Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 February 2009
The solutions of the equations describing deep global convection on a rotating planet are discussed. The existence of generalized steady axisymmetric solutions is established. It is then shown that these are classical solutions when the heat source is sufficiently smooth. The solutions are shown to be unique when the heating is sufficiently weak and asymptotically stable when the shear is sufficiently small. Finally, the application of these results to Earth's atmosphere is discussed, with eddy viscosity replacing molecular viscosity.