A solitary wave theory of the great red spot and other observed features in the Jovian atmosphere

We show that solitary waves in a planetary, zonal shear have a shape and flow field that are virtually identical to those observed around the Red Spot and numerous other features that have seen in the Jovian atmosphere. We also suggest that the theoretically calculated interaction between solitary waves has many characteristics in common with the observed interactions between these same Jovian features, and show that available atmosphere models are consistent with the very restrictive requirements of the theory.