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Detailed Reference Information |
Limaye, S.S. and Sromovsky, L.A. (1991). Winds of Neptune: Voyager observations of cloud motions. Journal of Geophysical Research 96. doi: 10.1029/91JA01701. issn: 0148-0227. |
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High temporal and spatial resolution images acquired from Voyager cameras have been used to measure cloud motions to improve the meridional profile of the zonal mean circulation on Neptune. A wide range of atmospheric periods between 12 and 21 hours is revealed by the average cloud motions, consistent with the previous observations. New observations have expanded latitudinal coverage, improved the determination of streak motions, especially near 30¿N, and added statistical weight to latitudes already covered by previous measurements. Both new and earlier observations have been subjected to quality control procedures to reduce dispersion caused by erroneous observations. The resulting data set emphasizes short time intervals to maximize target recognition. Most reliable cloud targets last less than one Neptune rotation, many only a fraction of it. A broad equatorial retrograde jet extends from approximately 50¿S to at least 45¿N (the northernmost latitude at which discrete cloud features have been seen). A relatively narrow prograde jet of at least 300 m s-1 is found near 70¿S. The wind observations have a high degree of variability, some of which is due to variability of motions; but at many latitudes it reflects observation errors arising from rapid evolution of Neptune's clouds. A bias observed in the measured meridional component is most likely due to a small discrepancy between the true rotation pole of Neptune and the pole position used in the data reduction. Zonal motions and morphology suggest the global circulation to be symmetric about the equator. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1991 |
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Abstract |
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Keywords
Planetology, Fluid Planets, Meteorology, Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics, General circulation |
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union 2000 Florida Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-1277 USA 1-202-462-6900 1-202-328-0566 service@agu.org |
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