Subsurface Magma Oceans caused by Induction Heating on the TRAPPIST-1 Planets

[ProtoJeb21]

The process of induction heating - caused by metal being embedded in a strong electrical current or magnetic field - may have a huge effect on the geology of close-orbiting exoplanets around fast-rotating stars. The magnetic field of something like a tiny, young red dwarf can interact with a rocky planet and heat up the interior so much that subsurface lava oceans may be created. Think of a Europa from Hell. Depending on specific stellar and orbital parameters, the planet may either have a somewhat larger molten outer core or have a lava ocean thousands of kilometers thick. TRAPPIST-1c (Auxo) is likely to have the latter, making it a good example of why Minecraft's "don't dig down" rule is good to follow in real life. The other TRAPPIST planets are expected to have smaller magma oceans or, at the least, increased volcanism. Planets b (Theros), f (Irene), and g (Carphos) are likely more water-rich by mass and will be immune to this effect, while d (Thallo), e (Eiar), and h (Cheimon) likely have increased volcanic activity and maybe some underground pockets of lava. This could pose a threat to Thallo's habitability, but it may possibly turn Cheimon into an ocean world.

https://phys.org/news/2017-10-formation-magma-oceans-exoplanet.html

Edited October 24, 2017 by ProtoJeb21

[Green Baron]

 

I feel tempted to add that the article's relevance might be small at this time, since the composition of the planets is unknown as well their rotation. Even their sun's magnetic field is unsecure, afaik it is not clear whether a strong magnetic field is an attribute of red dwarfs in general.

The paper.

Edited October 24, 2017 by Green Baron

[ProtoJeb21]

42 minutes ago, Green Baron said:

 

I feel tempted to add that the article's relevance might be small at this time, since the composition of the planets is unknown as well their rotation. Even their sun's magnetic field is unsecure, afaik it is not clear whether a strong magnetic field is an attribute of red dwarfs in general.

The paper.

Theros and Auxo have the best constrained masses and compositions of the system. Both TTV analyses done earlier this year show that Theros is about 20-25% water by mass, while Auxo is made of up to 50% iron. The Induction Heat process described in the paper would most likely take hold on Auxo. If not, then tidal forces would do the trick. 

[Green Baron]

Hi,

i am trying to find a source for the water and iron thing ? I understand that the names are your inventions :-) ?

Do you mean the hydrogen escape, this ? The speculation about liquid water out of a possible measurement of hydrogen in the exosphere is really far fetched i think, hydrogen is everywhere. But we live in these days ... :-)

Must wait for the bf telescopes ... :-)

 

Edited October 24, 2017 by Green Baron

[Urses]

Green Baron on the provle again 

And you have right, we live in those days where you have to entertain the crowd to get any form of "popularity" and generate one for another "the biggest new statement!!!", to become at least some financial support to do science...

We live in those days.....

[Green Baron]

Well, if i have overseen recent publications i'd just be happy to know ...

 

[cubinator]

Earth has a subsurface magma ocean, of sorts...

[Green Baron]

Not really. The outer core is liquid but no ocean and afew percent of the Asthenosphere are liquid. Ductile describes it better.