Convectively-Generated Internal Gravity Waves in the Lower Atmosphere of Venus
G. Schubert, R. D. Baker (UCLA), P. W. Jones (LANL)
Two-dimensional, nonlinear, fully compressible numerical simulations
of convectively-generated internal gravity waves in the lower
atmosphere of Venus are presented. The vertical domain extends from
12 to 60 km altitude, thereby including two convection regions from
18 to 30 km altitude and 48 to 55 km altitude. Our simulations
suggest that internal gravity waves in the stable layer from 30 to 48
km altitude are primarily generated by cloud-level convection.
Characteristics of internal gravity waves in the stable layer
between the two convection regions are examined, including wave
periods, horizontal and vertical wavelengths, and phase speeds.
Our results are compared with Pioneer Venus and Magellan
observations of internal gravity waves in the lower atmosphere.