Prof. Peter Read

Abstract:

Current knowledge of the dynamics of the atmospheres of the planets is reviewed. This has expanded a great deal in recent years, due to the numerous space missions which have gathered new observational data. Nevertheless, there is also much which remains unknown, and many cases where new observations have simply posed additional questions of a fundamental kind. We undertake an examination of some particular examples, including the banded structure and long-lived eddies on Jupiter and Saturn, the rapid rotation of Venus' atmosphere, and the climate of Mars. -Authors