Moist, Double-diffusive convection

ORAL

Abstract

Double-diffusive convection occurs when the competition between stabilizing and a destabilizing buoyancy source is mediated by a difference in the diffusivity of each source. Such convection is important in a wide variety of astrophysical and geophysical flows. However, in giant planets, double-diffusive convection occurs in regions where condensation of important components of the atmosphere occurs. Here, we present preliminary calculations of moist, double-diffusive convection using the Dedalus pseudospectral framework. Using a simple model for phase change, we verify growth rates for moist double diffusive convection from linear calculations and report on preliminary relationships between the ability to form liquid phase and the resulting Nusselt number in nonlinear simulations.

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Authors

  • Jeffrey Oishi

    Bates College

  • Keaton J Burns

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Physics, MIT

  • Benjamin Brown

    Dept. Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado -- Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA, Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado

  • Daniel Lecoanet

    Princeton Center for Theoretical Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA, Princeton Center for Theoretical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton Center for Theoretical Science, Princeton University, Princeton University, Princeton Univ

  • Geoffrey Vasil

    School of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia, School of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Sydney, The University of Sydney, University of Sydney