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Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Surface Renewal: An Advanced Micrometeorological Method for Measuring and Processing Field-Scale Energy Flux Density Data
Published on: December 12, 2013
Venus winds are zonal and retrograde below the clouds.
Winds on Venus are mainly easterly, increasing dramatically with altitude. Speeds range from 1 m/s near the surface to over 200 m/s in the middle clouds.
Area of Science:
- * Planetary Science
- * Atmospheric Dynamics
Background:
- * Venus possesses a dynamic atmosphere with complex wind patterns.
- * Understanding Venus's atmospheric circulation is key to comprehending its climate.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To determine wind speeds and directions in Venus's lower atmosphere.
- * To investigate the vertical and horizontal wind structures.
Main Methods:
- * Utilized three-dimensional radio interferometric tracking of Pioneer Venus day and north probe descents.
- * Analyzed descent data to infer atmospheric wind conditions.
Main Results:
- * Predominantly easterly winds were observed.
- * Wind speeds increased with altitude: ~1 m/s at the surface, 50 m/s at cloud base, and >200 m/s in the middle cloud layer.
- * Between 25-55 km, flow was equatorward with wave-like motions and shear layers.
Conclusions:
- * Venus's lower atmosphere exhibits significant vertical wind shear and complex dynamics.
- * Easterly super-rotation is a dominant feature of Venus's atmospheric circulation.
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