Numerical modeling of moist convection in Jupiter's atmosphere with H2O, NH3, and NH4SH clouds

Abstract

For the purpose of investigating the effects of condensation reactions on the circulation structures of Jovian atmosphere, we have developed a two-dimensional numerical model that incorporates condensation of water and ammonia and production reaction of ammonium hydrogensulfide. We have conducted numerical calculation for a fairly long period covering many life cycles of convective clouds.
The result shows that the vertical profile of stability has two peaks associated with condensation of water and ammonia. The stability of the layer associated with condensation of ammonia is not strong enough to prevent convective upward motion, because the upward motion ranging from the water condensation level to the tropopause appears intermittently.