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Recent research led by Caroline Dorn, Professor for Exoplanets at ETH Zurich, has revolutionised our understanding of exoplanets and how they could be filled with water than previously thought.
The team revealed the complexity beyond the simplistic Earth-like models traditionally used.
This study, published in Nature Astronomy, explores the intricate distribution of water within exoplanets, particularly those closely orbiting their stars, which are often characterized by oceans of molten magma rather than solid silicate mantles like Earth.
Dorn's team, in collaboration with researchers from Princeton University, investigated how water interacts with the iron core and silicate mantle of these exoplanets.
They discovered that in the intense pressure conditions of larger planets, water tends to combine with iron droplets within the magma, sinking to the core.
This process is significant because it suggests that water is more abundant in planetary cores than previously thought, challenging earlier assumptions about exoplanet composition.
The study's findings have profound implications for the interpretation of astronomical data. Traditional mass-radius diagrams used to infer planetary composition may underestimate water content by up to ten times if the solubility and distribution of water are not considered.
This revelation suggests that many exoplanets are likely more water-rich than assumed, potentially altering our understanding of their habitability.
Furthermore, the research highlights the importance of water distribution in planetary evolution.
Water trapped in the core remains isolated, while water in the mantle's magma ocean can de-gas and reach the surface as the planet cools. This dynamic is crucial for understanding the development of planetary atmospheres and potential habitability.
The study also sheds light on the potential for life on water-abundant Super-Earths. Contrary to previous beliefs that excessive water could hinder life by forming high-pressure ice layers, the research suggests that most water is trapped within the core, allowing for Earth-like conditions on the surface.
These insights are particularly relevant as the James Webb Space Telescope continues to analyze exoplanet atmospheres, seeking connections between atmospheric composition and internal planetary processes.
Dorn's work, including studies on exoplanets like TOI-270d and K2-18b, is pivotal in advancing our understanding of these distant worlds and their potential to support life.
