Abstract
A physical mechanism for in situ forcing of the Venus thermospheric superrotation is developed, which is in accord with the bulk of the constraining observations. Saturation of small‐ to medium‐scale internal gravity waves in the thermosphere can supply the necessary accelerations of the mean flow if the waves have predominantly large westward phase speeds, characteristic of the wind speeds in the upper clouds. Several scenarios for wave forcing are examined, and the Lindzen‐Holton parameterization is used to derive wave‐induced accelerations of the mean flow. The results are compared to the VTGCM, which uses a similar wave drag parameterization with an ad hoc (empirically based) asymmetry parameter to model the superrotation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
