Laboratory Modelling of Jovian Polar Vortex Clusters

Jupiter’s poles host remarkable clusters of long-lived cyclones, revealed by NASA’s Juno mission. The origin, stability, and dynamics of these clusters remain unresolved questions in planetary science. Current understanding relies mainly on theoretical and numerical approaches, which are constrained by simplifying assumptions and computational cost. This project, LabJPV, will establish a laboratory framework to investigate the formation, stability, and interactions of Jovian polar vortex clusters under controlled experimental conditions. Using a large rotating tank with a two-layer fluid system, identical vortices in the desired number will be generated simultaneously by extracting fluid from the thin upper layer through narrow pipes. The dynamics of vortex clusters will be captured by two-dimensional surface Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), while their vertical structures will be probed by Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (UDV). In addition, mechanically forced bottom jets with net zero flux will be used to generate zonal flows and mimic a forced–dissipative deep system, enabling the study of their effects on cluster stability and formation mechanisms. By systematically varying parameters such as the beta/gamma-effect, stratification, vortex shielding, and turbulent forcing, the project will determine the mechanisms governing cluster formation, stability, drift, and coupling with zonal flows. Experimental results will be complemented by two-layer quasi-geostrophic and three-dimensional DNS simulations and compared with planetary observations. LabJPV directly supports the MSCA Work Programme by advancing frontier research in planetary turbulence, strengthening the applicant’s expertise in experimental and theoretical geophysical fluid dynamics, and fostering international mobility and collaboration.