Abstract

‘Planetary atmospheres record a plethora of processes dating from accretion, early bombardment, and subsequent volcanic growth. Whether for solar system planets or exoplanets, the present-day composition of atmospheres is a rich archive of information on their geological history. In the case of warm rocky planets their atmospheres may constrain the interior composition and dynamics of the planet, offering exciting potential to understand exoplanet interiors.

‘In this talk I present our recent results investigating the role of early massive impacts and volcanic degassing in building planetary atmospheres on rocky planets. These results show the prospects and limitations of having to view planetary processes through the lens of their atmospheres. I also discuss how Venus provides a key solar system analogue to warm rocky exoplanets, the chemistry of which provides a reference case for predictions of atmospheric chemistry on Venus-like exoplanets.’