Climate and atmospheric models of rocky planets: habitability and observational properties

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of flexible climate and atmospheric models to assess habitability and observational signatures of rocky exoplanets, addressing the complexity of non-terrestrial conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for multi-parametric exploration of rocky planet habitability and observational properties using advanced climate and atmospheric models.

Findings

Preliminary results on habitability criteria

Insights into spectral signatures of rocky exoplanets

Framework for comprehensive model exploration

Abstract

The quest for atmospheric spectral signatures that may witness biological activity in exoplanets is focused on rocky planets. The best targets for future, challenging spectroscopic observations will be selected among potentially habitable planets. Surface habitability can be quantified and explored with climate and atmospheric models according to temperature-based criteria. The conceptual, modellistic, technological and interpretative complexity of the problem requires to develop flexible climate and atmospheric models suited for a comprehensive exploration of observationally unconstrained parameters, and to simulate and interpret definitely non-terrestrial conditions. We present a summary and preliminary results on the work we are performing on multi-parametric explorations of the habitability and observational properties of rocky planets.