If Planet=Function(Formation), what is the Function() like? How will we learn it?

Abstract: I will suggest that the ultimate theoretical target of planet science is to understand how the conditions of formation (composition, timing/rate, stellar system context, etc.) result in planets with particular characteristics (environment, tectonics, magnetic field, life, etc.). Our first task is to determine the nature of the function that relates the latter as inputs to the former as outputs. For example, is it a one-to-one function, in that the same input always yields the same output, or are multiple solutions possible? Is it a rough or smooth function, such that small variations in input may yield dramatically different outcomes, perhaps varying in behavior under certain conditions (what are they)? Here I will discuss what we presently know about the Earth and other planets to argue that we don't presently know the answer to these questions, nor do we have the modeling tools to address them. And I will present a program regarding how we might eventually approach this question in a scientific manner, using the increasing volume and diversity of data regarding the Earth, other planets/moons in our solar system, and exoplanets.

geochemistryglobal environmental changegeophysics

Audience: researchers in the discipline

ANU Research School of Earth Sciences school seminar

Series comments: The ANU Research School of Earth Sciences seminar series regularly features academics, students, and researchers from Australia and around the world to present topics covering the entire range of earth sciences.

The seminars are held in the Jaeger 1 Seminar Room at RSES on Thursdays at 3 pm and also broadcast on zoom ( ID: 606-666-0101, lightly protected via a password "jaeger" ). They are open to the ANU community and public. Talks will generally be made available on the RSES Seminar website in the days following the seminar.