Dr. Xi Zhang, Associate Professor, Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz
When
Where
Abstract: I will discuss the impact of weather on heat flow and interior cooling in giant planets in and out of the Solar System. First, I will demonstrate that the conventional view of Jupiter's heat transfer through thermal convection is incorrect. Our recent cloud simulations reveal a stable, superadiabatic layer inside Jupiter, causing a warmer interior than previously assumed and potentially resolving the discrepancy in Juno gravity data. The stable layer divides Jupiter's weather layer into separate convective zones, hindering heat transport through convection. I propose that Jupiter's atmosphere functions like an air conditioner using water as the refrigerant. Second, I will present a theory that weather patterns on extra-solar gas giants cause significant horizontal inhomogeneities, increasing interior cooling flux compared to 1D estimates. I will also showcase our most recent 3D cloudy simulations of brown dwarf VHS 1256b, which provide insight into its rotational light curve and JWST spectra. I argue that a 3D weather model is imperative for interpreting infrared data and understanding planetary evolution in the era of JWST.
Zoom guidelines and information
As a reminder, please keep yourself muted during the meeting unless you are speaking. If you have an important clarification question, please raise the “blue hand” in the Participant list before asking or you can ask a question in Chat window.
For non-urgent questions, please wait until the Q/A time following the presentation.
For those viewing the colloquium in room 308, refreshments will be served in the Kuiper atrium at 3:30 p.m.
***Refreshments are not permitted in the seminar room.***