Work

A Laboratory Model of the Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation of Tidally Locked Exoplanets

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We report on a novel fluid dynamics experiment configuration based on a modified version of the differentially heated rotating annulus, a widely used laboratory model of the large-scale mid-latitude atmospheric circulation. Through applying an azimuthally (zonally) inhomogeneous, dipole-like thermal boundary condition—imitating a permanent “day side” and “night side” in the rotating setting—we explore the character of the flow patterns emerging at different values of the zonal temperature contrast and rotation rate. This configuration may prove to be a useful minimal model of the large-scale atmospheric circulation of tidally locked exoplanets.

Source: Atmosphere

DOI: 10.3390/atmos15080982

Authors: Bálint Vass, Ádám Kadlecsik, Miklós Vincze

Institutions: Eötvös Loránd University, HUN-REN Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science

Language: English

Topic: Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,728

Funders: Innovációs és Technológiai Minisztérium, Nemzeti Kutatási, Fejlesztési és Innovaciós Alap