Angular momentum transport, layering, and zonal jet formation by the GSF instability: non-linear simulations at a general latitude

We continue our investigation into the non-linear evolution of the Goldreich–Schubert–Fricke (GSF) instability in differentially rotating radiation zones. This instability may be a key player in transporting angular momentum in stars and giant planets, but its non-linear evolution remains mostly unexplored. In a previous paper we considered the equatorial instability, whereas here we simulate the instability at a general latitude for the first time. We adopt a local Cartesian Boussinesq model in a modified shearing box for most of our simulations, but we also perform some simulations with stress-free, impenetrable, radial boundaries. We first revisit the linear instability and derive some new results, before studying its non-linear evolution. The instability is found to behave very differently compared with its behaviour at the equator. In particular, here we observe the development of strong zonal jets (‘layering’ in the angular momentum), which can considerably enhance angular momentum transport, particularly in axisymmetric simulations. The jets are, in general, tilted with respect to the local gravity by an angle that corresponds initially with that of the linear modes, but which evolves with time and depends on the strength of the flow. The instability transports angular momentum much more efficiently (by several orders of magnitude) than it does at the equator, and we estimate that the GSF instability could contribute to the missing angular momentum transport required in both red giant and subgiant stars. It could also play a role in the long-term evolution of the solar tachocline and the atmospheric dynamics of hot Jupiters.