2025
Hill, Spencer A; Bordoni, Simona; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Lora, Juan M
2025.
@booklet{hill2025interpretingseasonalinterannualhadley,
title = {Interpreting seasonal and interannual Hadley cell descending edge migrations via the cell-mean Rossby number},
author = {Spencer A Hill and Simona Bordoni and Jonathan L Mitchell and Juan M Lora},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-24-0678.1},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
month = {01},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {booklet}
}
Lora, Juan M.; Turtle, Elizabeth P.; Mitchell, Jonathan L.
Titan’s weather, climate, and paleoclimate. Book Chapter
In: Lopes, R.; Elachi, C.; Mueller-Wodarg, I.; Solomonidou, A. (Ed.): After Cassini-Huygens (COSPAR Book Series)., pp. 201-237, Elsevier, 2025.
@inbook{2760,
title = {Titan’s weather, climate, and paleoclimate.},
author = {Juan M. Lora and Elizabeth P. Turtle and Jonathan L. Mitchell},
editor = {R. Lopes and C. Elachi and I. Mueller-Wodarg and A. Solomonidou},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-99161-2.00002-4},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
booktitle = {After Cassini-Huygens (COSPAR Book Series).},
pages = {201-237},
publisher = {Elsevier},
organization = {Elsevier},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
Spaulding-Astudillo, Francisco E.; Mitchell, Jonathan L.
Clear-Sky Convergence, Water Vapor Spectroscopy, and the Origin of Tropical Congestus Clouds Journal Article
In: AGU Advances, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. e2024AV001300, 2025, (e2024AV001300 2024AV001300).
@article{https://doi.org/10.1029/2024AV001300,
title = {Clear-Sky Convergence, Water Vapor Spectroscopy, and the Origin of Tropical Congestus Clouds},
author = {Francisco E. Spaulding-Astudillo and Jonathan L. Mitchell},
url = {https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1029/2024AV001300},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1029/2024AV001300},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-01-01},
journal = {AGU Advances},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {e2024AV001300},
abstract = {Abstract Congestus clouds, characterized by their vertical extent into the middle troposphere, are widespread in tropical regions and play an important role in Earth’s climate system. However, fundamental questions regarding their formation and prevalence remain unanswered. Here, we endeavor to answer how congestus cloud tops form by detraining preferentially at altitudes between 5 and 6~km and why this detraining outflow is invigorated by drier mid-tropospheric conditions. We construct a clear-sky radiative-convective framework of congestus cloud-top formation that is grounded in the discovery of an important spectroscopic property of water vapor. In this mass- and energy-conserving framework, convective detrainment maximizes at a height of 5 and 6~km due to a swift decline in radiative cooling in clear-sky regions. This decline is, in turn, a consequence of water vapor spectroscopy: more specifically, a drop in the number of strong absorption lines in the water vapor rotation band. In a simple spectral model, we link this spectroscopic property to the shape of the rotation band, which can be approximated as the product of a power law and a sine wave representing the band’s deviation from statistical log-linearity. The characteristic “C”-shaped relative humidity profile in the tropics further strengthens the outflow in drier mid-level conditions by amplifying vertical decreases in the clear-sky cooling rate. Essential to this process are strong RH gradients, which are most pronounced under the driest conditions and induce a vertical decrease in the optical depth lapse rate across the mid-troposphere.},
note = {e2024AV001300 2024AV001300},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract Congestus clouds, characterized by their vertical extent into the middle troposphere, are widespread in tropical regions and play an important role in Earth’s climate system. However, fundamental questions regarding their formation and prevalence remain unanswered. Here, we endeavor to answer how congestus cloud tops form by detraining preferentially at altitudes between 5 and 6~km and why this detraining outflow is invigorated by drier mid-tropospheric conditions. We construct a clear-sky radiative-convective framework of congestus cloud-top formation that is grounded in the discovery of an important spectroscopic property of water vapor. In this mass- and energy-conserving framework, convective detrainment maximizes at a height of 5 and 6~km due to a swift decline in radiative cooling in clear-sky regions. This decline is, in turn, a consequence of water vapor spectroscopy: more specifically, a drop in the number of strong absorption lines in the water vapor rotation band. In a simple spectral model, we link this spectroscopic property to the shape of the rotation band, which can be approximated as the product of a power law and a sine wave representing the band’s deviation from statistical log-linearity. The characteristic “C”-shaped relative humidity profile in the tropics further strengthens the outflow in drier mid-level conditions by amplifying vertical decreases in the clear-sky cooling rate. Essential to this process are strong RH gradients, which are most pronounced under the driest conditions and induce a vertical decrease in the optical depth lapse rate across the mid-troposphere.
2024
McKinney, Matthew; Mitchell, Jonathan
Seasons, Shorelines, and Their Effects on the Tropical Circulation and Hydrological Cycle Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 81, no. 8, pp. 1475 - 1494, 2024.
@article{SeasonsShorelinesandTheirEffectsontheTropicalCirculationandHydrologicalCycle,
title = {Seasons, Shorelines, and Their Effects on the Tropical Circulation and Hydrological Cycle},
author = {Matthew McKinney and Jonathan Mitchell},
url = {https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/atsc/81/8/JAS-D-23-0076.1.xml},
doi = {10.1175/JAS-D-23-0076.1},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {81},
number = {8},
pages = {1475 - 1494},
publisher = {American Meteorological Society},
address = {Boston MA, USA},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Spaulding-Astudillo, F. E.; Mitchell, J. L.
A Simple Model for the Emergence of Relaxation-Oscillator Convection Journal Article
In: Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems, vol. 16, no. 11, pp. e2024MS004439, 2024, (e2024MS004439 2024MS004439).
@article{https://doi.org/10.1029/2024MS004439,
title = {A Simple Model for the Emergence of Relaxation-Oscillator Convection},
author = {F. E. Spaulding-Astudillo and J. L. Mitchell},
url = {https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1029/2024MS004439},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1029/2024MS004439},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems},
volume = {16},
number = {11},
pages = {e2024MS004439},
abstract = {Abstract Earth’s tropics are characterized by quasi-steady precipitation with small oscillations about a mean value, which has led to the hypothesis that moist convection is in a state of quasi-equilibrium (QE). In contrast, very warm simulations of Earth’s tropical convection are characterized by relaxation-oscillator-like (RO) precipitation, with short-lived convective storms and torrential rainfall forming and dissipating at regular intervals with little to no precipitation in between. We develop a model of moist convection by combining a zero-buoyancy model of bulk-plume convection with a QE heat engine model, and we use it to show that QE is violated at high surface temperatures. We hypothesize that the RO state emerges when the equilibrium condition of the convective heat engine is violated, that is, when the heating rate times a thermodynamic efficiency exceeds the rate at which work can be performed. We test our hypothesis against one- and three-dimensional numerical simulations and find that it accurately predicts the onset of RO convection. The proposed mechanism for RO emergence from QE breakdown is agnostic of the condensable, and can be applied to any planetary atmosphere undergoing moist convection. To date, RO states have only been demonstrated in three-dimensional convection-resolving simulations, which has made it seem that the physics of the RO state requires simulations that can explicitly resolve the three-dimensional interaction of cloudy plumes and their environment. We demonstrate that RO states also exist in single-column simulations of radiative-convective equilibrium with parameterized convection, albeit in a different surface temperature range and with much longer storm-free intervals.},
note = {e2024MS004439 2024MS004439},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract Earth’s tropics are characterized by quasi-steady precipitation with small oscillations about a mean value, which has led to the hypothesis that moist convection is in a state of quasi-equilibrium (QE). In contrast, very warm simulations of Earth’s tropical convection are characterized by relaxation-oscillator-like (RO) precipitation, with short-lived convective storms and torrential rainfall forming and dissipating at regular intervals with little to no precipitation in between. We develop a model of moist convection by combining a zero-buoyancy model of bulk-plume convection with a QE heat engine model, and we use it to show that QE is violated at high surface temperatures. We hypothesize that the RO state emerges when the equilibrium condition of the convective heat engine is violated, that is, when the heating rate times a thermodynamic efficiency exceeds the rate at which work can be performed. We test our hypothesis against one- and three-dimensional numerical simulations and find that it accurately predicts the onset of RO convection. The proposed mechanism for RO emergence from QE breakdown is agnostic of the condensable, and can be applied to any planetary atmosphere undergoing moist convection. To date, RO states have only been demonstrated in three-dimensional convection-resolving simulations, which has made it seem that the physics of the RO state requires simulations that can explicitly resolve the three-dimensional interaction of cloudy plumes and their environment. We demonstrate that RO states also exist in single-column simulations of radiative-convective equilibrium with parameterized convection, albeit in a different surface temperature range and with much longer storm-free intervals.
2023
Lee, Hung-I; Mitchell, Jonathan L.; Lora, Juan M.; Tripati, Aradhna
Influence of Stationary Waves on Precipitation Change in North American Summer during the Last Glacial Maximum Journal Article
In: Journal of Climate, vol. 36, no. 10, pp. 3165 - 3182, 2023.
@article{InfluenceofStationaryWavesonPrecipitationChangeinNorthAmericanSummerduringtheLastGlacialMaximum,
title = {Influence of Stationary Waves on Precipitation Change in North American Summer during the Last Glacial Maximum},
author = {Hung-I Lee and Jonathan L. Mitchell and Juan M. Lora and Aradhna Tripati},
url = {https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/36/10/JCLI-D-21-0886.1.xml},
doi = {10.1175/JCLI-D-21-0886.1},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Climate},
volume = {36},
number = {10},
pages = {3165 - 3182},
publisher = {American Meteorological Society},
address = {Boston MA, USA},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Spaulding-Astudillo, Francisco E.; Mitchell, Jonathan L.
Effects of Varying Saturation Vapor Pressure on Climate, Clouds, and Convection Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 80, no. 5, pp. 1247 - 1266, 2023.
@article{EffectsofVaryingSaturationVaporPressureonClimateCloudsandConvection,
title = {Effects of Varying Saturation Vapor Pressure on Climate, Clouds, and Convection},
author = {Francisco E. Spaulding-Astudillo and Jonathan L. Mitchell},
url = {https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/atsc/80/5/JAS-D-22-0063.1.xml},
doi = {10.1175/JAS-D-22-0063.1},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {80},
number = {5},
pages = {1247 - 1266},
publisher = {American Meteorological Society},
address = {Boston MA, USA},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2022
Lewis-Merrill, Rebecca A; Moon, Seulgi; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Lora, Juan M
Assessing Environmental Factors of Alluvial Fan Formation on Titan Journal Article
In: The Planetary Science Journal, vol. 3, no. 9, pp. 223, 2022.
@article{lewis2022assessing,
title = {Assessing Environmental Factors of Alluvial Fan Formation on Titan},
author = {Rebecca A Lewis-Merrill and Seulgi Moon and Jonathan L Mitchell and Juan M Lora},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {The Planetary Science Journal},
volume = {3},
number = {9},
pages = {223},
publisher = {IOP Publishing},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
McKinney, MM; Mitchell, J; Thomson, SI
Effects of Varying Land Coverage, Rotation Period, and Water Vapor on Equatorial Climates that Bridge the Gap between Earth-like and Titan-like Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 79, no. 11, pp. 2813–2830, 2022.
@article{mckinney2022effects,
title = {Effects of Varying Land Coverage, Rotation Period, and Water Vapor on Equatorial Climates that Bridge the Gap between Earth-like and Titan-like},
author = {MM McKinney and J Mitchell and SI Thomson},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {79},
number = {11},
pages = {2813–2830},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Hill, Spencer A; Bordoni, Simona; Mitchell, Jonathan L
A theory for the Hadley cell descending and ascending edges throughout the annual cycle Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 79, no. 10, pp. 2515–2528, 2022.
@article{hill2022theory,
title = {A theory for the Hadley cell descending and ascending edges throughout the annual cycle},
author = {Spencer A Hill and Simona Bordoni and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {79},
number = {10},
pages = {2515–2528},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2021
Mitchell, Jonathan L.; Hill, Spencer A.
Constraints from Invariant Subtropical Vertical Velocities on the Scalings of Hadley Cell Strength and Downdraft Width with Rotation Rate Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 78, no. 5, pp. 1445-1463, 2021, ISBN: 0022-4928.
@article{2234,
title = {Constraints from Invariant Subtropical Vertical Velocities on the Scalings of Hadley Cell Strength and Downdraft Width with Rotation Rate},
author = {Jonathan L. Mitchell and Spencer A. Hill},
url = {https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/atsc/78/5/JAS-D-20-0191.1.xml},
doi = {10.1175/JAS-D-20-0191.1},
isbn = {0022-4928},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-05-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {78},
number = {5},
pages = {1445-1463},
publisher = {American Meteorological Society},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Hill, Spencer A; Bordoni, Simona; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Solsticial Hadley Cell ascending edge theory from supercriticality Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 78, no. 6, pp. 1999–2011, 2021.
@article{hill2021solsticial,
title = {Solsticial Hadley Cell ascending edge theory from supercriticality},
author = {Spencer A Hill and Simona Bordoni and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {78},
number = {6},
pages = {1999–2011},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Lee, Hung-I; Mitchell, Jonathan L.
The Dynamics of Quasi-Stationary Atmospheric Rivers and Their Implications for Monsoon Onset Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 78, pp. 2353-2365, 2021.
@article{2236,
title = {The Dynamics of Quasi-Stationary Atmospheric Rivers and Their Implications for Monsoon Onset},
author = {Hung-I Lee and Jonathan L. Mitchell},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {78},
pages = {2353-2365},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Feng, Xiaofang; Ding, Qinghua; Wu, Liguang; Jones, Charles; Baxter, Ian; Tardif, Robert; Stevenson, Samantha; Emile-Geay, Julien; Mitchell, Jonathan; Carvalho, Leila M. V.; Wang, Huijun; Steig, Eric
A multidecadal-scale tropically-driven global teleconnection over the past millennium and its recent strengthening Journal Article
In: Journal of Climate, pp. 1 - 51, 2021.
@article{Amultidecadalscaletropicallydrivenglobalteleconnectionoverthepastmillenniumanditsrecentstrengthening,
title = {A multidecadal-scale tropically-driven global teleconnection over the past millennium and its recent strengthening},
author = {Xiaofang Feng and Qinghua Ding and Liguang Wu and Charles Jones and Ian Baxter and Robert Tardif and Samantha Stevenson and Julien Emile-Geay and Jonathan Mitchell and Leila M. V. Carvalho and Huijun Wang and Eric Steig},
url = {https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/aop/JCLI-D-20-0216.1/JCLI-D-20-0216.1.xml},
doi = {10.1175/JCLI-D-20-0216.1},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Climate},
pages = {1 - 51},
publisher = {American Meteorological Society},
address = {Boston MA, USA},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2020
Hill, Spencer A; Bordoni, Simona; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Axisymmetric Hadley Cell theory with a fixed tropopause temperature rather than height Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1279–1294, 2020.
@article{hill2020axisymmetric,
title = {Axisymmetric Hadley Cell theory with a fixed tropopause temperature rather than height},
author = {Spencer A Hill and Simona Bordoni and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {77},
number = {4},
pages = {1279–1294},
abstract = {
Axisymmetric Hadley cell theory has traditionally assumed that the tropopause height (Ht) is uniform and unchanged from its radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) value by the cells’ emergence. Recent studies suggest that the tropopause temperature (Tt), not height, is nearly invariant in RCE, which would require appreciable meridional variations in Ht. Here, we derive modified expressions of axisymmetric theory by assuming a fixed Tt and compare the results to their fixed-Ht counterparts. If Tt and the depth-averaged lapse rate are meridionally uniform, then at each latitude Ht varies linearly with the local surface temperature, altering the diagnosed gradient-balanced zonal wind at the tropopause appreciably (up to tens of meters per second) but the minimal Hadley cell extent predicted by Hide’s theorem only weakly (&18) under standard annual-mean and solsticial forcings. A uniform Tt alters the thermal field required to generate an angular- momentum-conserving Hadley circulation, but these changes and the resulting changes to the equal-area model solutions for the cell edges again are modest (,10%). In numerical simulations of latitude-by-latitude RCE under annual-mean forcing using a single-column model, assuming a uniform Tt is reasonably accurate up to the midlatitudes, and the Hide’s theorem metrics are again qualitatively insensitive to the tropopause definition. However imperfectly axisymmetric theory portrays the Hadley cells in Earth’s macroturbulent atmosphere, evidently its treatment of the tropopause is not an important error source.
},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Axisymmetric Hadley cell theory has traditionally assumed that the tropopause height (Ht) is uniform and unchanged from its radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) value by the cells’ emergence. Recent studies suggest that the tropopause temperature (Tt), not height, is nearly invariant in RCE, which would require appreciable meridional variations in Ht. Here, we derive modified expressions of axisymmetric theory by assuming a fixed Tt and compare the results to their fixed-Ht counterparts. If Tt and the depth-averaged lapse rate are meridionally uniform, then at each latitude Ht varies linearly with the local surface temperature, altering the diagnosed gradient-balanced zonal wind at the tropopause appreciably (up to tens of meters per second) but the minimal Hadley cell extent predicted by Hide’s theorem only weakly (&18) under standard annual-mean and solsticial forcings. A uniform Tt alters the thermal field required to generate an angular- momentum-conserving Hadley circulation, but these changes and the resulting changes to the equal-area model solutions for the cell edges again are modest (,10%). In numerical simulations of latitude-by-latitude RCE under annual-mean forcing using a single-column model, assuming a uniform Tt is reasonably accurate up to the midlatitudes, and the Hide’s theorem metrics are again qualitatively insensitive to the tropopause definition. However imperfectly axisymmetric theory portrays the Hadley cells in Earth’s macroturbulent atmosphere, evidently its treatment of the tropopause is not an important error source.
Axisymmetric Hadley cell theory has traditionally assumed that the tropopause height (Ht) is uniform and unchanged from its radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) value by the cells’ emergence. Recent studies suggest that the tropopause temperature (Tt), not height, is nearly invariant in RCE, which would require appreciable meridional variations in Ht. Here, we derive modified expressions of axisymmetric theory by assuming a fixed Tt and compare the results to their fixed-Ht counterparts. If Tt and the depth-averaged lapse rate are meridionally uniform, then at each latitude Ht varies linearly with the local surface temperature, altering the diagnosed gradient-balanced zonal wind at the tropopause appreciably (up to tens of meters per second) but the minimal Hadley cell extent predicted by Hide’s theorem only weakly (&18) under standard annual-mean and solsticial forcings. A uniform Tt alters the thermal field required to generate an angular- momentum-conserving Hadley circulation, but these changes and the resulting changes to the equal-area model solutions for the cell edges again are modest (,10%). In numerical simulations of latitude-by-latitude RCE under annual-mean forcing using a single-column model, assuming a uniform Tt is reasonably accurate up to the midlatitudes, and the Hide’s theorem metrics are again qualitatively insensitive to the tropopause definition. However imperfectly axisymmetric theory portrays the Hadley cells in Earth’s macroturbulent atmosphere, evidently its treatment of the tropopause is not an important error source.
Imamura, Takeshi; Mitchell, Jonathan; Lebonnois, Sebastien; Kaspi, Yohai; Showman, Adam P; Korablev, Oleg
Superrotation in Planetary Atmospheres Journal Article
In: Space Science Reviews, vol. 216, no. 5, pp. 1–41, 2020.
@article{imamura2020superrotation,
title = {Superrotation in Planetary Atmospheres},
author = {Takeshi Imamura and Jonathan Mitchell and Sebastien Lebonnois and Yohai Kaspi and Adam P Showman and Oleg Korablev},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Space Science Reviews},
volume = {216},
number = {5},
pages = {1–41},
publisher = {Springer Netherlands},
abstract = {Superrotation is a dynamical regime where the atmosphere circulates around the planet in the direction of planetary rotation with excess angular momentum in the equa- torial region. Superrotation is known to exist in the atmospheres of Venus, Titan, Jupiter, and Saturn in the solar system. Some of the exoplanets also exhibit superrotation. Our un- derstanding of superrotation in a framework of circulation regimes of the atmospheres of terrestrial planets is in progress thanks to the development of numerical models; a global instability involving planetary-scale waves seems to play a key role, and the dynamical state depends on the Rossby number, a measure of the relative importance of the inertial and Coriolis forces, and the thermal inertia of the atmosphere. Recent general circulation mod- els of Venus’s and Titan’s atmospheres demonstrated the importance of horizontal waves in the angular momentum transport in these atmospheres and also an additional contribu- tion of thermal tides in Venus’s atmosphere. The atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn also exhibit strong superrotation. Recent gravity data suggests that these superrotational flows extend deep into the planet, yet currently no single mechanism has been identified as driv- ing this superrotation. Moreover, atmospheric circulation models of tidally locked, strongly irradiated exoplanets have long predicted the existence of equatorial superrotation in their atmospheres, which has been attributed to the result of the strong day-night thermal forcing. As predicted, recent Doppler observations and infrared phase curves of hot Jupiters appear to confirm the presence of superrotation on these objects.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Superrotation is a dynamical regime where the atmosphere circulates around the planet in the direction of planetary rotation with excess angular momentum in the equa- torial region. Superrotation is known to exist in the atmospheres of Venus, Titan, Jupiter, and Saturn in the solar system. Some of the exoplanets also exhibit superrotation. Our un- derstanding of superrotation in a framework of circulation regimes of the atmospheres of terrestrial planets is in progress thanks to the development of numerical models; a global instability involving planetary-scale waves seems to play a key role, and the dynamical state depends on the Rossby number, a measure of the relative importance of the inertial and Coriolis forces, and the thermal inertia of the atmosphere. Recent general circulation mod- els of Venus’s and Titan’s atmospheres demonstrated the importance of horizontal waves in the angular momentum transport in these atmospheres and also an additional contribu- tion of thermal tides in Venus’s atmosphere. The atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn also exhibit strong superrotation. Recent gravity data suggests that these superrotational flows extend deep into the planet, yet currently no single mechanism has been identified as driv- ing this superrotation. Moreover, atmospheric circulation models of tidally locked, strongly irradiated exoplanets have long predicted the existence of equatorial superrotation in their atmospheres, which has been attributed to the result of the strong day-night thermal forcing. As predicted, recent Doppler observations and infrared phase curves of hot Jupiters appear to confirm the presence of superrotation on these objects.
Faulk, Sean P; Lora, Juan M; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Milly, PCD
Titan’s climate patterns and surface methane distribution due to the coupling of land hydrology and atmosphere Journal Article
In: Nature Astronomy, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 390–398, 2020.
@article{faulk2020titan,
title = {Titan’s climate patterns and surface methane distribution due to the coupling of land hydrology and atmosphere},
author = {Sean P Faulk and Juan M Lora and Jonathan L Mitchell and PCD Milly},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Nature Astronomy},
volume = {4},
number = {4},
pages = {390–398},
publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},
abstract = {Planetary surfaces beyond Earth’s are impacted by surface hydrology, and exhibit fluvial and lacustrine features. Titan in par- ticular harbours a rich hydroclimate replete with valley networks, lakes, seas and putative wetlands, all of which are pronounced in the lower-elevation polar regions. However, understanding of Titan’s global climate has heretofore neglected the hydraulic influence of Titan’s large-scale topography. Here we add a surface hydrology model to an existing Titan atmospheric model, and find that infiltration, groundmethane evaporation, and surface and subsurface flow are fundamental to simultaneously repro- ducing Titan’s observed surface liquid distribution and other aspects of its climate system. We propose that Titan’s climate features infiltration into unsaturated low- and mid-latitude highlands and surface or subsurface flow into high-latitude basins, producing the observed polar moist climes and equatorial deserts. This result implies that a potentially massive unobserved methane reservoir participates in Titan’s methane cycle. It also illustrates the importance of surface hydrology in Titan climate models, and by extension suggests the influence of surface hydrology in idealized models of other planetary climates, including the climates and palaeoclimates of Earth, Mars and exoplanets.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Planetary surfaces beyond Earth’s are impacted by surface hydrology, and exhibit fluvial and lacustrine features. Titan in par- ticular harbours a rich hydroclimate replete with valley networks, lakes, seas and putative wetlands, all of which are pronounced in the lower-elevation polar regions. However, understanding of Titan’s global climate has heretofore neglected the hydraulic influence of Titan’s large-scale topography. Here we add a surface hydrology model to an existing Titan atmospheric model, and find that infiltration, groundmethane evaporation, and surface and subsurface flow are fundamental to simultaneously repro- ducing Titan’s observed surface liquid distribution and other aspects of its climate system. We propose that Titan’s climate features infiltration into unsaturated low- and mid-latitude highlands and surface or subsurface flow into high-latitude basins, producing the observed polar moist climes and equatorial deserts. This result implies that a potentially massive unobserved methane reservoir participates in Titan’s methane cycle. It also illustrates the importance of surface hydrology in Titan climate models, and by extension suggests the influence of surface hydrology in idealized models of other planetary climates, including the climates and palaeoclimates of Earth, Mars and exoplanets.
2019
Hill, Spencer A; Bordoni, Simona; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Axisymmetric constraints on cross-equatorial Hadley cell extent Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 76, no. 6, pp. 1547–1564, 2019.
@article{hill2019axisymmetric,
title = {Axisymmetric constraints on cross-equatorial Hadley cell extent},
author = {Spencer A Hill and Simona Bordoni and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {76},
number = {6},
pages = {1547–1564},
abstract = {We consider the relevance of known constraints from each of Hide’s theorem, the angular momentum– conserving (AMC) model, and the equal-area model on the extent of cross-equatorial Hadley cells. These theories respectively posit that a Hadley circulation must span all latitudes where the radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) absolute angular momentum Mrce satisfies Mrce . Va2 or Mrce , 0 or where the RCE absolute vorticity hrce satisfies f hrce , 0; all latitudes where the RCE zonal wind exceeds the AMC zonal wind; and over a range such that depth-averaged potential temperature is continuous and that energy is conserved. The AMC model requires knowledge of the ascent latitude ua, which needs not equal the RCE forcing maximum latitude um . Whatever the value of ua , we demonstrate that an AMC cell must extend at least as far into the winter hemisphere as the summer hemisphere. The equal-area model predicts ua, always placing it poleward of um. As um is moved poleward (at a given thermal Rossby number), the equal-area-predicted Hadley circulation becomes implausibly large, while both um and ua become increasingly displaced poleward of the minimal cell extent based on Hide’s theorem (i.e., of supercritical forcing). In an idealized dry general circulation model, cross-equatorial Hadley cells are generated, some spanning nearly pole to pole. All ho- mogenize angular momentum imperfectly, are roughly symmetric in extent about the equator, and appear in extent controlled by the span of supercritical forcing.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
We consider the relevance of known constraints from each of Hide’s theorem, the angular momentum– conserving (AMC) model, and the equal-area model on the extent of cross-equatorial Hadley cells. These theories respectively posit that a Hadley circulation must span all latitudes where the radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) absolute angular momentum Mrce satisfies Mrce . Va2 or Mrce , 0 or where the RCE absolute vorticity hrce satisfies f hrce , 0; all latitudes where the RCE zonal wind exceeds the AMC zonal wind; and over a range such that depth-averaged potential temperature is continuous and that energy is conserved. The AMC model requires knowledge of the ascent latitude ua, which needs not equal the RCE forcing maximum latitude um . Whatever the value of ua , we demonstrate that an AMC cell must extend at least as far into the winter hemisphere as the summer hemisphere. The equal-area model predicts ua, always placing it poleward of um. As um is moved poleward (at a given thermal Rossby number), the equal-area-predicted Hadley circulation becomes implausibly large, while both um and ua become increasingly displaced poleward of the minimal cell extent based on Hide’s theorem (i.e., of supercritical forcing). In an idealized dry general circulation model, cross-equatorial Hadley cells are generated, some spanning nearly pole to pole. All ho- mogenize angular momentum imperfectly, are roughly symmetric in extent about the equator, and appear in extent controlled by the span of supercritical forcing.
Lee, Hung-I; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Tripati, Aradhna; Lora, Juan M; Chen, Gang; Ding, Qinghua
North Atlantic and Pacific Quasi-Stationary Parts of Atmospheric Rivers and Their Implications for East Asian Monsoon Onset Journal Article
In: Geophysical Research Letters, vol. 46, no. 21, pp. 12311–12320, 2019.
@article{lee2019north,
title = {North Atlantic and Pacific Quasi-Stationary Parts of Atmospheric Rivers and Their Implications for East Asian Monsoon Onset},
author = {Hung-I Lee and Jonathan L Mitchell and Aradhna Tripati and Juan M Lora and Gang Chen and Qinghua Ding},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Geophysical Research Letters},
volume = {46},
number = {21},
pages = {12311–12320},
abstract = {Using a global space-time diagram of column water vapor (CWV) at 30◦ N latitude from daily reanalysis data, we find two quasi-stationary parts of atmospheric rivers (QSARs) that feature locally enhanced CWV and evolve from the Eastern Pacific/Atlantic basins in the winter to the Western Pacific/Atlantic in the summer. East Asian Summer Monsoon onset coincides with the time CWV in the Pacific QSAR first exceeds 40 mm, which also typically occurs just before it makes landfall. QSARs exist in 39-year (1979–2017) daily climatological CWV, demonstrating the seasonal cycles of these features are quasi-stationary and potentially useful for monsoon onset prediction. East Asian Summer Monsoon onset is particularly predictable following El Niño-Southern Oscillation, consistently occurring 25–40 days after the QSAR crosses the dateline. Analysis of local wave activity reveals QSARs as fronts of wave breakings, thus opening a new window into dynamics of subtropical monsoon extensions.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Using a global space-time diagram of column water vapor (CWV) at 30◦ N latitude from daily reanalysis data, we find two quasi-stationary parts of atmospheric rivers (QSARs) that feature locally enhanced CWV and evolve from the Eastern Pacific/Atlantic basins in the winter to the Western Pacific/Atlantic in the summer. East Asian Summer Monsoon onset coincides with the time CWV in the Pacific QSAR first exceeds 40 mm, which also typically occurs just before it makes landfall. QSARs exist in 39-year (1979–2017) daily climatological CWV, demonstrating the seasonal cycles of these features are quasi-stationary and potentially useful for monsoon onset prediction. East Asian Summer Monsoon onset is particularly predictable following El Niño-Southern Oscillation, consistently occurring 25–40 days after the QSAR crosses the dateline. Analysis of local wave activity reveals QSARs as fronts of wave breakings, thus opening a new window into dynamics of subtropical monsoon extensions.
Mitchell, Jonathan L; Birner, Thomas; Lapeyre, Guillaume; Nakamura, Noboru; Read, Peter L; Rivière, Gwendal; Sanchez-Lavega, Agustin; Vallis, Geoffrey K
Terrestrial Atmospheres Book Chapter
In: Zonal Jets, Cambridge University Press, 2019.
@inbook{mitchell2019terrestrial,
title = {Terrestrial Atmospheres},
author = {Jonathan L Mitchell and Thomas Birner and Guillaume Lapeyre and Noboru Nakamura and Peter L Read and Gwendal Rivière and Agustin Sanchez-Lavega and Geoffrey K Vallis},
url = {https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/zonal-jets/82763ED4E81E4906C95CC6B248A42F02},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
booktitle = {Zonal Jets},
publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
organization = {Cambridge University Press},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
2017
Faulk, SP; Mitchell, JL; Moon, S; Lora, JM
Regional patterns of extreme precipitation on Titan consistent with observed alluvial fan distribution Journal Article
In: Nature Geoscience, vol. 10, no. 11, pp. 827–831, 2017.
@article{faulk2017regional,
title = {Regional patterns of extreme precipitation on Titan consistent with observed alluvial fan distribution},
author = {SP Faulk and JL Mitchell and S Moon and JM Lora},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Nature Geoscience},
volume = {10},
number = {11},
pages = {827–831},
publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},
abstract = {Geomorphic features typically associated with extreme rainfall events in terrestrial settings, including extensive fluvial features and alluvial fans, have been detected on Titan’s surface. Methane flow from precipitation on Titan can transport sediments and potentially erode the icy bedrock, but averaged precipitation rates from prior global-scale modelling are too low by at least an order of magnitude to initiate sediment transport of observed grain sizes at low latitudes. Here, we quantify the regional magnitude, frequency and variability of extreme rainfall events from simulations of present-day Titan, with a general circulation model coupled to a land model partially covered by wetlands reservoirs that can capture Titan’s regionally varying hydroclimate. We find that the most extreme storms tend to occur in the mid-latitudes, where observed alluvial fans are most concentrated. Storms capable of sediment transport and erosion occur at all latitudes in our simulations, consistent with the observed global coverage of fluvial features. Our results demonstrate the influential role of extreme precipitation in shaping Titan’s surface. We therefore suggest that, similarly to Earth but differently from Mars, active geomorphic work may be ongoing in the present climate on Titan.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Geomorphic features typically associated with extreme rainfall events in terrestrial settings, including extensive fluvial features and alluvial fans, have been detected on Titan’s surface. Methane flow from precipitation on Titan can transport sediments and potentially erode the icy bedrock, but averaged precipitation rates from prior global-scale modelling are too low by at least an order of magnitude to initiate sediment transport of observed grain sizes at low latitudes. Here, we quantify the regional magnitude, frequency and variability of extreme rainfall events from simulations of present-day Titan, with a general circulation model coupled to a land model partially covered by wetlands reservoirs that can capture Titan’s regionally varying hydroclimate. We find that the most extreme storms tend to occur in the mid-latitudes, where observed alluvial fans are most concentrated. Storms capable of sediment transport and erosion occur at all latitudes in our simulations, consistent with the observed global coverage of fluvial features. Our results demonstrate the influential role of extreme precipitation in shaping Titan’s surface. We therefore suggest that, similarly to Earth but differently from Mars, active geomorphic work may be ongoing in the present climate on Titan.
Faulk, Sean; Mitchell, Jonathan; Bordoni, Simona
Effects of rotation rate and seasonal forcing on the ITCZ extent in planetary atmospheres Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 665–678, 2017.
@article{faulk2017effects,
title = {Effects of rotation rate and seasonal forcing on the ITCZ extent in planetary atmospheres},
author = {Sean Faulk and Jonathan Mitchell and Simona Bordoni},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {74},
number = {3},
pages = {665–678},
abstract = {The authors study a wide range of atmospheric circulations with an idealized moist general circulation model to evaluate the mechanisms controlling intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) migrations. They employ a zonally symmetric aquaplanet slab ocean of fixed depth and force top-of-atmosphere insolation to remain fixed at the pole for an ‘‘eternal solstice’’ simulation and also vary seasonally for a range of rotation rates, keeping all other parameters Earth-like. For rotation rates VE/8 and slower, a transient maximum in zonal-mean precipitation appears at the summer pole; however, the ITCZ associated with the ascending branch of the Hadley circulation lies at ;608. The authors assess how widely used predictors of the ITCZ position perform in this wide parameter space. Standard predictors based on different estimates of the Hadley cell’s poleward extent are correlated with but overestimate off-equatorial ITCZ locations. Interestingly, in the eternal-solstice case for Earth’s rotation rate, the ITCZ remains at subtropical latitudes even though the lower-level moist static energy maximizes at the summer pole. While seemingly at odds with convective quasi- equilibrium arguments, this can happen because at Earth’s rotation rates, the thermal stratification set in convective regions can only be communicated within the tropics, where temperature gradients are con- strained to be weak. The authors therefore develop an understanding of the ITCZ’s position based on top-of- atmosphere energetics and the boundary layer momentum budget and argue that friction and pressure gradient forces determine the region of maximum convergence, offering a modified dynamical perspective on the monsoon-like seasonal weather patterns of terrestrial planets.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The authors study a wide range of atmospheric circulations with an idealized moist general circulation model to evaluate the mechanisms controlling intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) migrations. They employ a zonally symmetric aquaplanet slab ocean of fixed depth and force top-of-atmosphere insolation to remain fixed at the pole for an ‘‘eternal solstice’’ simulation and also vary seasonally for a range of rotation rates, keeping all other parameters Earth-like. For rotation rates VE/8 and slower, a transient maximum in zonal-mean precipitation appears at the summer pole; however, the ITCZ associated with the ascending branch of the Hadley circulation lies at ;608. The authors assess how widely used predictors of the ITCZ position perform in this wide parameter space. Standard predictors based on different estimates of the Hadley cell’s poleward extent are correlated with but overestimate off-equatorial ITCZ locations. Interestingly, in the eternal-solstice case for Earth’s rotation rate, the ITCZ remains at subtropical latitudes even though the lower-level moist static energy maximizes at the summer pole. While seemingly at odds with convective quasi- equilibrium arguments, this can happen because at Earth’s rotation rates, the thermal stratification set in convective regions can only be communicated within the tropics, where temperature gradients are con- strained to be weak. The authors therefore develop an understanding of the ITCZ’s position based on top-of- atmosphere energetics and the boundary layer momentum budget and argue that friction and pressure gradient forces determine the region of maximum convergence, offering a modified dynamical perspective on the monsoon-like seasonal weather patterns of terrestrial planets.
Lora, Juan M; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Risi, Camille; Tripati, Aradhna E
North Pacific atmospheric rivers and their influence on western North America at the Last Glacial Maximum Journal Article
In: Geophysical Research Letters, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 1051–1059, 2017.
@article{lora2017north,
title = {North Pacific atmospheric rivers and their influence on western North America at the Last Glacial Maximum},
author = {Juan M Lora and Jonathan L Mitchell and Camille Risi and Aradhna E Tripati},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Geophysical Research Letters},
volume = {44},
number = {2},
pages = {1051–1059},
abstract = {Southwestern North America was wetter than present during the Last Glacial Maximum.The causes of increased water availability have been recently debated, and quantitative precipitation reconstructions have been underutilized in model-data comparisons. We investigate the climatological response of North Pacific atmospheric rivers to the glacial climate using model simulations and paleoclimate reconstructions. Atmospheric moisture transport due to these features shifted toward the southeast relative to modern. Enhanced southwesterly moisture delivery between Hawaii and California increased precipitation in the southwest while decreasing it in the Pacific Northwest, in agreement with reconstructions. Coupled climate models that are best able to reproduce reconstructed precipitation changes simulate decreases in sea level pressure across the eastern North Pacific and show the strongest southeastward shifts of moisture transport relative to a modern climate. Precipitation increases of
~1 mm d-1, due largely to atmospheric rivers, are of the right magnitude to account for reconstructed pluvial conditions in parts of southwestern North America during the Last Glacial Maximum.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Southwestern North America was wetter than present during the Last Glacial Maximum.The causes of increased water availability have been recently debated, and quantitative precipitation reconstructions have been underutilized in model-data comparisons. We investigate the climatological response of North Pacific atmospheric rivers to the glacial climate using model simulations and paleoclimate reconstructions. Atmospheric moisture transport due to these features shifted toward the southeast relative to modern. Enhanced southwesterly moisture delivery between Hawaii and California increased precipitation in the southwest while decreasing it in the Pacific Northwest, in agreement with reconstructions. Coupled climate models that are best able to reproduce reconstructed precipitation changes simulate decreases in sea level pressure across the eastern North Pacific and show the strongest southeastward shifts of moisture transport relative to a modern climate. Precipitation increases of
~1 mm d-1, due largely to atmospheric rivers, are of the right magnitude to account for reconstructed pluvial conditions in parts of southwestern North America during the Last Glacial Maximum.
~1 mm d-1, due largely to atmospheric rivers, are of the right magnitude to account for reconstructed pluvial conditions in parts of southwestern North America during the Last Glacial Maximum.
2016
Faulk, Sean; Mitchell, Jonathan; Bordoni, Simona
Dynamical constraints on the ITCZ extent in planetary atmospheres Journal Article
In: J. Atmos. Sci., Submitted, 2016.
@article{faulk2016dynamical,
title = {Dynamical constraints on the ITCZ extent in planetary atmospheres},
author = {Sean Faulk and Jonathan Mitchell and Simona Bordoni},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {J. Atmos. Sci., Submitted},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Ádámkovics, Máté; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Hayes, Alexander G; Rojo, Patricio M; Corlies, Paul; Barnes, Jason W; Ivanov, Valentin D; Brown, Robert H; Baines, Kevin H; Buratti, Bonnie J; others,
Meridional variation in tropospheric methane on Titan observed with AO spectroscopy at Keck and VLT Journal Article
In: Icarus, vol. 270, pp. 376–388, 2016.
@article{adamkovics2016meridional,
title = {Meridional variation in tropospheric methane on Titan observed with AO spectroscopy at Keck and VLT},
author = {Máté Ádámkovics and Jonathan L Mitchell and Alexander G Hayes and Patricio M Rojo and Paul Corlies and Jason W Barnes and Valentin D Ivanov and Robert H Brown and Kevin H Baines and Bonnie J Buratti and others},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Icarus},
volume = {270},
pages = {376–388},
publisher = {Academic Press},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Ádámkovics, Máté; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Search for methane isotope fractionation due to Rayleigh distillation on Titan Journal Article
In: Icarus, vol. 275, pp. 232–238, 2016.
@article{adamkovics2016search,
title = {Search for methane isotope fractionation due to Rayleigh distillation on Titan},
author = {Máté Ádámkovics and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Icarus},
volume = {275},
pages = {232–238},
publisher = {Academic Press},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Pinto, João Rafael Dias; Mitchell, Jonathan Lloyd
Wave–mean flow interactions and the maintenance of superrotation in a terrestrial atmosphere Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 73, no. 8, pp. 3181–3196, 2016.
@article{dias2016wave,
title = {Wave–mean flow interactions and the maintenance of superrotation in a terrestrial atmosphere},
author = {João Rafael Dias Pinto and Jonathan Lloyd Mitchell},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {73},
number = {8},
pages = {3181–3196},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Lora, Juan M; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Tripati, Aradhna E
Abrupt reorganization of North Pacific and western North American climate during the last deglaciation Journal Article
In: Geophysical Research Letters, vol. 43, no. 22, pp. 11–796, 2016.
@article{lora2016abrupt,
title = {Abrupt reorganization of North Pacific and western North American climate during the last deglaciation},
author = {Juan M Lora and Jonathan L Mitchell and Aradhna E Tripati},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Geophysical Research Letters},
volume = {43},
number = {22},
pages = {11–796},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mitchell, Jonathan L; Lora, Juan M
The climate of Titan Journal Article
In: Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, vol. 44, 2016.
@article{mitchell2016climate,
title = {The climate of Titan},
author = {Jonathan L Mitchell and Juan M Lora},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences},
volume = {44},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2015
Lora, Juan M; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Titan’s asymmetric lake distribution mediated by methane transport due to atmospheric eddies Journal Article
In: Geophysical Research Letters, vol. 42, no. 15, pp. 6213–6220, 2015.
@article{lora2015titan,
title = {Titan’s asymmetric lake distribution mediated by methane transport due to atmospheric eddies},
author = {Juan M Lora and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Geophysical Research Letters},
volume = {42},
number = {15},
pages = {6213–6220},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2014
Pinto, João Rafael Dias; Mitchell, Jonathan Lloyd
Atmospheric superrotation in an idealized GCM: Parameter dependence of the eddy response Journal Article
In: Icarus, vol. 238, pp. 93–109, 2014.
@article{pinto2014atmospheric,
title = {Atmospheric superrotation in an idealized GCM: Parameter dependence of the eddy response},
author = {João Rafael Dias Pinto and Jonathan Lloyd Mitchell},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Icarus},
volume = {238},
pages = {93–109},
publisher = {Academic Press},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mitchell, Jonathan L; Vallis, Geoffrey K; Potter, Samuel F
Effects of the seasonal cycle on superrotation in planetary atmospheres Journal Article
In: The Astrophysical Journal, vol. 787, no. 1, pp. 23, 2014.
@article{mitchell2014effects,
title = {Effects of the seasonal cycle on superrotation in planetary atmospheres},
author = {Jonathan L Mitchell and Geoffrey K Vallis and Samuel F Potter},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {The Astrophysical Journal},
volume = {787},
number = {1},
pages = {23},
publisher = {IOP Publishing},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Potter, Samuel F; Vallis, Geoffrey K; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Spontaneous superrotation and the role of Kelvin waves in an idealized dry GCM Journal Article
In: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 596–614, 2014.
@article{potter2014spontaneous,
title = {Spontaneous superrotation and the role of Kelvin waves in an idealized dry GCM},
author = {Samuel F Potter and Geoffrey K Vallis and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences},
volume = {71},
number = {2},
pages = {596–614},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Tripati, Aradhna K; Sahany, Sandeep; Pittman, Dustin; Eagle, Robert A; Neelin, J David; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Beaufort, Luc
Modern and glacial tropical snowlines controlled by sea surface temperature and atmospheric mixing Journal Article
In: Nature Geoscience, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 205–209, 2014.
@article{tripati2014modern,
title = {Modern and glacial tropical snowlines controlled by sea surface temperature and atmospheric mixing},
author = {Aradhna K Tripati and Sandeep Sahany and Dustin Pittman and Robert A Eagle and J David Neelin and Jonathan L Mitchell and Luc Beaufort},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Nature Geoscience},
volume = {7},
number = {3},
pages = {205–209},
publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Wang, Peng; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Planetary ageostrophic instability leads to superrotation Journal Article
In: Geophysical Research Letters, vol. 41, no. 12, pp. 4118–4126, 2014.
@article{wang2014planetary,
title = {Planetary ageostrophic instability leads to superrotation},
author = {Peng Wang and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Geophysical Research Letters},
volume = {41},
number = {12},
pages = {4118–4126},
publisher = {John Wiley & Sons, Ltd},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2013
Schubert, G; Mitchell, JL
Planetary atmospheres as heat engines Journal Article
In: Comparative Climatology of Terrestrial Planets, pp. 181–191, 2013.
@article{schubert2013planetary,
title = {Planetary atmospheres as heat engines},
author = {G Schubert and JL Mitchell},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Comparative Climatology of Terrestrial Planets},
pages = {181–191},
publisher = {University of Arizona Press},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Griffith, C; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Lavvas, Panayotis; Tobie, Gabriel
Titan’s evolving climate Journal Article
In: Comparative Climatology of Terrestrial Planets, pp. 1–27, 2013.
@article{griffith2013titan,
title = {Titan’s evolving climate},
author = {C Griffith and Jonathan L Mitchell and Panayotis Lavvas and Gabriel Tobie},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Comparative Climatology of Terrestrial Planets},
pages = {1–27},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Eagle, Robert A; Risi, Camille; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Eiler, John M; Seibt, Ulrike; Neelin, J David; Li, Gaojun; Tripati, Aradhna K
High regional climate sensitivity over continental China constrained by glacial-recent changes in temperature and the hydrological cycle Journal Article
In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 110, no. 22, pp. 8813–8818, 2013.
@article{eagle2013high,
title = {High regional climate sensitivity over continental China constrained by glacial-recent changes in temperature and the hydrological cycle},
author = {Robert A Eagle and Camille Risi and Jonathan L Mitchell and John M Eiler and Ulrike Seibt and J David Neelin and Gaojun Li and Aradhna K Tripati},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences},
volume = {110},
number = {22},
pages = {8813–8818},
publisher = {National Academy of Sciences},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2012
Lorenz, Ralph D; Newman, Claire E; Tokano, Tetsuya; Mitchell, Jonathan L; Charnay, Benjamin; Lebonnois, Sebastien; Achterberg, Richard K
Formulation of a wind specification for Titan late polar summer exploration Journal Article
In: Planetary and Space Science, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 73–83, 2012.
@article{lorenz2012formulation,
title = {Formulation of a wind specification for Titan late polar summer exploration},
author = {Ralph D Lorenz and Claire E Newman and Tetsuya Tokano and Jonathan L Mitchell and Benjamin Charnay and Sebastien Lebonnois and Richard K Achterberg},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {Planetary and Space Science},
volume = {70},
number = {1},
pages = {73–83},
publisher = {Pergamon},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mitchell, Jonathan L
Titan’s transport-driven methane cycle Journal Article
In: The Astrophysical Journal Letters, vol. 756, no. 2, pp. L26, 2012.
@article{mitchell2012titan,
title = {Titan’s transport-driven methane cycle},
author = {Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {The Astrophysical Journal Letters},
volume = {756},
number = {2},
pages = {L26},
publisher = {IOP Publishing},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2011
Mitchell, Jonathan L; Ádámkovics, Máté; Caballero, Rodrigo; Turtle, Elizabeth P
Locally enhanced precipitation organized by planetary-scale waves on Titan Journal Article
In: Nature Geoscience, vol. 4, no. 9, pp. 589–592, 2011.
@article{mitchell2011locally,
title = {Locally enhanced precipitation organized by planetary-scale waves on Titan},
author = {Jonathan L Mitchell and Máté Ádámkovics and Rodrigo Caballero and Elizabeth P Turtle},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
journal = {Nature Geoscience},
volume = {4},
number = {9},
pages = {589–592},
publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2010
Barnes, Jason W; McKay, Chris; Lemke, Lawrence; Beyer, Ross A; Radebaugh, Jani; Atkinson, David
AVIATR: Aerial vehicle for in-situ and airborne titan reconnaissance Journal Article
In: LPI, no. 1533, pp. 2551, 2010.
@article{barnes2010aviatr,
title = {AVIATR: Aerial vehicle for in-situ and airborne titan reconnaissance},
author = {Jason W Barnes and Chris McKay and Lawrence Lemke and Ross A Beyer and Jani Radebaugh and David Atkinson},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-01-01},
journal = {LPI},
number = {1533},
pages = {2551},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Spiegel, DS; Raymond, S; Dressing, CD; Scharf, CA; Mitchell, JL; Menou, K
General Milankovitch Cycles Conference
Pathways Towards Habitable Planets, vol. 430, 2010.
@conference{spiegel2010general,
title = {General Milankovitch Cycles},
author = {DS Spiegel and S Raymond and CD Dressing and CA Scharf and JL Mitchell and K Menou},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-01-01},
booktitle = {Pathways Towards Habitable Planets},
volume = {430},
pages = {109},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {conference}
}
Goldreich, Peter M; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Elastic ice shells of synchronous moons: Implications for cracks on Europa and non-synchronous rotation of Titan Journal Article
In: Icarus, vol. 209, no. 2, pp. 631–638, 2010.
@article{goldreich2010elastic,
title = {Elastic ice shells of synchronous moons: Implications for cracks on Europa and non-synchronous rotation of Titan},
author = {Peter M Goldreich and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-01-01},
journal = {Icarus},
volume = {209},
number = {2},
pages = {631–638},
publisher = {Academic Press},
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Spiegel, David S; Raymond, Sean N; Dressing, Courtney D; Scharf, Caleb A; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Generalized Milankovitch cycles and long-term climatic habitability Journal Article
In: The Astrophysical Journal, vol. 721, no. 2, pp. 1308, 2010.
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title = {Generalized Milankovitch cycles and long-term climatic habitability},
author = {David S Spiegel and Sean N Raymond and Courtney D Dressing and Caleb A Scharf and Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-01-01},
journal = {The Astrophysical Journal},
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number = {2},
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Youdin, Andrew N; Mitchell, Jonathan L
The mechanical greenhouse: burial of heat by turbulence in hot Jupiter atmospheres Journal Article
In: The Astrophysical Journal, vol. 721, no. 2, pp. 1113, 2010.
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title = {The mechanical greenhouse: burial of heat by turbulence in hot Jupiter atmospheres},
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number = {2},
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Mitchell, Jonathan L; Vallis, Geoffrey K
The transition to superrotation in terrestrial atmospheres Journal Article
In: Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, vol. 115, no. E12, 2010.
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title = {The transition to superrotation in terrestrial atmospheres},
author = {Jonathan L Mitchell and Geoffrey K Vallis},
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2009
Mitchell, Jonathan L
Coupling convectively driven atmospheric circulation to surface rotation: Evidence for active methane weather in the observed spin rate drift of Titan Journal Article
In: The Astrophysical Journal, vol. 692, no. 1, pp. 168, 2009.
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title = {Coupling convectively driven atmospheric circulation to surface rotation: Evidence for active methane weather in the observed spin rate drift of Titan},
author = {Jonathan L Mitchell},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-01},
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Mitchell, Jonathan L; Pierrehumbert, Raymond T; Frierson, Dargan MW; Caballero, Rodrigo
The impact of methane thermodynamics on seasonal convection and circulation in a model Titan atmosphere Journal Article
In: Icarus, vol. 203, no. 1, pp. 250–264, 2009.
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title = {The impact of methane thermodynamics on seasonal convection and circulation in a model Titan atmosphere},
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2008
Caballero, Rodrigo; Pierrehumbert, Raymond T; Mitchell, Jonathan L
Axisymmetric, nearly inviscid circulations in non-condensing radiative-convective atmospheres Journal Article
In: Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: A journal of the atmospheric sciences, applied meteorology and physical oceanography, vol. 134, no. 634, pp. 1269–1285, 2008.
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