Radiative Hydrodynamics of Short Period Planets
Ian Dobbs-Dixon
Université McGill
Ubiquitous among observed extrasolar planetary systems, short-period
gas-giant planets are intensely irradiated by their host star. The
impinging stellar flux dominates the energy budget of their atmospheres,
resulting in dramatic hydrodynamical flows. Ongoing transit observations
of a number of these planets are beginning to constrain these flows
through both spectral measurements and phase curves. Surprising features
in both the inferred atmospheric structure and surface temperatures have
challenged modeling efforts, requiring the introduction of new physics
into fluid models. I will present results from global three-dimensional
radiative hydrodynamical simulations of atmospheric circulation on
close-in gas-giant planets. Three-dimensional simulations and the
decoupling of the radiation and thermal energies have allowed us to
address many of recent observations. The resulting flow patterns and
energy redistribution efficiencies are sensitive functions of not only the
irradiation but also of the interior structure, composition, planetary
rotation rate, and atmospheric opacities. Coupling such models with the
large diversity of observed planetary properties suggests that atmospheric
dynamics may not only influence today's observables but may also play an
important role in the overall evolution of the planet.
Date: | Jeudi, le 6 novembre 2008 |
Heure: | 12:15 |
Lieu: | Université de Montréal |
| Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, Local D-460 |
Contact: | Pierre Bastien |
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