L. Keszthelyi
Papers
2
Total Citations
36
H-Index
2
About
L. Keszthelyi is a leading planetary geologist whose work bridges Earth-based volcanology with the exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. His research centers on volcanic processes, planetary surface evolution, and the geological history of terrestrial bodies, with a particular focus on how lava flows and impact cratering shape planetary landscapes. Keszthelyi has made major contributions to understanding secondary crust formation on the Moon, as demonstrated by his highly cited concept study for the "Moon Diver" mission (32 citations), which proposed exploring a lunar mare pit to unravel the history of secondary crusts—a keystone for interpreting planetary processes across the Solar System. His recent work on Artemis landing site geology (2025, 4 citations) applies Apollo-era lessons to modern exploration, integrating remote sensing, thermal models, and crater analysis to guide future human missions. Keszthelyi’s impact is reflected in his role as a co-investigator on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter HiRISE team, where his imaging of Martian lava flows has reshaped our understanding of volcanic activity on the Red Planet. His research continues to inspire students and researchers to connect Earth’s volcanic analogs with the broader geological evolution of the Solar System.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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