A Chemical Modelling Roadmap Linking Protoplanetary Disks and Exoplanet Atmospheres

TL;DR

This review explores the chemical processes in planet-forming disks and their connection to exoplanet atmospheres, emphasizing the need for integrated modelling approaches to understand planetary origins.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of chemical effects in disk midplanes and promotes collaboration between planet formation and chemical modelling communities.

Findings

Identification of key chemical effects in disk midplanes

Discussion of modelling tools for chemical kinetics

Guidance on relevant effects under different formation conditions

Abstract

[Abridged] This review paper discussed which chemical effects may be at play in a planet-forming disk midplane, which effects are relevant under different conditions, and which tools are available for modelling chemical kinetics in a disk midplane. The review goes on to discuss some important efforts in the planet formation modelling community to treat chemical evolution, and, vice versa, efforts in the chemical modelling community to implement more physical effects related to planet formation into the chemical modelling. The aim of this review is both to outline some concepts related to planet formation chemistry, but also to encourage, not just collaboration between the planet formation modelling community and the astrochemical community, but also assistance and guidance from one community to the other. Guidance, regarding which effects, out of many, might be more relevant than others under certain planet formation conditions, and regarding why certain included effects lead to certain important modelling outcomes. As the research fields of exoplanet atmospheres and protoplanetary disks near new frontiers in observational insights with upcoming facilities, developing appropriate modelling frameworks (including physical and chemical effects) is paramount to ultimately enable the linking of a chemically characterised exoplanet atmospheres to its formation history in its natal protoplanetary disk.