Fundamentally, we can address the key initial parameters in planetary formation, dynamics, and evolution as being astrophysical in nature. These astrophysical parameters lead to specific geologic and atmospheric conditions of every planet or moon. In a search for the most fundamental quantities that determine the characteristics of a planetary surface and atmosphere, I have devised the attached categories and list of parameters. My question is, which of these are the most fundamental and influential to the evolution of a planet or moon? Has the magnitude of importance of these fundamental quantities been tested? Most importantly: what mostly dictates how a planet become its unique set of conditions? Some qualities are guaranteed to be more imprint in some scenarios than in others, but which are the most common, and how do they manifest together into a unique planetary body? For example: changes in what parameters lead to what different planetary outcomes?
The best possible answer one can give is Time!!!
Everything is linked with time and as time precedes the kind of morphological changes happening can be seen and play a crucial factor in understanding how an astrophysical object is evolving with time.
Now coming to the topic , I personally have a go on the Astrophysical sources of quantities which then leads in shaping the Geological features and atmospheric composition. Within the astrophysical quantities the orbital parameters and magnetic field play a crucial role. Well as a beginner this is what I feel, and I hope to give more prominent answer in the coming years.
Thank you
Best Regards
Anand
Thank you Anand,
Your insight is helpful and clever, and I too think that orbital parameters and the presence of a magnetic field play a crucial role. However, your discussion of the importance of time alludes me. I understand that time and space allow us to quantify the world in terms of their physical laws and mathematical constants that govern them. This is what every parameter that I have listed above is based on, in some form or another (i.e. spatial dimensions and distribution, and the temporal dimensions and distribution). It is implicit that by talking about the evolution of planets that time is the driving factor, because evolution loosely describes the way things change over time. Therefore, although I fail to see this direct correlation, I do see the merit in comparing the timescales of each parameter's impact and how the effect of the parameters can evolve.
The most fundamental property is likely to be the composition of the nebula the planetary system and star formed from. The ratios and abundances of certain elements from the nebula they all formed from will dictate the end composition of all the planets and the star itself. All other variables are going to be influenced by the initial composition.
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