Details of Resonant Structures within a Nice Model Kuiper Belt: Predictions for High-perihelion TNO Detections

Abstract

We analyze a detailed Nice model simulation of Kuiper Belt emplacement from Brasser & Morbidelli, where Neptune undergoes a high-eccentricity phase and migrates outward. In this work, which follows from Pike et al., we specifically focus on the details of structures within Neptune’s mean-motion resonances and in the high-pericenter population of simulated trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). We find several characteristics of these populations that should be observable in the distant solar system in future large-scale TNO surveys as a diagnostic of whether or not this mode of Neptune migration occurred in the early solar system. We find that the leading asymmetric libration islands of the n :1 resonances are generally much more populated than the trailing islands. We also find the nonresonant high- q population of TNOs should have higher inclinations than the low- q population due to the importance of Kozai cycling during their emplacement histories. Finally, high- q TNOs should be present in roughly equal numbers on either side of distant mean-motion resonances. These predictions contrast with predictions from other Kuiper Belt emplacement simulations and will be testable by upcoming surveys.