Philip Skemer
Papers
1
Total Citations
46
H-Index
1
About
Philip Skemer is a leading geophysicist whose research bridges experimental rock mechanics, planetary science, and the deformation of Earth and planetary materials. His work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of how subsurface ices and rocks behave under extreme conditions, with direct implications for Mars exploration and the dynamics of icy worlds. His most-cited study, "Compositions of subsurface ices at the Mars Phoenix landing site" (2010, 46 citations), provided critical insights from NASA's Phoenix Lander, using Surface Stereo Imager spectra to characterize two distinct types of subsurface ice—bright, slab-like ice and darker icy deposits—on the northern plains of Mars. This work has shaped interpretations of Martian volatile history and landing-site geology. Beyond Mars, Skemer is widely recognized for his laboratory experiments on the rheology of olivine and other mantle minerals, contributing to models of mantle convection and lithospheric deformation. His research has earned him a reputation for integrating field observations, microstructural analysis, and high-pressure experiments to unravel the mechanical behavior of Earth's deep interior and planetary bodies.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Compositions of subsurface ices at the Mars Phoenix landing site46 citations · 2010