I WONDER - What Are Zonal Jets?

Gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn feature zonal jets, which are strong east-west winds in their atmospheres. These jets contribute to the planets' banded appearance and are caused by rapid rotation and internal heat. However, the exact mechanisms of their formation and stability remain under research.

What is a common feature found in the atmospheres of gas giants?

• Mountain ranges

• Zonal jets

• Ice caps

• Volcanic activity

What visual effect do zonal jets have on planets like Jupiter?

• They form a banded appearance

• They cause the planet to glow

• They create a smooth surface

• They make the planet appear smaller

Which planets are mentioned as having a banded appearance due to zonal jets?

• Uranus and Mercury

• Mars and Venus

• Earth and Neptune

• Jupiter and Saturn

Which two factors contribute to the formation of zonal jets?

• Magnetic fields and solar winds

• Rapid rotation and internal heat

• Tidal forces and ocean currents

• Gravitational pull and atmospheric pressure

What is still being researched about zonal jets?

• Their color

• Their formation and stability

• Their size

• Their temperature