World's Best Scientists 2026 revealed!

D-Index & Metrics

Earth Science

D-Index
68
Citations
19532
World Ranking
1122
National Ranking
515

Paul R. Mahaffy publication distribution in Earth Science in 2026

The chart shows the distribution of publications by all Research.com ranked scientists in the field of Earth Science in 2026. The highlighted bar marks where Paul R. Mahaffy sits on this spectrum.

38–42 publications: 1 scientists 43–47 publications: 0 scientists 48–52 publications: 3 scientists 53–57 publications: 8 scientists 58–62 publications: 11 scientists 63–67 publications: 16 scientists 68–72 publications: 24 scientists 73–77 publications: 31 scientists 78–82 publications: 49 scientists 83–87 publications: 77 scientists 88–92 publications: 86 scientists 93–97 publications: 88 scientists 98–102 publications: 92 scientists 103–107 publications: 84 scientists 108–112 publications: 102 scientists 113–117 publications: 108 scientists 118–122 publications: 117 scientists 123–127 publications: 126 scientists 128–132 publications: 146 scientists 133–137 publications: 114 scientists 138–142 publications: 102 scientists 143–147 publications: 127 scientists 148–152 publications: 102 scientists 153–157 publications: 112 scientists 158–162 publications: 102 scientists 163–167 publications: 127 scientists 168–172 publications: 121 scientists 173–177 publications: 112 scientists 178–182 publications: 109 scientists 183–187 publications: 98 scientists 188–192 publications: 92 scientists 193–197 publications: 105 scientists 198–202 publications: 77 scientists 203–207 publications: 80 scientists 208–212 publications: 89 scientists 213–217 publications: 70 scientists 218–222 publications: 74 scientists 223–227 publications: 74 scientists 228–232 publications: 70 scientists 233–237 publications: 67 scientists 238–242 publications: 59 scientists 243–247 publications: 67 scientists 248–252 publications: 51 scientists 253–257 publications: 46 scientists 258–262 publications: 41 scientists 263–267 publications: 39 scientists 268–272 publications: 34 scientists 273–277 publications: 39 scientists 278–282 publications: 35 scientists 283–287 publications: 36 scientists 288–292 publications: 35 scientists 293–297 publications: 29 scientists 298–302 publications: 23 scientists 303–307 publications: 39 scientists 308–312 publications: 34 scientists 313–317 publications: 23 scientists 318–322 publications: 18 scientists 323–327 publications: 18 scientists 328–332 publications: 21 scientists 333–337 publications: 20 scientists 338–342 publications: 15 scientists 343–347 publications: 13 scientists 348–352 publications: 24 scientists 353–357 publications: 25 scientists 358–362 publications: 10 scientists 363–367 publications: 20 scientists 368–372 publications: 17 scientists 373–377 publications: 18 scientists 378–382 publications: 15 scientists 383–387 publications: 7 scientists 388–392 publications: 22 scientists 393–397 publications: 9 scientists 398–402 publications: 11 scientists 403–407 publications: 16 scientists 408–412 publications: 4 scientists 413–417 publications: 5 scientists 418–422 publications: 14 scientists 423–427 publications: 8 scientists 428–432 publications: 7 scientists 433–437 publications: 7 scientists 438–442 publications: 10 scientists 443–447 publications: 10 scientists 448–452 publications: 3 scientists 453–457 publications: 9 scientists 458–462 publications: 11 scientists 463–467 publications: 4 scientists 468–472 publications: 6 scientists 473–477 publications: 11 scientists 478–482 publications: 8 scientists 483–487 publications: 2 scientists 488–492 publications: 3 scientists 493–497 publications: 4 scientists 498–502 publications: 4 scientists 503–507 publications: 4 scientists 508–509 publications: 4 scientists 510+ publications: 100 scientists
38 publications 510+

This scientist: 407 publications — 95th percentile

95% of scientists in this discipline score the same or lower.

The last bar groups every scientist with 510 publications or more.

Paul R. Mahaffy D-index placement in Earth Science in 2026

The chart shows the D-index (discipline H-index) distribution of Earth Science scientists ranked by Research.com in 2026. The highlighted bar marks where Paul R. Mahaffy sits on this spectrum.

30 D-Index: 15 scientists 31 D-Index: 42 scientists 32 D-Index: 60 scientists 33 D-Index: 90 scientists 34 D-Index: 103 scientists 35 D-Index: 108 scientists 36 D-Index: 142 scientists 37 D-Index: 147 scientists 38 D-Index: 147 scientists 39 D-Index: 152 scientists 40 D-Index: 143 scientists 41 D-Index: 157 scientists 42 D-Index: 141 scientists 43 D-Index: 151 scientists 44 D-Index: 140 scientists 45 D-Index: 135 scientists 46 D-Index: 121 scientists 47 D-Index: 108 scientists 48 D-Index: 128 scientists 49 D-Index: 111 scientists 50 D-Index: 106 scientists 51 D-Index: 112 scientists 52 D-Index: 102 scientists 53 D-Index: 103 scientists 54 D-Index: 94 scientists 55 D-Index: 61 scientists 56 D-Index: 101 scientists 57 D-Index: 71 scientists 58 D-Index: 65 scientists 59 D-Index: 78 scientists 60 D-Index: 93 scientists 61 D-Index: 56 scientists 62 D-Index: 58 scientists 63 D-Index: 52 scientists 64 D-Index: 63 scientists 65 D-Index: 49 scientists 66 D-Index: 53 scientists 67 D-Index: 57 scientists 68 D-Index: 50 scientists 69 D-Index: 44 scientists 70 D-Index: 44 scientists 71 D-Index: 31 scientists 72 D-Index: 33 scientists 73 D-Index: 33 scientists 74 D-Index: 23 scientists 75 D-Index: 32 scientists 76 D-Index: 24 scientists 77 D-Index: 17 scientists 78 D-Index: 19 scientists 79 D-Index: 9 scientists 80 D-Index: 21 scientists 81 D-Index: 20 scientists 82 D-Index: 17 scientists 83 D-Index: 19 scientists 84 D-Index: 19 scientists 85 D-Index: 14 scientists 86 D-Index: 6 scientists 87 D-Index: 14 scientists 88 D-Index: 17 scientists 89 D-Index: 10 scientists 90 D-Index: 8 scientists 91 D-Index: 8 scientists 92 D-Index: 9 scientists 93 D-Index: 6 scientists 94+ D-Index: 98 scientists
30 D-Index 94+

This scientist: 68 D-Index — 86th percentile

86% of scientists in this discipline score the same or lower.

The last bar groups every scientist with 94 D-Index or more.

Research.com Recognitions

  • 2016 - Fellow of American Geophysical Union (AGU)

Overview

Paul R. Mahaffy is affiliated with the Goddard Space Flight Center in the United States. Their research primarily spans the field of Physics and Astronomy, with a particular focus on Astronomy and Astrophysics. They have contributed extensively to topics related to Planetary Science and Exploration, Astro and Planetary Science, and Space Exploration and Technology. Additional areas of study in their work include Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life, Geology and Paleoclimatology Research, Isotope Analysis in Ecology, and Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics.

The scientist has published numerous papers in several frequent venues, including the Journal of Geophysical Research Planets, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, The Planetary Science Journal, Astrobiology, and the Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics. Their recent papers cover a range of subjects and include:

  • Mineralogy and geochemistry of sedimentary rocks and eolian sediments in Gale crater, Mars: A review after six Earth years of exploration with Curiosity (2020, Geochemistry)
  • Revealing the Mysteries of Venus: The DAVINCI Mission (2022, The Planetary Science Journal)
  • Hydrogen escape from Mars is driven by seasonal and dust storm transport of water (2020, Science)
  • Brine-driven destruction of clay minerals in Gale crater, Mars (2021, Science)
  • Mars Extant Life: What's Next? Conference Report (2020, Astrobiology)

Paul R. Mahaffy has collaborated frequently with several co-authors including C. A. Malespin, J. L. Eigenbrode, Caroline Freissinet, A. C. McAdam, and H. B. Franz. These collaborations reflect consistent teamwork within their research community.

In 2016, they were recognized as a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), an award that highlights their standing within the geophysical research domain.

Best Publications

  • A habitable fluvio-lacustrine environment at Yellowknife Bay, Gale crater, Mars.

    J. P. Grotzinger;D. Y. Sumner;L. C. Kah;K. Stack

  • Mars Science Laboratory Mission and Science Investigation

    John P. Grotzinger;Joy Crisp;Ashwin R. Vasavada;Robert C. Anderson

  • The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) Mission

    Bruce M. Jakosky;R. P. Lin;J. M. Grebowsky;J. G. Luhmann

  • Deposition, exhumation, and paleoclimate of an ancient lake deposit, Gale crater, Mars.

    J.P. Grotzinger;S. Gupta;M. C. Malin;D.M. Rubin

  • The Sample Analysis at Mars Investigation and Instrument Suite

    Paul R. Mahaffy;Christopher R. Webster;Michel Cabane;Pamela G. Conrad

  • Organic matter preserved in 3-billion-year-old mudstones at Gale crater, Mars.

    Jennifer L. Eigenbrode;Roger E. Summons;Andrew Steele;Caroline Freissinet

  • Volatile, Isotope, and Organic Analysis of Martian Fines with the Mars Curiosity Rover

    L. A. Leshin;P. R. Mahaffy;C. R. Webster;M. Cabane

  • Mars methane detection and variability at Gale crater

    Christopher R. Webster;Paul R. Mahaffy;Sushil K. Atreya;Gregory J. Flesch

  • Organic molecules in the Sheepbed Mudstone, Gale Crater, Mars

    Caroline Freissinet;Caroline Freissinet;D. P. Glavin;Paul R. Mahaffy;K. E. Miller

  • Volatile and organic compositions of sedimentary rocks in Yellowknife Bay, Gale crater, Mars.

    Douglas W. Ming;P. D. Archer;D. P. Glavin;J. L. Eigenbrode

  • Abundance and Isotopic Composition of Gases in the Martian Atmosphere from the Curiosity Rover

    Paul R. Mahaffy;Christopher R. Webster;Sushil K. Atreya;Heather Franz

  • Evidence for perchlorates and the origin of chlorinated hydrocarbons detected by SAM at the Rocknest aeolian deposit in Gale Crater

    Daniel P. Glavin;Caroline Freissinet;Kristen E. Miller;Jennifer L. Eigenbrode

  • The composition of the Jovian atmosphere as determined by the Galileo probe mass spectrometer.

    H. B. Niemann;H. B. Niemann;S. K. Atreya;G. R. Carignan;T. M. Donahue

  • Curiosity at Gale Crater, Mars: Characterization and Analysis of the Rocknest Sand Shadow

    D F Blake;R V Morris;G Kocurek;Shaunna M Morrison

  • The Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission

    Paul R. Mahaffy;Mehdi Benna;Todd King;Daniel N. Harpold

  • Loss of the Martian atmosphere to space: Present-day loss rates determined from MAVEN observations and integrated loss through time

    Bruce Jakosky;David Brain;Michael Chaffin;Shannon M. Curry

  • Methane and related trace species on Mars: Origin, loss, implications for life, and habitability

    Sushil K. Atreya;Paul R. Mahaffy;Ah-San Wong

  • A comparison of the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn: deep atmospheric composition, cloud structure, vertical mixing, and origin

    S K Atreya;M H Wong;T C Owen;P R Mahaffy

  • Isotope ratios of H, C, and O in CO2 and H2O of the martian atmosphere.

    Chris R. Webster;Paul R. Mahaffy;Gregory J. Flesch;Paul B. Niles

  • Composition and origin of the atmosphere of Jupiter—an update, and implications for the extrasolar giant planets

    S.K Atreya;P.R Mahaffy;H.B Niemann;M.H Wong

  • Background levels of methane in Mars' atmosphere show strong seasonal variations

    Christopher R. Webster;Paul R. Mahaffy;Sushil K. Atreya;John E. Moores

Frequent Co-Authors

Sushil K. Atreya
Sushil K. Atreya University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Mehdi Benna
Mehdi Benna Goddard Space Flight Center
Daniel P. Glavin
Daniel P. Glavin Goddard Space Flight Center
Andrew Steele
Andrew Steele Carnegie Institution for Science
Bruce M. Jakosky
Bruce M. Jakosky University of Colorado Boulder
Rafael Navarro-González
Rafael Navarro-González National Autonomous University of Mexico
Christopher P. McKay
Christopher P. McKay Ames Research Center
Christopher R. Webster
Christopher R. Webster Jet Propulsion Lab
John P. Grotzinger
John P. Grotzinger California Institute of Technology

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