P. D. Lanagan
Papers
1
Total Citations
90
H-Index
1
About
P. D. Lanagan is a planetary geologist whose research centers on volcanic and ice-related processes on Mars, with a particular focus on how lava interacts with the Martian cryosphere. Their most influential work, "Rootless cones on Mars: a consequence of lava-ground ice interaction" (2002, 90 citations), fundamentally reshaped our understanding of Martian surface evolution. In this landmark study, Lanagan demonstrated that fields of small cratered cones on Mars are not volcanic vents but rather rootless cones—features formed when lava flows explosively interact with ground ice, melting and vaporizing subsurface ice to excavate the terrain. This contribution provided a critical framework for interpreting volcanic landscapes and subsurface ice distribution on Mars, linking surface morphology to past climate conditions. Lanagan’s work has been instrumental in advancing planetary geology, offering key insights into the dynamic interplay between volcanism and ice on Mars. Their research remains highly cited and continues to inform studies of Martian paleoenvironments, making Lanagan a notable figure in the exploration of extraterrestrial surface processes.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Rootless cones on Mars: a consequence of lava-ground ice interaction90 citations · 2002