High Winds of Neptune: A Possible Mechanism

@article{Suomi1991HighWO,
  title={High Winds of Neptune: A Possible Mechanism},
  author={Verner E. Suomi and Sanjay S. Limaye and D. R. Johnson},
  journal={Science},
  year={1991},
  volume={251},
  pages={929 - 932}
}
Neptune receives only 1/900th of the earth's solar energy, but has wind speeds of nearly 600 meters per second. How the near-supersonic winds can be maintained has been a puzzle. A plausible mechanism, based on principles of angular momentum and energy conservation in conjunction with deep convection, leads to a regime of uniform angular momentum at low latitudes. In this model, the rapid retrograde winds observed are a manifestation of deep convection, and the high efficiency of the planet's… 
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