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.
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Research Article|
August 01, 2021
The Diversity of Exoplanets: From Interior Dynamics to Surface Expressions
Maxim D. Ballmer;
University College London, Department of Earth Sciences
Tokyo Institute of Technology, Earth-Life Science Institute
E-mail: [email protected]
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Lena Noack
Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Geological Sciences
E-mail: [email protected]
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University College London, Department of Earth Sciences
Tokyo Institute of Technology, Earth-Life Science Institute
Publisher: Mineralogical Society of America
First Online:
23 Nov 2021
Online ISSN: 1811-5217
Print ISSN: 1811-5209
Copyright © 2021 by the Mineralogical Society of America
Mineralogical Society of America
Elements (2021) 17 (4): 245–250.
Article history
First Online:
23 Nov 2021
Citation
Maxim D. Ballmer, Lena Noack; The Diversity of Exoplanets: From Interior Dynamics to Surface Expressions. Elements 2021;; 17 (4): 245–250. doi: https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.17.4.245
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