2026 Thomas R. Watters: Earth Science Researcher – H-Index, Publications & Awards

Discipline name	D-Index	World Ranking	Current World Ranking	National Ranking	Current National Ranking	Publications	Citations
Earth Science	55	2603	2372	1080	959	267	8909

Overview

Thomas R. Watters is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution in the United States. Their research primarily focuses on planetary science and exploration, bridging various disciplines within physics and astronomy. With a notable concentration in astronomy and astrophysics, Watters has contributed extensively to topics such as planetary science, geology, and space exploration.

The scientist's work covers a range of subjects including:

Planetary Science and Exploration
Astro and Planetary Science
Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
Space Exploration and Technology
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
Geological and Geochemical Analysis

Frequent collaborators include Jaclyn D. Clark, C. H. van der Bogert, N. C. Schmerr, R. C. Weber, and C. L. Johnson, with multiple joint publications.

Watters has published research papers in several well-regarded scientific journals. Their publication record includes contributions to:

Icarus
Journal of Geophysical Research Planets
The Planetary Science Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Geophysical Research Letters

Among their recent papers are:

"Dielectric Properties of the Medusae Fossae Formation and Implications for Ice Content" (2020, Journal of Geophysical Research Planets)
"Evidence of Ice-Rich Layered Deposits in the Medusae Fossae Formation of Mars" (2024, Geophysical Research Letters)
"A case for limited global contraction of Mercury" (2021, Communications Earth & Environment)
"Planetary Caves: A Solar System View of Processes and Products" (2022, Journal of Geophysical Research Planets)
"Global tectonic patterns of the Moon" (2020, Icarus)

Their research integrates aspects of atmospheric science and aerospace engineering alongside their main focus areas.

Thomas R. Watters's scientific contributions span experimental and theoretical approaches to understanding planetary surfaces, tectonics, and potential ice content on extraterrestrial bodies. Their work involves interdisciplinary methods to study geological formations, planetary tectonic behaviors, and conditions related to space exploration.

Best Publications

Radar Soundings of the Subsurface of Mars

Giovanni Picardi;Jeffrey J. Plaut;Daniela Biccari;Ornella Bombaci

428
Citations
Subsurface radar sounding of the south polar layered deposits of Mars.

Jeffrey J. Plaut;Giovanni Picardi;Ali Safaeinili;Anton B. Ivanov

401
Citations
The Mercury Dual Imaging System on the MESSENGER Spacecraft

S. Edward Hawkins;John D. Boldt;Edward H. Darlington;Raymond Espiritu

303
Citations
Flood volcanism in the northern high latitudes of Mercury revealed by MESSENGER.

James W. Head;Clark R. Chapman;Robert G. Strom;Caleb I. Fassett

274
Citations
The distribution and origin of smooth plains on Mercury

Brett W. Denevi;Carolyn M. Ernst;Heather M. Meyer;Mark S. Robinson

268
Citations
The Evolution of Mercury’s Crust: A Global Perspective from MESSENGER

Brett W. Denevi;Mark S. Robinson;Sean C. Solomon;Scott L. Murchie

254
Citations
Wrinkle ridge assemblages on the terrestrial planets

Thomas R. Watters

233
Citations
Mercury’s global contraction much greater than earlier estimates

Paul K. Byrne;Paul K. Byrne;Christian Klimczak;A. M. Celâl Şengör;Sean C. Solomon;Sean C. Solomon

210
Citations
Volcanism on Mercury: evidence from the first MESSENGER flyby.

James W. Head;Scott L. Murchie;Louise M. Prockter;Mark S. Robinson

204
Citations
Reflectance and color variations on Mercury: regolith processes and compositional heterogeneity.

Mark S. Robinson;Scott L. Murchie;David T. Blewett;Deborah L. Domingue

199
Citations
Return to Mercury: A Global Perspective on MESSENGER's First Mercury Flyby

Sean C. Solomon;Ralph L. McNutt;Thomas R. Watters;David J. Lawrence

188
Citations
Compressional tectonism on Mars

Thomas R. Watters

184
Citations
Evidence of Recent Thrust Faulting on the Moon Revealed by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera

Thomas R. Watters;Mark S. Robinson;Ross A. Beyer;Ross A. Beyer;Maria E. Banks

181
Citations
Geology of the Caloris basin, Mercury: a view from MESSENGER.

Scott L. Murchie;Thomas R. Watters;Mark S. Robinson;James W. Head

174
Citations
Aubrites - Their origin and relationship to enstatite chondrites

T. R. Watters;M. Prinz

170
Citations
Radar Sounding of the Medusae Fossae Formation Mars: Equatorial Ice or Dry, Low-Density Deposits?

Thomas R. Watters;Bruce A. Campbell;Lynn M. Carter;Carl J. Leuschen

169
Citations
The tectonics of Mercury: The view after MESSENGER's first flyby

Thomas R. Watters;Sean C. Solomon;Mark S. Robinson;James W. Head

149
Citations
Volcanism on Mercury: Evidence from the first MESSENGER flyby for extrusive and explosive activity and the volcanic origin of plains

James W. Head;Scott L. Murchie;Louise M. Prockter;Sean C. Solomon

136
Citations
Evidence for Young Volcanism on Mercury from the Third MESSENGER Flyby

Louise M. Prockter;Carolyn M. Ernst;Brett W. Denevi;Clark R. Chapman

134
Citations
Topography of lobate scarps on Mercury: New constraints on the planet's contraction

Thomas R. Watters;Mark S. Robinson;Anthony C. Cook

130
Citations

Frequent Co-Authors

Sean C. Solomon Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

James W. Head Brown University

Scott L. Murchie Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Mark S. Robinson Arizona State University

Louise M. Prockter Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

David T. Blewett Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Brett W. Denevi Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Robert G. Strom University of Arizona

Roger J. Phillips Washington University in St. Louis

Carolyn M. Ernst Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

External Links

Personal website of Thomas R. Watters

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