Chapter 12: Problem 54

Describe some of the semipermanent features in Jupiter's atmosphere. Compare and contrast these long-lived features with some of the transient phenomena seen in Jupiter's clouds.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Jupiter's atmosphere's semipermanent features include cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, and Oval BA. They are long-lived and show the planet's atmospheric circulation. On the other hand, transient phenomena like storms and lightning are short-lived and indicative of the planet's dynamic weather activity.

Step by step solution

Identify the Semipermanent Features

The first step is to identify the semipermanent features of Jupiter's atmosphere. Some of these include the distinctive bands of clouds that are arranged in dark belts and light zones, the Great Red Spot, and the Oval BA.

Describe Characteristics of Semipermanent Features

Now, describe the characteristics of each of these semipermanent features. Features like the dark belts show warm, sinking, and usually clear air, while the light zones indicate cooler, rising, and often cloudy air. The Great Red Spot is a huge, long-lived storm, and Oval BA, another storm, is popularly called Red Spot Junior.

Identify Transient Phenomena in Jupiter's Clouds

Next, identify some of the transient phenomena observed in Jupiter's clouds, such as storms and lighting. These features are fleeting and change over short periods of time.

Describe Characteristics of Transient Phenomena

Describe the characteristics of these transient phenomena. Storms on Jupiter are often brilliant white or brown ovals which can last for hours to centuries. Lightning on Jupiter is similar to Earth's lightning, but it occurs less frequently and is more dispersed.

Compare and Contrast Semipermanent Features with Transient Phenomena

Finally, compare and contrast the semipermanent features with the transient phenomena. Semipermanent features are long-lived and relatively stable, while transient phenomena are short-lived. Moreover, while semipermanent features like the bands and the Great Red Spot show the planet's atmospheric circulation, transient phenomena like storms and lightning indicate the dynamic weather activity on the planet.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Describe some of the semipermanent features in Jupiter's atmosphere. Compare and contrast these long-lived features with some of the transient phenomena seen in Jupiter's clouds.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the Semipermanent Features

Describe Characteristics of Semipermanent Features

Identify Transient Phenomena in Jupiter's Clouds

Describe Characteristics of Transient Phenomena

Compare and Contrast Semipermanent Features with Transient Phenomena

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Astrophysics

Translational Dynamics

Space Physics

Dynamics

Electricity and Magnetism

Modern Physics

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.