> The study, in the July 27 issue of the journal Nature, concludes that the storm in the Great Red Spot produces two kinds of turbulent energy waves that collide and heat the upper atmosphere. Gravity waves are much like how a guitar string moves when plucked, while acoustic waves are compressions of the air (sound waves). Heating in the upper atmosphere 500 miles (800 kilometers) above the Great Red Spot is thought to be caused by a combination of these two wave types “crashing,” like ocean waves on a beach.
I'm surprised that gravity waves from something that small can have an affect on the atmosphere.
(Yes, I know that Jupiter is big, and so is the Spot, but gravity is incredibly weak.)
EDIT: apparently there is a very big difference between "gravity waves" and "gravitational waves"; I withdraw my comment, but leave it for posterity so that others can be enlightened!
I'm surprised that gravity waves from something that small can have an affect on the atmosphere.
(Yes, I know that Jupiter is big, and so is the Spot, but gravity is incredibly weak.)
EDIT: apparently there is a very big difference between "gravity waves" and "gravitational waves"; I withdraw my comment, but leave it for posterity so that others can be enlightened!