W. M. Farrell

Ames Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

W. M. Farrell is a planetary scientist whose research centers on the complex dynamics of surface environments on the Moon and Mars, with particular expertise in volatile transport, dust behavior, and the interaction between solar wind plasma and planetary surfaces. Farrell has made significant contributions to our understanding of how harsh space environments drive physical processes on airless bodies, including the mechanisms by which lunar polar crater volatiles are liberated and redistributed across surrounding terrains through energetic processes such as solar wind sputtering — work that has garnered 25 citations and carries important implications for the study of water ice deposits on the Moon. Among his most recognized contributions is the development of a Dynamic Fountain Model for lunar dust, which provides a compelling physical explanation for the enigmatic "horizon glow" and "streamers" observed by Apollo astronauts at the lunar terminator. This foundational modeling work has accumulated 24 citations. Farrell has also addressed the practical challenges of planetary exploration, contributing to dust evaluation and mitigation strategies relevant to both lunar and Martian missions. His research bridges fundamental planetary science and the engineering demands of future robotic and human exploration, making his work essential reading for those preparing for sustained off-Earth presence.