Smooth versus radially concentrated planet formation

Determine whether planet formation proceeds smoothly across disk radii or is radially concentrated at deterministic disk locations such as ice lines, particle traps, or migration null points.

Background

Observations reveal common substructures (rings, crescents, spirals) in disks, and theory predicts special radial locations (e.g., ice lines) that can trap solids or alter migration. Establishing whether planet formation is broadly distributed or concentrated in such zones would reshape models of initial conditions and growth pathways.