The First Accurate and Quantitative Model of the Formation of Terrestrial Planets and Origin of Earth's Water

Author(s)
Nader Haghighipour, Thomas Maindl
Abstract

We have developed an accurate and quantitative model of the formation of terrestrial planets and origin of Earth's water. Using a combination of SPH and N-body codes, we model the collisions and growth of embryos to planetary bodies accurately. We simulate collisions directly, and for the first time, consider the loss of water due to the heat of the impact, mass-removal during collisions, and ice-sublimation duringorbital evolution of bodies. Our results present a more accurate and quantifiable estimate of the water delivered to Earth and are informed directly from geological evidence of Earth evolution. Our methodology also tracks the transfer of water and volatiles from one body to another, self-consistently.

Organisation(s)
Department of Astrophysics
External organisation(s)
University of Hawaii
Publication date
09-2018
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
103003 Astronomy, 103004 Astrophysics
Keywords
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/176786de-984f-4727-99b8-4fd070717777