be stratospheric gravity waves made visible by densification of impact debris in wave convergence phases. Simulated propagation and dissipation of gravity waves in Jupiter's upper atmosphere; found that "Galileo" waves cool the upper thermosphere. Studied dynamical processes in giant extra-solar planets. 3. Anticipated Accomplishments: Develop a domain decomposition code to model thermal convection and dynamo magnetic field generation in rapidly rotating planetary interiors and atmospheres. The new code will approach more closely than existing codes the extreme conditions found in realistic planetary atmospheres and interiors. We will compute at Rayleigh numbers (Ekman numbers) two orders of magnitude larger (smaller) than heretofore possible. We may attain a Jovian-like regime in which equatorial prograde zonal winds are large. Numerically simulate the Jovian dynamo and study its characteristics. Model wave propagation in the atmospheres of Jupiter and other giant planets with a full wave code to understand heating of the thermospheres of these planets by dissipation of upward propagating gravity and acoustic waves. 4. Relevant publications: 16 papers published or in press and 12 talks at professional meetings.

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