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Philip Christensen

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School Of Earth and Space Exploration
Regents Professor
Faculty, TEMPE Campus, Mailcode 6004
Global Futures Scientists and Scholars
Distinguished Global Futures Scientist
Faculty, TEMPE Campus, Mailcode 6004
Biography: 

Philip R. Christensen is a Regents Professor and the Ed and Helen Korrick Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. As a geologist and geophysicist, his research interests focus on the composition, processes, and physical properties of Mars, the Earth, and other planetary surfaces. He uses spectroscopy, radiometry, field observations, and numerical modeling to study the geology and history of planets and moons. Over the past decade he has studied urban environments and growth worldwide using satellite data.

He has built five science instruments that have flown on NASA missions to Mars, including the Thermal Emission Imaging System  (THEMIS) camera on Mars Odyssey, the Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer  (Mini-TES) instruments on the Mars Exploration Rovers, and the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) on Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Observer.

Professor Christensen was awarded NASA’s Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 2003 for his work on infrared observations of Mars, NASA’s Public Service Medal in 2005, and the G.K. Gilbert Award of the Geological Society of America in 2008. He is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union. 

CV
Binary Data Curriculum Vitae
Education: 

Ph.D. Geophysics and Space Physics, University of California-Los Angeles 1981

Research Website URL: 
http://christensen.asu.edu/
Research Interests: 

Christensen's research interests focus on the composition, physical properties and processes, and morphology of planetary surfaces, using spectroscopy, radiometry, laboratory spectroscopic measurements, field observations, and numerical modeling.  Much of his work has involved studying Mars, but his interests include the Moon, the outer planet satellites, and the Earth. Since the mid-1990’s he has pursued the use of spacecraft observations to study environmental and urban development problems on Earth.

Publications: 
  • Lang, N. P. H. Y. McSween Jr. L. L. Tornabene C. J. Hardgrove P. R. Christensen. Reexamining the relationship between Apollinaris Patera and the basalts of the Gusev crater plains, Mars. J. Geophysical Research (2010).
  • Milam, K. A. McSween Jr, H. Y. Moersch, J. Christensen, P. R. Distribution and variation of plagioclase compositions on Mars. J. Geophysical Research (2010).
  • Baldridge, A. M. Christensen, P. R. A Laboratory Technique for Thermal Emission Measurement of Hydrated Minerals. Applied Spectroscopy (2009).
  • Edwards, C. S. Bandfield, J. L. Christensen, P. R. Fergason, R. L. Global distribution of bedrock exposures on Mars using THEMIS high resolution thermal inertia. J. Geophysical Research (2009).
  • Hayward, R. K. T. N. Titus T. I. Michaels L. K. Fenton A. Colaprete P. R. Christensen. Aeolian dunes as ground truth for atmospheric modeling on Mars. J. Geophysical Research (2009).
  • Kuzmin, R. O. Zabalueva, E. V. Christensen, P. R. Estimation and mapping of wintertime increase in water ice content of the Martian surface soil based on seasonal Thermal Emission Spectrometer thermal inertia variations. J. Geophysical Research (2009).
  • Lang, N. P. Tornabene, L. L. McSween, H. Y. Christensen, P. R. Tharsis-sourced relatively dust-free lavas and their possible relationship to Martian meteorites. J. Geophysical Research (2009).
  • Piqueux, S. P.R. Christensen. A Model of Thermal Conductivity for Planetary Soils 1. Theory for Unconsolidated Soils. J. Geophysical Research (2009).
  • Squyres, S. W. Knoll, A. H. Arvidson, R. E. Ashley, J. W. Bell Iii, J. F. Calvin, W. M. Christensen, P. R. Clark, B. C. Cohen, B. A. de Souza Jr, P. A. Exploration of Victoria Crater by the Mars Rover Opportunity. Science (2009).
  • Ronald Greeley, Matthew Golombek, Kenneth Herkenhoff, Amy Knudson, Ruslan Kuzmin, Ron Li, Tim Michaels, Steven Squyres, Robert Sullivan, Shane Thompson, Patrick Whelley, Lynn Neakrase, Raymond Arvidson, Nathan Bridges, Nathalie Cabrol, Philip Christensen, Di K., Danny Foley. Columbia Hills, Mars: aeolian features seen from the ground and orbit. Geophysical Research (2008).
  • Golombek, M., Grant, J., Crumpler, L., Greeley, Ronald, Arvidson, R., Bell, J., Weitz, C., Sullivan, R., Christensen, Philip, Soderblom, L., Squyres, S., Golombek, M., Grant, J., Crumpler, L., Greeley, Ronald, Arvidson, R., Bell, J., Weitz, C., Sullivan, R., Christensen, Philip, Soderblom, L., Squyres, S. Climate change on Mars from erosion rates at the Mars Exploration Rover landing sites. (2007).
  • Joseph Michalski, Stephen Reynolds, Paul Niles, Thomas Sharp, Philip Christensen. Alteration mineralogy in detachment zones: Insights from Swansea, Arizona. Geosphere (2007).
  • B Jakosky, B Hynek, S Pelkey, M Mellon, S Martínez-Alonso, N Putzig, N Murphy, Philip Christensen. Thermophysical properties of the MER and Beagle II landing site regions on Mars. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • H McSween, J Crisp, Philip Christensen, T McCoy, D Mittlefehldt, M Schmidt, S Ruff, R Morris, J Bell, K Herkenhoff, R Gellert, K Stockstill, L Tornabene, S Squyres. Alkaline volcanic rocks from the Columbia Hills, Gusev crater, Mars. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • H McSween, L Tornabene, R Arvidson, P Bartlett, D Blaney, N Cabrol, Philip Christensen, B Clark, J Crisp, D Des Marais, T Economou, M Wyatt, J Farmer, W Farrand, A Ghosh, M Golombek, S Gorevan, Ronald Greeley, V Hamilton, J Johnson, B Joliff, G Klingelhöfer, R Gellert, A Knudson, S McLennan, D Ming, J Moersch, R Rieder, S Ruff, C Schröder, P de Souza, S Squyres, H Wänke, J Bell, A Wang, A Yen, J Zipfel, R Morris, K Herkenhoff, L Crumpler, K Milam, K Stockstill. Characterization and petrologic interpretation of olivine-rich basalts at Gusev Crater, Mars. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • J Michalski, M Kraft, T Sharp, L Williams, Philip Christensen. Emission spectroscopy of clay minerals and evidence for poorly crystalline aluminosilicates on Mars from Thermal Emission Spectrometer data. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • Jeffrey Johnson, Richard Morris, Michael Shepard, Grundy Jascha, M William, Raymond Arvidson, James Bell, Philip Christensen, Trevor Graff, Edward Guinness, Kjartan Kinch. Radiative transfer modeling of dust-coated Pancam calibration target materials: Laboratory visible/near-infrared spectrogoniometry. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • L Tornabene, J Moersch, H McSween, A McEwen, J Piatek, K Milam, Philip Christensen. Identification of large (2-10 km) rayed craters on Mars in THEMIS thermal infrared images: Implications for possible Martian meteorite source regions. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • M Golombek, J Moersch, R Fergason, Philip Christensen, A Castano, R Castano, A Haldemann, R Li, J Bell, S Squyres, L Crumpler, J Grant, Ronald Greeley, N Cabrol, T Parker, J Rice, J Ward, R Arvidson. Geology of the Gusev cratered plains from the Spirit rover traverse. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • N Spanovich, M Smith, P Smith, M Wolff, Philip Christensen, S Squyres. Surface and near-surface atmospheric temperatures for the Mars Exploration Rover landing sites. Icarus (2006).
  • Philip Christensen. Water at the poles and in permafrost regions on Mars. Elements (2006).
  • R Arvidson, Philip Christensen, B Clark, L Crumpler, D Des Maraisde Souza, P C d'Uston, T Economou, J Farmer, W Farrand, W Folkner, M Golombek, S Squyres, S Gorevan, J Grant, R Greeley, J Grotzinger, E Guinness, B Hahn, L Haskin, K Herkenhoff, J Hurowitz, S Hviid, R Anderson, J Johnson, G Klingelhofer, A Knoll, G Landis, C Leff, M Lemmon, R LiM, B Madsen, M Malin, S McLennan, J Bell, H McSween, D Ming, J Moersch, R Morris, T Parker, J Rice, L Richter, R Rieder, D Rodionov, C Schroder, D Blaney, M Sims, M Smith, P Smith, L Soderblom, R Sullivan, S Thompson, N Tosca, A Wang, H Wanke, J Ward, J Bruckner, T Wdowiak, M Wolff, A Yen, N Cabrol, W Calvin, M Carr. Overview of the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover Mission to Gusev Crater: Landing site to Backstay Rock in the Columbia Hills. J. Geophysical Research (2006).
  • R Arvidson, W Farrand, R Fergason, M Golombek, J Griffes, J Grotzinger, E Guinness, K Herkenhoff, J Johnson, G Klingelhöfer, Y Langevin, F Poulet, D Ming, K Seelos, R Sullivan, J Ward, S Wiseman, M Wolff, R Morris, J Bibring, J Bell, S Squyres, Philip Christensen, G Bellucci, B Ehlmann. Nature and origin of the hematite-bearing plains of Terra Meridiani based on analyses of orbital and Mars Exploration rover data sets. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • R Fergason, Philip Christensen, J Bell, M Golombek, K Herkenhoff, H Kieffer. Physical properties of the Mars Exploration Rover landing sites as inferred from Mini-TES-derived thermal inertia. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • R Greeley, M Lemmon, S McLennan, J Maki, T Michaels, J Moersch, L Neakrase, S Rafkin, L Richter, S Squyres, P De Souza, R Arvidson, R Sullivan, S Thompson, P Whelley, P Barlett, D Blaney, N Cabrol, Philip Christensen, R Fergason, M Golombek, G Landis. Gusev crater: Wind-related features and processes observed by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • R Haberle, M Kahre, J Murphy, Philip Christensen, R Greeley. Role of dust devils and orbital precession in closing the Martian dust cycle. Geophys. Res. Lett (2006).
  • R Li, M Golombek, J Grant, Ronald Greeley, J Guinn, A Johnson, R Kirk, M Maimone, L Matthies, M Malin, T Parker, B Archinal, M Sims, S Thompson, S Squyres, L Soderblom, R Arvidson, J Bell, Philip Christensen, L Crumpler, D Des Marais, K Di, T Duxbury. Spirit rover localization and topographic mapping at the landing site of Gusev crater, Mars. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • S Ruff, Philip Christensen, D Blaney, W Farrand, J Johnson, J Michalski, J Moersch, S Wright, S Squyres. The rocks of Gusev Crater as viewed by the Mini-TES instrument. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • S Squyres, M Golombek, J Grant, J Grotzinger, K Herkenhoff, J Johnson, B Jolliff, A Knoll, S McLennan, H McSween, J Moore, O Aharonson, J Rice, N Tosca, R Arvidson, J Bell, Philip Christensen, B Clark, J Crisp, W Farrand, T Glotch. Bedrock formation at Meridiani Planum. Nature (2006).
  • T Glotch, J Bandfield, Philip Christensen, W Calvin, S McLennan, B Clark, A Rogers, S Squyres. The mineralogy of the light-toned outcrop at Meridiani Planum as seen by the Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer and implications for its formation. J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • T Glotch, Philip Christensen, T Sharp. Fresnel modeling of hematite crystal surfaces and application to martian hematite spherules. Icarus (2006).
  • T McConnochie, J Bell, D Savransky, G Mehall, M Caplinger, Philip Christensen, L Cherednik, K Bender, A Dombovari. Calibration and in-flight performance of the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System visible imaging subsystem (THEMIS VIS). J. Geophys. Res (2006).
  • A McEwen, B Preblich, E Turtle, N Artemieva, M Golombek, M Hurst, R Kirk, D Burr, Philip Christensen. The rayed crater Zunil and interpretations of small impact craters on Mars. Icarus (2005).
  • A Rogers, Philip Christensen, J Bandfield. Compositional heterogeneity of the ancient martian crust: Analysis of Ares Vallis bedrock the THEMIS and TES data. J. Geophys. Res (2005).
  • Albert Yen, Raymond Arvidson, Diana Blaney, Johannes Brückner, Philip Christensen, David DesMarais, Paulo de Souza, Thanasis Economou, Amitabha Ghosh, Brian Hahn, Kenneth Herkenhoff, Ralf Gellert, Larry Haskin, Joel Hurowitz, Bradley Joliff, Jeffrey Johnson, Göstar Klingelhöfer, Morten Bo Madsen, Scott McLennan, Harry McSween, Lutz Richter, Rudi Rieder, Christian Schröder, Daniel Rodionov, Larry Soderblom, Steven Squyres, Nicholas Tosca, Alian Wang, Michael Wyatt, Jutta Zipfel, Richard Morris, James Bell, Amy Knudson, Benton Clark, Douglas Ming, Joy Crisp. An integrated view of the chemistry and mineralogy of martian soils. Nature (2005).
  • B Clark, N Tosca, A Yen, Philip Christensen, S Gorevan, J Bruckner, W Calvin, G Dreibus, W Farrand, G Klingelhoefer, H Waenke, R Morris, J Zipfel, J Bell, J Grotzinger, H McSween, R Rieder, S McLennan, R Gellert, B Jolliff, A Knoll, S Squyres, T Lowenstein, D Ming. Chemistry and mineralogy of outcrops at Meridiani Planum. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett (2005).
  • G Cushing, T Titus, Philip Christensen. THEMIS VIS and IR observations of a high-altitude Martian dust devil. Geophys. Res. Lett (2005).
  • J Michalski, M Kraft, T Sharp, L Williams, Philip Christensen. Mineralogical constraints on the high-silica Martian surface component observed by TES. Icarus (2005).
  • L Crumpler, R Fergason, M Golombek, F Grant, J Grant, Ronald Greeley, B Hahn, K Herkenhoff, J Hurowitz, A Knudson, G Landis, S Squyres, R Li, J Maki, H McSween, D Ming, J Moersch, M Payne, J Rice, L Richter, S Ruff, M Sims, R Arvidson, S Thompson, N Tosca, A Wang, P Whelley, S Wright, M Wyatt, J Bell, D Blaney, N Cabrol, Philip Christensen, D DesMarais, Jack Farmer. Mars Exploration Rover Geologic traverse by the Spirit rover in the Plains of Gusev Crater, Mars. Geology (2005).
  • Larry Haskin, Jack Farmer, Yen Albert, Steve Squyres, Raymond Arvidson, Göstar Klingelhöfer, Christian Schröder, Paulo de Souza, Douglas Ming, Ralf Gellert, Jutta Zipfel, Alian Wang, Johannes Brückner, James Bell, Kenneth Herkenhoff, Philip Christensen, Steve Ruff, Diana Blaney, Steven Gorevan, Nathalie Cabrol, Larry Crumpler, John Grant, Bradley Jolliff, Lawrence Soderblom, Harry McSween, Benton Clark, David Des Marais, Scott McLennan, Nicholas Tosca, Joel Hurowitz. Water alteration of rocks and soils on Mars at the Spirit rover site in Gusev crater. Nature (2005).
  • M Golombek, Ronald Greeley, A Haldemann, D Kass, T Parker, J Schofield, S Squyres, R Zurek, R Arvidson, I Bell, Philip Christensen, J Crisp, L Crumpler, B Ehlmann, R Fergason, J Grant. Assessment of Mars Exploration Rover landing site predictions. Nature (2005).
  • P Mouginis-Mark, Philip Christensen. New observations of volcanic features on Mars from the THEMIS instrument. J. Geophys. Res (2005).
  • Philip Christensen. The Many Faces of Mars. Scientific American (2005).
  • Philip Christensen, G Mehall, K Milam, J Moersch, S Pelkey, A Rogers, W Wyatt, S Ruff, R Fergason, T Glotch, N Gorelick, B Jakosky, M Lane, A McEwen, H McSween. Mars Exploration Rover candidate landing sites as viewed by THEMIS. Icarus (2005).
  • Philip Christensen, H Kieffer, M Malin, J Moersch, H McSween, J Bandfield, S Ruff, A Rogers, V Hamilton, N Gorelick, M Wyatt, B Jakosky. Evidence for igneous diversity and magmatic evolution on Mars from infrared spectral observations. Nature (2005).
  • R Greeley, G Neukum, S Squyres, R Sullivan, S Thompson, P Whelley, D Williams, R Arvidson, J Bell, Philip Christensen, D Foley, A Haldemann, R Kuzmin, G Landis, L Neakrase. Martian variable features: New insight from the Mars Express Orbiter and the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. J. Geophys. Res (2005).
  • S McLennan, R Gellert, A Ghosh, T Glotch, J Grotzinger, B Hahn, K Herkenhoff, J Hurowitz, J Johnson, S Johnson, B Jolliff, J Bell, G Klingelho¨fer, A Knoll, Z Learner, M Malin, H McSween, J Pocock, S Ruff, L Soderblom, S Squyres, N Tosca, W Calvin, W Watters, M Wyatt, A Yen, Philip Christensen, B Clark, P de Souza, J Farmer, W Farrand, D Fike. Provenance and diagenesis of the evaporite-bearing Burns formation, Meridiani Planum, Mars. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett (2005).
  • T Glotch, Philip Christensen. Geologic and mineralogic mapping of Aram Chaos: Evidence for a water-rich history. J. Geophys. Res (2005).
  • V Hamilton, Philip Christensen. Evidence for extensive olivine-rich bedrock in Nili Fossae, Mars. Geology (2005).
  • H McSween, D Marais, J Farmer, R Gellert, A Ghosh, S Gorevan, T Graff, J Grant, L Haskin, K Herkenhoff, J Johnson, R Arvidson, B Jolliff, G Klingelhöfer, A Knudson, S McLennan, K Milam, J Moersch, R Morris, R Rieder, S Ruff, J De Souza, I Bell, S Squyres, H Wänke, A Wang, M Wyatt, A Yen, J Zipfel, D Blaney, N Cabrol, Philip Christensen, B Clark, J Crisp, L Crumpler. Basaltic rocks analyzed by the Spirit rover in Gusev Crater. Science (2004).
  • JA Arvidson, M Golumbek, F Grant, R Greeley, K Herkenhoff, R Lii, H McSween, D Ming, J Moersch, J Rice JR, S Ruff, J Bell, L Richter, S Squyres, R Sulllivan, N Cabrol, M Carr, Philip Christensen, L Crumpler, D Des Marais, B Ehlmann, Jack Farmer. Surficial Deposits at Gusev Crater Along Spirit Rover Traverses. Science (2004).
  • L Soderblom, B Ehlmann, W Farrand, D Fike, R Gellert, T Glotch, M Golombek, Ronald Greeley, J Grotzinger, K Herkenhoff, D Jerolmack, R Anderson, J Johnson, B Jolliff, G Klingelhöfer, A Knoll, Z Learner, R Li, M Malin, S McLennan, H McSween, D Ming, R Arvidson, R Morris, J Rice, L Richter, R Rieder, D Rodionov, C Schröder, I Seelos, J Soderblom, S Squyres, R Sullivan, I Bell, W Watters, C Weitz, M Wyatt, A Yen, J Zipfel, N Cabrol, W Calvin, Philip Christensen, B Clark, T Economou. Soils of Eagle crater and Meridiani Planum at the Opportunity rover landing site. Science (2004).
  • M Smith, B PSmith, Philip Christensen, S Squyres, M Wolff, M Lemmon, N Spanovich, D Banfield, C Budney, R Clancy, A Ghosh, G Landis. First atmospheric results from the Mars Exploration rovers Mini-TES. Science (2004).
  • Philip Christensen, M Caplinger, M Ravine, B Jakosky, H Kieffer, M Malin, H McSween, K Nealson, G Mehall, S Silverman, S Ferry. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) for the Mars 2001 Odyssey Mission. Space Science Review (2004).
  • Philip Christensen, S Ruff. The formation of the hematite-bearing unit in Meridiani Planum: Evidence for deposition in standing water. J. Geophys. Re (2004).
  • Philip Christensen, T Glotch, M Golombek, T Graff, V Hamilton, A Hayes, J Johnson, H McSween, G Mehall, L Mehall, J Moersch, S Ruff, R Morris, A Rogers, M Smith, S Squyres, M Wolff, M Wyatt, R Fergason, A Knudson, R Arvidson, J Bandfield, D Blaney, C Budney, W Calvin. Initial results from the Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer experiment at the Spirit landing site at Gusev Crater. Science (2004).
  • Philip Christensen, W Calvin, A Fallacaro, R Fergason, N Gorelick, T Graff, V Hamilton, A Hayes, J Johnson, A Knudson, H Jr, M Wyatt, G Mehall, L Mehall, J Moersch, R Morris, M Smith, S Squyres, S Ruff, M Wolff, T Glotch, A Rogers, S Anwar, R Arvidson, J Bandfield, D Blaney, C Budney. Mineralogy at Meridiani Planum from the Mini-TES Experiment on the Opportunity Rover. Science (2004).
  • R Arvidson, S Gorevan, E Guinness, A Haldemann, K Herkenhoff, G Landis, R Li, R Lindemann, D Ming, T Myrick, T Parker, R Anderson, L Richter, I Seelos, S Squyres, R Sullivan, J Wilson, P Bartlett, I Bell, Philip Christensen, P Chu, K Davis, B Ehlmann, M Golombek. Localization and physical roperties experiments conducted by Opportunity at Meridiani Planum. Science (2004).
  • R Saunders, R Mase, M Meyer, G Pace, J Plaut, W Sidney, G McSmith, D Spencer, T Thompson, C Zeitlin, R Arvidson, G Badhwar, W Boynton, Philip Christensen, F Cucinotta, R Gibbs, C Jr, M Landano. 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission Summary. Space Science Review (2004).
  • S Squyres, A Knoll, S McLennan, H McSween, R Morris, R Rieder, L Soderblom, J Grotzinger, I Bell, Philip Christensen, B Clark, J Crisp, W Farrand, K Herkenhoff, G Klingelhöfer. In-situ evidence for an ancient aqueous environment on Mars. Science (2004).
  • S Squyres, D DesMarais, C d'Huston, T Economou, Jack Farmer, Philip Christensen, R Arvidson, J Bell, J Bruckner, N Cabrol, W Calvin, M Carr, B Clark, L Crumpler. The Opportunity Rover's Athena Science Investigation at Meridiani Planum, Mars. Science (2004).
  • S Squyres, L Crumpler, D Marais, C d'Uston, T Economou, J Farmer, W Farrand, W Folkner, M Golombek, S Gorevan, J Grant, R Arvidson, Ronald Greeley, J Grotzinger, L Haskin, K Herkenhoff, S Hviid, J Johnson, G Klingelhofer, A Knoll, G Landis, M Lemmon, J Bell, R Li, M Madsen, M Malin, S McLennan, H McSween, D Ming, J Moersch, R Morris, T Parker, J Rice, J Bruckner, L Richter, R Rieder, M Sims, M Smith, P Smith, L Soderblom, R Sullivan, H Wanke, T Wdowiak, M Wolff, N Cabrol, A Yen, W Calvin, M Carr, Philip Christensen, B Clark. The Spirit Rover's Athena science investigation at Gusev Crater, Mars. Science (2004).
  • T Glotch, R Morris, Philip Christensen, T Sharp. Effect of precursor mineralogy on the thermal infrared emission spectra of hematite: Application to martian hematite mineralization. J. Geophys. Res (2004).
  • D Banfield, B Conrath, M Smith, Philip Christensen, R Wilson. Forced waves in the Martian atmosphere from MGS TES nadir data. Icarus (2003).
  • D Rogers, Philip Christensen. Age relationships of basaltic and andesitic surface compositions on Mars: Analysis of high-resolution TES observations of the northern hemisphere. J. Geophys. Res (2003).
  • J Bandfield, T Glotch, Philip Christensen. Spectroscopic identification of carbonates in the Martian dust. Science (2003).
  • J Michalski, M Kraft, T Diedrich, T Sharp, Philip Christensen. Thermal emission spectroscopy of the silica polymorphs and considerations for remote sensing of Mars. Geophys. Res. Lett (2003).
  • M Golombek, N Bridges, R Arvidson, M Carr, R Kirk, P Knocke, R Roncoli, C Weitz, J Schofield, R Zurek, Philip Christensen, J Grant, R Fergason, F Anderson, J WR, T Parker, D Kass, J Crisp, S Squyres, A Haldemann, M Adler, W Lee. Selection of the Mars Exploration Rover landing sites. J. Geophys. Res (2003).
  • Philip Christensen. Formation of recent martian gullies through melting of extensive water-rich snow deposits. Nature (2003).
  • Philip Christensen, M Malin, G Mehall, T McConnochie, A McEwen, H McSween, J Moersch, K Nealson, J Rice, M Richardson, S Ruff, J Bandfield, M Smith, T Titus, W Wyatt, J Bell, N Gorelick, V Hamilton, A Ivanov, B Jakosky, H Kieffer, M Lane. Morphology and composition of the surface of Mars: Mars Odyssey THEMIS results. Science (2003).
  • Philip Christensen, S Ferry, T Fortuna, J Jeffryes, W O'Donnell, R Peralta, T Wolverton, D Blaney, R Denise, J Rademacher, R Morris, G Mehall, S Squyres, S Silverman, S Anwar, G Cannon, N Gorelick, R Keehn, T Tourville, D Bates. The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer for the Mars Exploration Rovers. J. Geophys. Res (2003).
  • S Pelkey, B Jakosky, Philip Christensen. Surficial properties in Melas Chasma, Mars, from Mars Odyssey THEMIS data. Icarus (2003).
  • S Squyres, R Morris, R Rieder, R Romero, R Arvidson, E Baumgartner, J Bell, Philip Christensen, S Gorevan, K Herkenhoff, G Klingelhöfer, M Madsen. The Athena Mars Rover Science Investigation. J. Geophys. Res (2003).
  • T Hoefen, R Clark, J Bandfield, M Smith, J Pearl, Philip Christensen. Discovery of olivine in the Nili Fossae region of Mars. Science (2003).
  • T Titus, H Kieffer, Philip Christensen. Exposed water ice discovered near the south pole of Mars. Science (2003).
  • V Hamilton, Philip Christensen, H McSween. Determining the compositions of martian meteorites using thermal infrared emission spectroscopy: A precursor to martian surface spectroscopy. Met. and Planet. Sci (2003).
  • V Hamilton, Philip Christensen, H McSween, J Bandfield. Searching for the source regions of martian meteorites using MGS TES: Integrating martian meteorites into the global distribution of igneous materials on Mars. Meteoritics and Planetary Science (2003).
  • V Hamilton, Philip Christensen, J Bandfield. Volcanism or aqueous alteration on Mars. Nature (2003).
  • J Bandfield, K Edgett, Philip Christensen. Spectroscopic study of the Moses lake dune field, Washington: Determination of compositional distributions and source lithologies. J. Geophys. Res (2002).
  • J Johnson, F Horz, P Lucey, Philip Christensen. Thermal infrared spectroscopy of experimentally shocked anorthosite and pyroxentie: Implications for remote sensing of Mars. J. Geophys. Res (2002).
  • J Johnson, Philip Christensen, P Lucey. Dust coatings on basaltic rocks and implications for thermal infrared spectroscopy of Mars. J. Geophys. Res (2002).
  • M Lane, R Morris, S Mertzman, Philip Christensen. Evidence for platy hematite grains in Sinus Meridiani, Mars. J. Geophys. Res (2002).
  • M Smith, B Conrath, J Pearl, Philip Christensen. Thermal Emission Spectrometer observations of martian planet-encircling dust storm 2001A. Icarus (2002).
  • S Ruff, Philip Christensen. Bright and dark regions on Mars: Particle size and mineralogical characteristics based on Thermal Emission Spectrometer data. J. Geophys. Res (2002).
  • W Maguire, J Pearl, M Smith, B Conrath, A Jutepov, M Kaelberer, E Winter, Philip Christensen. Observations of hight altitude CO2 hot bands in Mars by the orbiting Thermal Emission Spectrometer. J. Geophys. Res (2002).
  • J Pearl, M Smith, B Conrath, J Bandfield, Philip Christensen. Observations of water-ice clouds by the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer experiment: The first martian year. J. Geophys. Res (2001).
  • M Smith, J Pearl, B Conrath, Philip Christensen. One Martian year of atmospheric observations by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer. Geophys. Res. Letters (2001).
  • M Smith, J Pearl, B Conrath, Philip Christensen. Thermal Emission Spectrometer results: Atmospheric thermal structure and aerosol distribution. J. Geophys. Res (2001).
  • M Wyatt, V Hamilton, J McSween, Philip Christensen, L Taylor. Analysis of terrestrial and martian volcanic compositions using thermal emission spectroscopy: I. Determination of mineralogy, chemistry, and classification strategies. J. Geophys. Res (2001).
  • Philip Christensen, M Malin, R Morris, J Bandfield, M Lane. Martian hematite mineral deposits: Remnants of water-driven processes on early Mars. J. Geophys. Res (2001).
  • Philip Christensen, R Clark, B Jakosky, M Mellon, J Pearl, B Conrath, M Smith, R Clancy, R Kuzmin, T Roush, G Mehall, J Bandfield, N Gorelick, K Bender, K Murray, S Dason, E Greene, S Silverman, M Greenfield, V Hamilton, S Ruff, H Kieffer, T Titus, M Malin, R Morris, M Lane. The Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer experiment: Investigation description and surface science results. J. Geophys. Res (2001).
  • S Ruff, M Presley, Philip Christensen, R Clark, H Kieffer, M Malin, J Bandfield, B Jakosky, M Lane, M Mellon. Mars' "White Rock" Feature Lacks Evidence of an Aqueous Origin: Results from Mars Global Surveyor. J. Geophys. Res (2001).
  • T Titus, H Kieffer, K Mullins, Philip Christensen. TES premapping data: Slab ice and snow flurries in the Martian north polar night. J. Geophys. Res (2001).
  • V Hamilton, M Wyatt, H McSween, Philip Christensen. Analysis of terrestrial and martian volcanic compositions using thermal emission spectroscopy: II. Application to martian surface spectra from MGS TES. J. Geophys. Res (2001).
  • W Stefanov, M Ramsey, Philip Christensen. Monitoring urban land cover change: An expert system approach to land cover classification of semiarid to arid urban centers. Remote Sensing of Environment (2001).
  • B Conrath, J Pearl, M Smith, W Maguire, Philip Christensen, S Dason, M Kaelberer. Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) Observations: Atmospheric temperatures during aerobraking and science phasing. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • B Jakosky, M Mellon, H Kieffer, Philip Christensen, E Varnes, S Lee. The thermal inertia of Mars from the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • H Kieffer, T Titus, K Mullins, Philip Christensen. Mars south polar cap behavior observed by TES: Seasonal cap evolution controlled by frost grain size. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • J Bandfield, M Smith, Philip Christensen. Spectral dataset factor analysis and endmember recovery: Application to analysis of martian atmospheric particulates. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • J Bandfield, V Hamilton, Philip Christensen. A global view of Martian volcanic compositions. Science (2000).
  • M Lane, Philip Christensen. Convection a a catastrophic flood deposit as the mechanism for giant polygons on Mars. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • M Mellon, B Jakosky, H Kieffer, Philip Christensen. High resolution thermal inertia mapping from the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer. Icarus (2000).
  • M Smith, B Conrath, J Pearl, Philip Christensen. Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) observations of dust opacity during aerobraking and science phasing. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • M Smith, J Bandfield, Philip Christensen. Separation of atmospheric and surface spectral features in Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) spectra: Models and atmospheric properties. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • M Wyatt, J Bandfield, H McSween, Philip Christensen. Martian surface compositions from Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer data: Mars Pathfinder landing site and surrounding regions. Meteoritics and Planetary Science (2000).
  • Philip Christensen. Introduction to the special section: Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • Philip Christensen, J Bandfield, M Smith, V Hamilton, R Clark. Identification of a basaltic component on the Martian surface from Thermal Emission Spectrometer data. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • Philip Christensen, J Bandfield, V Hamilton, D Howard, M Lane, J Piatek, S Ruff, W Stefanov. A thermal emission spectral library of rock forming minerals. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • Philip Christensen, M Lane, R Morris, R Pearson, T Roush, S Ruff, M Smith, R Clark, H Kieffer, M Malin, J Pearl, J Bandfield, K Edgett, V Hamilton, T Hoefen. Detection of crystalline hematite mineralization on Mars by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer: Evidence for near-surface water. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • R Clancy, B Sandor, M Wolff, Philip Christensen, M Smith, J Pearl, B Conrath, R Wilson. An intercomparison of ground-based millimeter, MGS TES, and Viking atmospheric temperature measurements: Seasonal and interannual variability of temperatures and dust loading in the global Mars atmosphere. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • R Clancy, B Sandor, M Wolff, Philip Christensen, M Smith, J Pearl, B Conrath, R Wilson. Comparisons of Mars atmospheric temperatures retrieved from ground-based millimeter and Mars Global Surveyor infrared measurements. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • S Clifford, Philip Christensen. The state and future of Mars polar science and exploration. Icarus (2000).
  • V Hamilton, Philip Christensen. Determining the modal mineralogy of mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks using thermal emission spectroscopy. J. Geophys. Res (2000).
  • McConnochie, T. H. Bell Iii, J. F. Savransky, D. Wolff, M. J. Toigo, A. D. Wang, H. Richardson, M. I. Christensen, P. R. THEMIS-VIS observations of clouds in the martian mesosphere: Altitudes, wind speeds, and decameter-scale morphology. J. Geophysical Research (0).
  • Presley, M. A. P. R. Christensen. Thermal conductivity measurements of particulate materials: 4. Effect of bulk density for granular particles. J. Geophysical Research (0).
  • S. Piqueux P.R. Christensen. A Model of Thermal Conductivity for Planetary Soils 2. Theory for Cemented Soils. J. Geophysical Research (0).
Research Activity: 
Summer 2022
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Spring 2022
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 407Space Works II: Mdl Fabr & Tst
SES 493Honors Thesis
GLG 494Special Topics
SES 494Special Topics
SES 598Special Topics
GLG 598Special Topics
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Fall 2021
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 307SpaceWorks I: Dsgn Mdl Bld Tst
GLG 490Topics in Geology
SES 492Honors Directed Study
SES 494Special Topics
SES 592Research
GLG 598Special Topics
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Summer 2021
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Spring 2021
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 407Space Works II: Mdl Fabr & Tst
SES 493Honors Thesis
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Fall 2020
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 307SpaceWorks I: Dsgn Mdl Bld Tst
SES 492Honors Directed Study
SES 494Special Topics
SES 592Research
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Summer 2020
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Spring 2020
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 394Special Topics
SES 493Honors Thesis
SES 494Special Topics
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Fall 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 492Honors Directed Study
GLG 494Special Topics
SES 494Special Topics
GLG 598Special Topics
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Spring 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 394Special Topics
SES 493Honors Thesis
SES 494Special Topics
SES 499Individualized Instruction
SES 599Thesis
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Fall 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
GLG 490Topics in Geology
SES 494Special Topics
SES 499Individualized Instruction
GLG 598Special Topics
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Summer 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Spring 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 394Special Topics
SES 492Honors Directed Study
SES 692Research
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Fall 2017
Course NumberCourse Title
SES 492Honors Directed Study
GLG 494Special Topics
GLG 598Special Topics
SES 792Research
SES 799Dissertation
Service: 
  • NASA MEPAG Executive Committee, Member (2007 - Present)
  • NASA Mars Architecture Tiger Team, Chair (2007 - Present)
  • AGU Planetary Division Awards Committee, Member (2007 - Present)
  • NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Project Science Group, Member (1997 - Present)
  • NASA Mars Exploration Rover Project Science Group, Member (1997 - Present)
  • NASA Mars Global Surveyor Project Science Group, Member (1986 - Present)
  • NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Executive Council, Member (2010 - 2013)
  • ASU Honorary Doctorate Committee, Member (2008 - 2012)
  • NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Visiting Committee, Chair (2009 - 2012)
  • American Geophysical Union, Planetary Science Division Awards Committee, Chair (2009 - 2012)
  • NRC Planetary Decadal Survey, Member, Steering Committee (2010 - 2011)
  • NRC Planetary Decadal Survey, Chair, Mars Panel (2009 - 2011)
  • NRC Planetary Science Decadal Survey, Chair, Mars Panel (2009 - 2011)
  • NASA Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group, Member, Executive Committee (2009 - 2010)
  • NASA Mars Architecture Tiger Team, Chair, Mars Panel (2009 - 2009)
  • NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter MOS/GDS Review Board, Chair (2003 - 2007)
  • Chair, SESE System Engineer Search Committee, Chair (2006 - 2006)
  • SESE Director Search Committee, Member (2005 - 2006)
  • NASA Mars Exploration Program Assessment Group, Member (1999 - 2004)
  • Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Science Council, Member (2001 - 2002)
  • NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Science Definition Team, Member (2001 - 2001)
  • NASA Junior Review Panel, Member (2000 - 2000)
Expertise Areas: 
Cosmochemistry
Geological Processes
Planetary Geochemistry
Planetary Mineralogy
Planetary Sciences
Remote Sensing
Sustainability Science and Studies