The Dynamical Structure of the Kuiper Belt and its Primordial Origin

Abstract

This chapter discusses the dynamical properties of the Kuiper belt population. Then, it focuses on the characteristics of the Kuiper belt that cannot be explained by its evolution in the framework of the current solar system. We review models of primordial solar system evolution that have been proposed to reproduce the Kuiper belt features, outlining advantages and problems of each of them.

to be published in `Transneptunian Objects', Barucci et al. eds., University of Arizona Press