Physics and Chemistry of Planet-Forming Disks in Extreme Radiation Environments

Our knowledge about the formation history of planetary systems is obtained by comparing the demographics of proto-planetary disks with the exoplanetary system population. Most of the disks that we have been able to characterize to date are located in nearby low-mass star forming regions. However, it is well known that most stars form in denser environments and therefore, it is questionable that the well studied population of planet forming disks is representative of those in which most exoplanets were assembled. Due to their large distances and high densities, so far it has been impossible to study the physical and chemical properties of proto-planetary disks in massive star-forming regions. We will exploit the unique resolution and sensitivity of JWST/MIRI to explore for the first time the impact of disk evaporation on the disk structure, warm disk chemistry, and dust mineralogy, all of which are important for planet formation models and exoplanet atmosphere composition. The derived physical and chemical properties will be compared to similar data of low-mass star forming regions of JWST GTO programmes.