Publications

2025

The Earth’s magma ocean: processes and current interpretations from an interdisciplinary perspective

Boukaré, C.-E., Schaefer, L, Rizo, H. The Earth’s magma ocean: processes and current interpretations from an interdisciplinary perspective. Physics of Earth & Planetary Interiors (invited review). accepted.

Modeling atmospheric alteration on Titan: Hydrodynamics and shock-induced chemistry of meteoroid entry.

Miyayama, R., Schaefer, L.K., Kobayashi, H., Zorzi, A. Modeling atmospheric alteration on Titan: Hydrodynamics and shock-induced chemistry of meteoroid entry. 2025. Astrophysical Journal, 989:210.

A hybrid origin for the Martian atmosphere

Pahlevan, K., Schaefer, L., Porcelli, D. 2025. A hybrid origin for the Martian atmosphere. Geochem Persp. Lett., 34, 31-35.

Ignan Earths: habitability of terrestrial planets with extreme internal heating

Reinhold, M., Schaefer, L. 2025. Ignan Earths: habitability of terrestrial planets with extreme internal heating. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 130, e2023JE008029.

2024

Towards a self-consistent evaluation of gas dwarf scenarios for temperate sub-Neptunes.

Rigby, F. E., Pica-Ciamarra, L. Holmberg, M., Madhusudhan, M., Constantinou, S., Schaefer, L., Deng, J., Lee, K.K.M., Moses, J.I. 2024. Towards a self-consistent evaluation of gas dwarf scenarios for temperate sub-Neptunes. Astrophys. J., 975, 101.

Ferric iron evolution during crystallization of the Earth and Mars

Schaefer, L., Pahlevan, K., Elkins-Tanton, L.T. 2024. Ferric iron evolution during crystallization of the Earth and Mars, Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 129, e2023JE008262.

2023

No thick carbon dioxide atmosphere on the rocky exoplanet TRAPPIST-1c.

Zieba, S., Kreidberg, L, et al. (including L. Schaefer). 2023. No thick carbon dioxide atmosphere on the rocky exoplanet TRAPPIST-1c. Nature, 620, 746-749.

Geophysical evolution during rocky planet formation.

Lichtenberg, T., Schaefer, L.K., Nakajima, M., Fischer, R.A. 2023. Geophysical evolution during rocky planet formation. In Protostars and Planets VII, (eds., Inutsuka, S., Aikawa, Y., Muto, T., Tomida, K., Tamura, M.). Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series, pg. 907 – 946

Outgassing composition of the Murchison meteorite: implications for volatile depletion of planetesimals and interior-atmosphere connections for terrestrial exoplanets.

Thompson, M.A., Telus, M., Edwards, G.H., Schaefer, L., Dhaliwal, J., Dreyer, B., Fortney, J.J., Kim, Y. 2023. Outgassing composition of the Murchison meteorite: implications for volatile depletion of planetesimals and interior-atmosphere connections for terrestrial exoplantes. Planetary Science Journal, 4, 185.

2022

A primordial origin of hydrospheric deuterium enrichment on Mars.

Pahlevan, K., Schaefer, L., Elkins-Tanton, L.T., Desch, S., Buseck, P. 2022. A primordial origin of hydrospheric deuterium enrichment on Mars. Earth & Planetary Science Letters, 595, 117772

The effects of bulk composition on planetesimal core sulfur content and size.

Bercovici, H.L., Elkins-Tanton, L.T., O’Rourke, J.G., Schaefer, L. 2022. The effects of bulk composition on planetesimal core sulfur content and size. Icarus, 380, 114976

2021

The air over there: exploring exoplanet atmospheres.

Schaefer, L., Parmentier, V. 2021. The air over there: exploring exoplanet atmospheres. Elements, 17(4), article 6,

Delayed and variable late Archaean atmospheric oxidation due to high collision rates on Earth.

Marchi, S., Drabon, N., Schultz, T., Schaefer, L., Nesvorny, D., Bottke, W.F., Koeberl, C., Lyons, T. 2021. Delayed and variable late Archaean atmospheric oxidation due to high collision rates on Earth. Nature Geoscience 14, 827-831.

Composition of terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres from meteorite outgassing experiments.

Thompson, M.A., Telus, M., Schaefer, L., Fortney, J.J., Joshi, T., Lederman, D. 2021. Composition of terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres from meteorite outgassing experiments. Nature Astronomy, 5, 575-585

Water on Hot Rocky Exoplanets

Kite, Edwin S., and Laura Schaefer. 2021. “Water on Hot Rocky Exoplanets.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS 909 (2). IOP PUBLISHING LTD.

2020

Probing space to know Earth.

Lapotre, M.G.A., O’Rourke, J.G., Schaefer, L., Siebach, K.L., Spalding, C., Tikoo, S. M., Wordsworth, R.D. 2020. Probing space to know Earth. Nature Reviews Earth & Env., 1, 170- 181

Rocky planet processes and their observational signatures

Unterborn, C., Schaefer, L., Krijt, S. (2020) The composition of rocky planets. In: Planetary Diversity: Rocky planet processes and their observational signatures. (ed., Tasker, E.J., Unterborn, C., Laneuville, M., Fuji, Y., Desch, S., Hartnett, H.E.), IOP Publishing, Bristol, UK. pg. 5-1 – 5-45

The inner Solar System’s habitability through time.

Del Genio, A., Brain, D., Noack, L., Schaefer, L. (2020). The inner Solar System’s habitability through time. In: Planetary Astrobiology, (ed., Meadows, V., Arney, G., des Marias, D., Schmidt, B.), Univ. AZ Press, pg. 419-447

Observations, meteorites, and models: a preflight assessment of the composition and formation of (16) Psyche.

Elkins-Tanton, L.T., Asphaug, E., Bell III, J.F., Bercovici, H., Bills, B., Binzel, R., Bottke, W. F., Dibb, S., Lawrence, D.J., Marchi, S., McCoy, T.J., Oran, R., Park, R.S., Peplowski, P.N., Polanskey, C.A., Prettyman, T.H., Russell, C.T., Schaefer, L., Weiss, B.P., Wieczorek, M.A., Williams, D.A., Zuber, M.T. 2020. Observations, meteorites, and models: a preflight assessment of the composition and formation of (16) Psyche. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 125, e2019JE006296

Atmosphere Origins for Exoplanet Sub-Neptunes

Kite, Edwin S., Bruce Fegley, Laura Schaefer, and Eric B. Ford. 2020. “Atmosphere Origins for Exoplanet Sub-Neptunes.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 891 (2)

2019

Superabundance of Exoplanet Sub-Neptunes Explained by Fugacity Crisis

Kite, Edwin S., Bruce Fegley, Laura Schaefer, and Eric B. Ford. 2019. “Superabundance of Exoplanet Sub-Neptunes Explained by Fugacity Crisis.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS 887 (2)

Hydrogen isotopic evidence for early oxidation of silicate Earth

Pahlevan, Kaveh, Laura Schaefer, and Marc M. Hirschmann. 2019. “Hydrogen Isotopic Evidence for Early Oxidation of Silicate Earth.” EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS 526.

Absence of a thick atmosphere on the terrestrial exoplanet LHS 3844b.

Kreidberg, Laura, Daniel D. Koll, Caroline Morley, Renyu Hu, Laura Schaefer, et al. 2019. “Absence of a Thick Atmosphere on the Terrestrial Exoplanet LHS 3844b.” Nature.

2018

Magma oceans as a critical stage in the tectonic development of rocky planets

Schaefer, Laura, and Linda T. Elkins-Tanton. 2018. “Magma Oceans as a Critical Stage in the Tectonic Development of Rocky Planets.” PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY A-MATHEMATICAL PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 376 (2132).

Origin of Earth's Water: Chondritic Inheritance Plus Nebular Ingassing and Storage of Hydrogen in the Core

Wu, Jun, Steven J. Desch, Laura Schaefer, Linda T. Elkins-Tanton, Kaveh Pahlevan, et al. 2018. “Origin of Earth's Water: Chondritic Inheritance Plus Nebular Ingassing and Storage of Hydrogen in the Core.” JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS 123 (10): 2691–2712.

Redox Evolution via Gravitational Differentiation on Low-mass Planets: Implications for Abiotic Oxygen, Water Loss, and Habitability

Wordsworth, R. D., L. K. Schaefer, and R. A. Fischer. 2018. “Redox Evolution via Gravitational Differentiation on Low-Mass Planets: Implications for Abiotic Oxygen, Water Loss, and Habitability.” ASTRONOMICAL JOURNAL 155 (5)

2017

PLANETARY SCIENCE A steamy proposal for Martian clays

Schaefer, Laura. 2017. “PLANETARY SCIENCE A Steamy Proposal for Martian Clays.” NATURE 552 (7683): 37–38.

Thermodynamic Constraints on the Lower Atmosphere of Venus

Jacobson, Nathan S., Michael Kulis, Brandon Radoman-Shaw, Ralph Harvey, Dwight L. Myers, et al. 2017. “Thermodynamic Constraints on the Lower Atmosphere of Venus.” ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY 1 (7): 422–30.

Redox States of Initial Atmospheres Outgassed on Rocky Planets and Planetesimals

Schaefer, Laura, and Bruce Fegley. 2017. “Redox States of Initial Atmospheres Outgassed on Rocky Planets and Planetesimals.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 843 (2)

Metal-silicate Partitioning and Its Role in Core Formation and Composition on Super-Earths

Schaefer, Laura, Stein B. Jacobsen, John L. Remo, M. I. Petaev, and Dimitar D. Sasselov. 2017. “Metal-Silicate Partitioning and Its Role in Core Formation and Composition on Super-Earths.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 835 (2). IOP PUBLISHING LTD.

2016

PREDICTIONS OF THE ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION OF GJ 1132b

Schaefer, Laura, Robin D. Wordsworth, Zachory Berta-Thompson, and Dimitar Sasselov. 2016. “PREDICTIONS OF THE ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION OF GJ 1132b.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 829 (2)

ATMOSPHERE-INTERIOR EXCHANGE ON HOT, ROCKY EXOPLANETS

Kite, Edwin S., Bruce Fegley, Laura Schaefer, and Eric Gaidos. 2016. “ATMOSPHERE-INTERIOR EXCHANGE ON HOT, ROCKY EXOPLANETS.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 828 (2)

SOLUBILITY OF ROCK IN STEAM ATMOSPHERES OF PLANETS

Fegley, Bruce, Nathan S. Jacobson, K. B. Williams, J. M. C. Plane, L. Schaefer, et al. 2016. “SOLUBILITY OF ROCK IN STEAM ATMOSPHERES OF PLANETS.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 824 (2)

2015

A disintegrating minor planet transiting a white dwarf

Vanderburg, Andrew, John Asher Johnson, Saul Rappaport, Allyson Bieryla, Jonathan Irwin, et al. 2015. “A Disintegrating Minor Planet Transiting a White Dwarf.” NATURE 526 (7574): 546–49.

THE PERSISTENCE OF OCEANS ON EARTH-LIKE PLANETS: INSIGHTS FROM THE DEEP-WATER CYCLE

Schaefer, Laura, and Dimitar Sasselov. 2015. “THE PERSISTENCE OF OCEANS ON EARTH-LIKE PLANETS: INSIGHTS FROM THE DEEP-WATER CYCLE.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 801 (1)

2014

THE ATMOSPHERES OF EARTHLIKE PLANETS AFTER GIANT IMPACT EVENTS

Lupu, R. E., Kevin Zahnle, Mark S. Marley, Laura Schaefer, Bruce Fegley, et al. 2014. “THE ATMOSPHERES OF EARTHLIKE PLANETS AFTER GIANT IMPACT EVENTS.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 784 (1)

Atmospheric composition of Hadean-early Archean Earth: The importance of CO: Comment

Schaefer, Laura, and Bruce Fegley. 2014. “Atmospheric Composition of Hadean-Early Archean Earth: The Importance of CO: Comment.” EARTH'S EARLY ATMOSPHERE AND SURFACE ENVIRONMENT 504. GEOLOGICAL SOC AMER INC: 29–31.

2012

VAPORIZATION OF THE EARTH: APPLICATION TO EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERES

Schaefer, Laura, Katharina Lodders, and Bruce Fegley. 2012. “VAPORIZATION OF THE EARTH: APPLICATION TO EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERES.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 755 (1)

2011

COMPOSITIONS OF HOT SUPER-EARTH ATMOSPHERES: EXPLORING KEPLER CANDIDATES

Miguel, Y., L. Kaltenegger, B. Fegley, and L. Schaefer. 2011. “COMPOSITIONS OF HOT SUPER-EARTH ATMOSPHERES: EXPLORING KEPLER CANDIDATES.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS 742 (2)

The extreme physical properties of the CoRoT-7b super-Earth

Leger, A., O. Grasset, B. Fegley, F. Codron, F. Albarede, et al. 2011. “The Extreme Physical Properties of the CoRoT-7b Super-Earth.” ICARUS 213 (1): 1–11.

ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY OF VENUS-LIKE EXOPLANETS

Schaefer, Laura, and Bruce Fegley. 2011. “ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY OF VENUS-LIKE EXOPLANETS.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL 729 (1)

2010

Earth's Earliest Atmospheres

Zahnle, Kevin, Laura Schaefer, and Bruce Fegley. 2010. “Earth's Earliest Atmospheres.” COLD SPRING HARBOR PERSPECTIVES IN BIOLOGY 2 (10). COLD SPRING HARBOR LAB PRESS, PUBLICATIONS DEPT: a004895.

Chemistry of atmospheres formed during accretion of the Earth and other terrestrial planets

Schaefer, Laura, and Bruce Fegley. 2010. “Chemistry of Atmospheres Formed during Accretion of the Earth and Other Terrestrial Planets.” ICARUS 208 (1): 438–48.

Volatile element chemistry during metamorphism of ordinary chondritic material and some of its implications for the composition of asteroids

Schaefer, Laura, and Bruce Fegley. 2010. “Volatile Element Chemistry during Metamorphism of Ordinary Chondritic Material and Some of Its Implications for the Composition of Asteroids.” ICARUS 205 (2): 483–96.

Cosmochemistry

Fegley, Bruce, and Laura Schaefer. 2010. “Cosmochemistry.” PRINCIPLES AND PERSPECTIVES IN COSMOCHEMISTRY. SPRINGER, 347–77.

2009

CHEMISTRY OF SILICATE ATMOSPHERES OF EVAPORATING SUPER-EARTHS

Schaefer, Laura, and Bruce Fegley. 2009. “CHEMISTRY OF SILICATE ATMOSPHERES OF EVAPORATING SUPER-EARTHS.” ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS 703 (2): L113–L117.

2008

Chemistry and Composition of Planetary Atmospheres

Schaefer, Laura, and Bruce Fegley. 2008. “Chemistry and Composition of Planetary Atmospheres.” CHEMICAL EVOLUTION ACROSS SPACE AND TIME: FROM THE BIG BANG TO PREBIOTIC CHEMISTRY 981. AMER CHEMICAL SOC: 187–207.

2007

Outgassing of ordinary chondritic material and some of its implications for the chemistry of asteroids, planets, and satellites

Schaefer, Laura, and Bruce Fegley. 2007. “Outgassing of Ordinary Chondritic Material and Some of Its Implications for the Chemistry of Asteroids, Planets, and Satellites.” ICARUS 186 (2): 462–83.

2004

A thermodynamic model of high temperature lava vaporization on Io

Schaefer, L., and B. Fegley. 2004. “A Thermodynamic Model of High Temperature Lava Vaporization on Io.” ICARUS 169 (1): 216–41.

Heavy metal frost on Venus

Schaefer, L., and B. Fegley. 2004. “Heavy Metal Frost on Venus.” ICARUS 168 (1): 215–19.