Stratospheric wind and water vapour fluctuations on tidally locked exoplanets

Wind currents in the Earth’s equatorial stratosphere change direction every 26-28 months. Abundances of ozone, methane, water vapour, and other trace atmospheric gasses oscillate on the same timescale. This phenomenon is known as the “quasi-biennial oscillation” (QBO) and also occurs on other solar system planets (Jupiter and Saturn), though with different periods. It occurs becauseContinue reading “Stratospheric wind and water vapour fluctuations on tidally locked exoplanets”