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The diversity of exoplanets; from interior dynamics to surface expressions

Maxim D. Ballmer and Lena Noack
The diversity of exoplanets; from interior dynamics to surface expressions (in Geoscience beyond the solar system, John Eiler (editor), Richard Harrison (editor), Becky Lange (editor) and Jodi Rosso (editor))
Elements (August 2021) 17 (4): 245-250

Abstract

The coupled interior-atmosphere system of terrestrial exoplanets remains poorly understood. Exoplanets show a wide variety of sizes, densities, surface temperatures, and interior structures, with important knock-on effects for this coupled system. Many exoplanets are predicted to have a "stagnant lid" at the surface, with a rigid stationary crust, sluggish mantle convection, and only minor volcanism. However, if exoplanets have Earth-like plate tectonics, which involves several discrete, slowly moving plates and vigorous tectono-magmatic activity, then this may be critical for planetary habitability and have implications for the development (and evolution) of life in the galaxy. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of coupled planetary dynamics in the context of exoplanet diversity.


ISSN: 1811-5209
Serial Title: Elements
Serial Volume: 17
Serial Issue: 4
Title: The diversity of exoplanets; from interior dynamics to surface expressions
Title: Geoscience beyond the solar system
Author(s): Ballmer, Maxim D.Noack, Lena
Author(s): Eiler, Johneditor
Author(s): Harrison, Richardeditor
Author(s): Lange, Beckyeditor
Author(s): Rosso, Jodieditor
Affiliation: University College London, Department of Earth Sciences, United Kingdom
Pages: 245-250
Published: 20210801
Text Language: English
Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America and Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland and Mineralogical Association of Canada and Geochemical Society and Clay Minerals Society, International
References: 29
Accession Number: 2021-076055
Categories: Extraterrestrial geology
Document Type: Serial
Bibliographic Level: Analytic
Illustration Description: illus.
Secondary Affiliation: Freie Universitaet Berlin, DEU, Germany
Country of Publication: International
Secondary Affiliation: GeoRef, Copyright 2021, American Geosciences Institute. Abstract, copyright, Mineralogical Society of America. Reference includes data from GeoScienceWorld, Alexandria, VA, United States
Update Code: 202152

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