The role of ice in planet formation

Summary, in English

As stars form, they are surrounded by a disc composed of gas, dust and ice – the protoplanetary disc, where solids grow from micrometre-sized dust to planets. Small dust grows readily by collisions. However, it is challenging to reach high enough particle sizes and dust-to-gas-ratios for continued growth to planetesimals – kilometre-sized and larger planetary building blocks. In this thesis I explore the effect of ice on the growth towards pebbles, in order to investigate if the water ice line – the radial distance from the star where water undergoes a phase change from
vapour to solid form – can be a favourable location for the initiation of growth towards planetesimals. In a series of papers, I numerically and experimentally investigate condensation and sublimation at the water ice line. I find that micrometre-sized dust particles can grow quickly to icy pebbles through condensation. This confirms that the water ice line can be a favourable location for further growth towards planetesimals and planets.

• Author: Katrin Ros
• Department/s: Astrophysics
• Publishing year: 2024
• Language: English
• Full text: - 3 MB; Download statistics
• Document type: Dissertation
• Publisher: Lund University
• Topic: Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology
• Keywords: Planetbildning; Protoplanetära skivor; Planet formation; Protoplanetary discs
• Status: Published
• Supervisor: Anders Johansen; Nils Ryde
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISBN: 978-91-8104-019-7; ISBN: 978-91-8104-020-3
• Defence date: 26 April 2024
• Defence time: 13:00
• Defence place: Lundmarksalen, Sölvegatan 27, Lund.
• Opponent: Sebastian Krijt (Dr.)