Gas Evolution in Protoplanetary Disks

TL;DR

This paper reviews current observational and modeling approaches to understanding the gas component in protoplanetary disks, emphasizing molecules, disk structures, and implications for planet formation around low-mass stars.

Contribution

It summarizes recent discussions and advances in observational spectroscopy and models related to gas in protoplanetary disks around low-mass stars.

Findings

Focus on water and organic molecules in disks

Insights into disk gaps and holes

Connection to planet formation processes

Abstract

This article summarizes a Splinter Session at the Cool Stars XV conference in St. Andrews with 3 review and 4 contributed talks. The speakers have discussed various approaches to understand the structure and evolution of the gas component in protoplanetary disks. These ranged from observational spectroscopy in the UV, infrared and millimeter, through to chemical and hydrodynamical models. The focus was on disks around low-mass stars, ranging from classical T Tauri stars to transitional disks and debris disks. Emphasis was put on water and organic molecules, the relation to planet formation, and the formation of holes and gaps in the inner regions.