Can I read GCM simulation of balloon trajectories on Titan on EtoBox?

GCM simulation of balloon trajectories on Titan by Tetsuya Tokano; Ralph D. Lorenz is a Physics and Astronomy article available to read on EtoBox.

What is GCM simulation of balloon trajectories on Titan about?

Possible trajectories of passive balloons in Titan's troposphere are simulated with the instantaneous wind field predicted by a GCM (general circulation model). In most areas the basic motion of a balloon is a predominantly eastward or westward drift, depending on altitude, latitude and season of the balloon release point. Some meridional oscillation is always superposed on this basic motion, resulting in a wavy trajectory, with a maximum extent (of 40 ) at high latitudes of the winter hemisphere. As a general rule, the meridional oscillation can be maximised if a balloon is deployed in altitudes and latitudes where the mean zonal wind is eastward and smaller than the phase speed of Saturn's gravitational tide on Titan. A balloon's groundtrack does not repeat as it makes successive circuits around Titan, but rather makes a spiral or braided pattern. The summer pole is rather difficult to access for a balloon not directly introduced there because of small meridional oscillation, while the winter pole can be readily accessed and left several times. A preferred zonal drift direction can be achieved by choosing a proper altitude and hemisphere, but choosing a preferred meridional direc

Who reads GCM simulation of balloon trajectories on Titan?

Author

Tetsuya Tokano; Ralph D. Lorenz

Publisher

Elsevier Science; Elsevier ; Elsevier BV (ISSN 0032-0633)

Published

2006

Language

EN

Field

Physics and Astronomy (Physical Sciences)