Vortex circulation on Venus: Dynamical similarities with terrestrial hurricanes
Publication date: 25 February 2009
Authors: Limate, S.S., et al.
Journal: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 36
Issue: 4
Year: 2009
Copyright: AGU
Some dynamical and morphological similarities exist between the vortex organization of the atmosphere in the northern and southern hemispheres of Venus and the tropical cyclones/hurricanes on Earth. An S-shape feature detected in the center of the vortices on Venus from Pioneer Venus Orbiter and Venus Express observations has also been seen in tropical cyclones. This feature can be simulated with an idealized nonlinear and non-divergent barotropic model and, like in the vortices on Venus and in tropical cyclones, it is found to be transient. Given the challenges in measuring the deep, atmospheric circulation of Venus, the morphological similarities provide clues toward understanding the processes involved in the maintenance of Venus' atmospheric super rotation.