Three-dimensional simulations of convection in layers with tilted rotation vectors

Abstract

Three-dimensional and time-dependent numerical simulations of thermal convection are carried out for rotating layers in which the rotation vector is tilted from the vertical to represent various latitudes. The vertical component of the rotation vector produces narrow convection cells and a reduced heat flux. As this vertical component of the rotation vector diminishes in the lower latitudes, the vertical heat flux increases. The horizontal component of the rotation vector produces striking changes in the convective motions. It elongates the convection cells in a north–south direction. It also tends to turn upward motions to the west and downward motions to the east in a manner that produces a large-scale circulation. This circulation is directed to the west and towards the poles in the upper half of the layer and to the east and towards the equator in the bottom half. Since the layer is warmer on the bottom this circulation also carries an equatorward flux of heat. When the rotation vector is tilted from the vertical, angular momentum is always transported downwards and toward the equator. For rapidly rotating layers, the pressure field changes in a manner that tends to balance the Coriolis force on vertical motions. This results in an increase in the vertical heat flux as the rotation rate increases through a limited range of rotation rates.