Because Jupiter is a gas planet, it does not have a solid surface resembling Earth or other planets in our solar system. Astronomers delineate what constitutes the surface by measuring the planet's atmospheric pressure. They have determined that Jupiter's "surface" is the point where atmospheric pressure is at 1 bar, the same value as the Earth's surface.
The composition of Jupiter's gaseous atmosphere and surface climate is approximately 90 percent hydrogen and 10 percent helium.
The clouds on Jupiter's surface are made up of ammonia crystals that add to the already volatile nature of the planet's gaseous makeup. They help perpetuate the ongoing storm cycles.
The volatile makeup of the planet's gaseous atmosphere and surface means that storms are raging all the time. The Great Red Spot is an enormous anticyclonic storm that has been raging on the planet's surface for centuries, measuring nearly three times the circumference of Earth. Scientists suggest that this storm might be sustainable and could become a permanent feature of the planet.