Peculiar surface composition of DAZ white dwarfs: evidence of the demise of ancient planetary systems?
The surface composition of white dwarf stars shows obvious scarring due
to the traumatic post-AGB episode which left exposed hydrogen or helium
envelopes, or in some extreme cases, an exposed carbon core. Subsequent
turmoils in the immediate environment of the white dwarf may lead to
further surface chemical evolution. I examine the role played by accretion
of circumstellar material, left over debris or companion mass loss, in
altering the surface composition of white dwarfs.
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