Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-08-20
Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc.391:237-245,2008
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
accepted for publication in MNRAS on 2008 Aug 20 35 manuscript pages, 7 figures
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2008.13868.x
The tidal heating of hypothetical rocky (or terrestrial) extra-solar planets spans a wide range of values depending on stellar masses and initial orbits. Tidal heating may be sufficiently large (in many cases, in excess of radiogenic heating) and long-lived to drive plate tectonics, similar to the Earth's, which may enhance the planet's habitability. In other cases, excessive tidal heating may result in Io-like planets with violent volcanism, probably rendering them unsuitable for life. On water-rich planets, tidal heating may generate sub-surface oceans analogous to Europa's with similar prospects for habitability. Tidal heating may enhance the outgassing of volatiles, contributing to the formation and replenishment of a planet's atmosphere. To address these issues, we model the tidal heating and evolution of hypothetical extra-solar terrestrial planets. The results presented here constrain the orbital and physical properties required for planets to be habitable.
Barnes Rory
Greenberg Richard
Jackson Brian
No associations
LandOfFree
Tidal Heating of Terrestrial Extra-Solar Planets and Implications for their Habitability does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Tidal Heating of Terrestrial Extra-Solar Planets and Implications for their Habitability, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tidal Heating of Terrestrial Extra-Solar Planets and Implications for their Habitability will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-609638