Radiative Transfer in Hot Jupiter Atmospheres: the Evolution of Transit Radii
Andrew Youdin, CITA Toronto, CfA
Abstract: I will present a brief overview of radiative and convective energy transport in atmospheres. The effect of external irradiation is very important for close-in transiting exoplanets. Energy transport through the outer radiative layers of exoplanets is crucial for the loss of energy from the convective interior. This regulates the evolution of giant planet radii. Transit measurements indicate that radii are significantly larger than predicted by “standard” evolution models. I will present recent work showing that turbulence in the outer radiative layer can bury heat into the convective interior. This mechanism could produce inflated radii of close-in giant planets.
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