Core accretion model

Core accretion model is one of the 2 theories that explain the formation of giant gas planets. The other theory is disk instability model. In core accretion model, solid particles collide and aggregate to form a planetary embryo, which then accrete a gaseous envelope. Recently, scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics found that metal rich environment in necessary for lighter giant planets but not for heavy giant planets. This is in accordance with the core accretion model of planet formation.