Evolution and Observable Properties of Rocky Planet Atmospheres
Abstract
The atmospheric composition of rocky exoplanets offers an important tool for constraining the properties of the interior of this type of planet, beyond what is possible from measurements of their mass and radius alone. However, the interpretation of these observations requires an understanding of the complex interplay of a larger number of coupled planetary and atmospheric processes. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding rocky exoplanet atmospheres, beginning with their formation and escape mechanisms. We specifically highlight the importance of long-term interaction between the atmosphere, the surface, and the interior on rocky planets. Furthermore, this review addresses the influence of biological activity and photochemical reactions on the atmospheric compositions. Consequently, establishing how these different processes contribute to shaping the atmospheres of rocky exoplanets during their evolution is fundamental for the characterization of these planets with future space missions and ground-based surveys.
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BibTeX
@article{steinmeyer2026evolution,
title = {{Evolution and Observable Properties of Rocky Planet Atmospheres}},
author = {Marie-Luise Steinmeyer and Lena Noack and Philipp Baumeister and Keiko Hamano and M J Way and Doris Breuer and Kanako Seki and Caroline Brachmann and Fabrice Gaillard and Manuel Scherf and Svetlana V Berdyugina and Brice-Olivier Demory},
journal = {Space Science Reviews},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1007/s11214-026-01308-4},
url = {https://insu.hal.science/insu-05773428v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Evolution and Observable Properties of Rocky Planet Atmospheres
AU - Marie-Luise Steinmeyer
AU - Lena Noack
AU - Philipp Baumeister
AU - Keiko Hamano
AU - M J Way
AU - Doris Breuer
AU - Kanako Seki
AU - Caroline Brachmann
AU - Fabrice Gaillard
AU - Manuel Scherf
AU - Svetlana V Berdyugina
AU - Brice-Olivier Demory
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/09
JO - Space Science Reviews
DO - 10.1007/s11214-026-01308-4
UR - https://insu.hal.science/insu-05773428v1
AB - The atmospheric composition of rocky exoplanets offers an important tool for constraining the properties of the interior of this type of planet, beyond what is possible from measurements of their mass and radius alone. However, the interpretation of these observations requires an understanding of the complex interplay of a larger number of coupled planetary and atmospheric processes. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding rocky exoplanet atmospheres, beginning with their formation and escape mechanisms. We specifically highlight the importance of long-term interaction between the atmosphere, the surface, and the interior on rocky planets. Furthermore, this review addresses the influence of biological activity and photochemical reactions on the atmospheric compositions. Consequently, establishing how these different processes contribute to shaping the atmospheres of rocky exoplanets during their evolution is fundamental for the characterization of these planets with future space missions and ground-based surveys.
SN - 0038-6308
SN - 1572-9672
ER -