Work

Stacked Cells Hypothesized for Jupiter's Atmosphere and Observed in Earth's Atmosphere

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Observations of Jupiter's atmosphere led to the hypothesis that each of Jupiter's jets is accompanied by vertically stacked overturning circulations, with their nodes at the altitude of the jet maximum. However, there is no established theory for how these stacked cells form. Here, we show that jet‐scale, stacked residual mean circulations exist in Earth's atmosphere. Eddy momentum flux plays the primary role in driving the stacked cells. The upper cell's return flow is balanced by form drag which results from poleward eddy heat flux. Although the two atmospheres differ, the findings here serve as a proof of concept that stacked cells can exist in Jupiter's atmosphere. They offer plausible explanations for why cell nodes form at the level of maximum zonal jet speed and raise the possibility that baroclinic eddies may play an important role in driving stacked cells in Jupiter's atmosphere.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2025gl120433

Authors: Sukyoung Lee, Pin‐Chun Huang, Changhyun Yoo

Institutions: Pennsylvania State University, Ewha Womans University

Language: English

Topic: Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea