Give one possible explanation why weather systems on Jupiter are longer-lived than weather systems on Earth.

The colossal planet Jupiter falls into the category of gas giants, a term that signifies a type of planet composed primarily of gaseous rather than solid materials. Unlike terrestrial planets with rocky surfaces, gas giants like Jupiter lack a well-defined solid surface. This is because they are made up mostly of gases that extend deep into the planet, becoming hotter and denser closer to the core.

Gas giants also tend to be much larger than their terrestrial counterparts. Jupiter, for example, is the largest planet in our solar system, with a diameter about 11 times that of Earth's. Its mass is so significant that it exerts a strong gravitational pull, which is part of what keeps the thick atmosphere in place. Moreover, the rapid rotation of Jupiter on its axis, completing a rotation roughly every 10 hours, greatly influences its atmospheric dynamics. This fast spin is what contributes to the strong Coriolis forces that mold the movement of the atmosphere into distinct patterns.

Jupiter's atmosphere presents a stark contrast to our own Earth's. Dominated by hydrogen and helium, the atmospheric composition of Jupiter is reminiscent of the sun and gives us insight into the primitive conditions of the early solar system. This gaseous envelope is incredibly deep, with hydrogen transitioning into a metallic state at the extreme pressures found within.

Additionally, other chemical compounds present in trace amounts color the clouds and storms we visually appreciate from afar. Compounds like ammonia, methane, and water vapor, though minor constituents, play important roles in the planet's weather systems. The lack of a solid surface allows these gases to swirl and mix uninterrupted, contributing to the longevity and intensity of weather phenomena on Jupiter.

The Coriolis force, a result of a planet's rotation, has profound effects on the movement of fluids in the atmosphere. On Jupiter, with its rapid rotation rate, the Coriolis force is particularly strong. This force causes moving air to turn to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere, lending a deep influence on weather systems.

The strong Coriolis effect on Jupiter contributes to the formation of the banded cloud patterns and the stability of the planet's colossal storms, like the Great Red Spot. Because storms and winds are turned before they can converge or cancel each other out, this helps maintain the longevity and distinctiveness of weather systems far longer than those on Earth, where the Coriolis force is weaker and balanced by frictional forces against a solid surface.