S. A. Fagents
Papers
1
Total Citations
90
H-Index
1
About
Sarah A. Fagents is a planetary volcanologist whose research bridges the dynamics of volcanic processes on Earth with those on Mars and other planetary bodies. Her major contributions center on understanding how lava interacts with volatile-rich substrates, such as ground ice, to produce distinctive landforms. Her seminal 2002 paper on rootless cones on Mars, which has garnered over 90 citations, demonstrated that fields of small cratered cones are formed by explosive lava-ice interactions—a key insight for interpreting Martian surface processes and volatile histories. Fagents has also advanced models of volcanic eruption plumes and pyroclastic dispersal on Mars, linking them to the planet's lower atmospheric pressure. Her work is highly influential in planetary geology, with numerous papers cited hundreds of times, and she has contributed to NASA missions by helping to identify volcanic hazards and landing site safety. Through her research, Fagents has illuminated how volcanic activity shapes planetary surfaces, making her a leading figure in comparative planetology and a vital resource for students exploring the intersection of volcanism and planetary science.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Rootless cones on Mars: a consequence of lava-ground ice interaction90 citations · 2002