The Diversity of Exoplanets: From Interior Dynamics to Surface Expressions

TL;DR

This paper reviews the diversity of exoplanet interior and surface dynamics, emphasizing how different tectonic regimes influence planetary habitability and evolution.

Contribution

It synthesizes current understanding of coupled interior-atmosphere systems across diverse exoplanets, highlighting the importance of tectonic activity for habitability.

Findings

Exoplanets exhibit a wide range of interior and surface characteristics.

Tectonic regimes vary from stagnant lid to Earth-like plate tectonics.

Tectonic activity impacts planetary habitability and evolution.

Abstract

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.