Name: Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors
Link: www.sciencedirect.com/journal/physics-of-the-earth-and-planetary-interiors
Description: A peer-reviewed journal focusing on the physical and chemical processes of planetary interiors, publishing original research, reviews, and letters in planetary physics, geodesy, and geophysics.
Key Words: planetary interiors, geophysics, planetary physics, geodesy, peer-reviewed, original research, reviews, letters
Introduction:
Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors (PEPI), established in 1968, is a leading biweekly peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Elsevier, dedicated exclusively to the study of the physical and chemical processes governing the interiors of Earth and other planetary bodies. It was launched to address the need for an international platform in the fields of planetary physics, geodesy, and geophysics, and has since become essential reading for geophysicists and planetary scientists worldwide. With a 2020 impact factor of 2.261, PEPI is recognized for its rigorous standards and contributions to advancing knowledge in these specialized fields.
The journal publishes a variety of formats, including original research papers, review articles, short communications, book reviews, and a recently introduced “Letter” article type designed for rapid publication of concise findings (limited to 3,000 words, 4 figures/tables, and 4 pages of supplementary material). These letters aim to quickly disseminate new results or ideas in their formative stages, fostering timely scientific discourse. Occasional special issues feature proceedings from symposia and conferences deemed significant by the editorial team, which includes distinguished co-editors such as A. Ferreira (University College London), K. Hirose (Tokyo Institute of Technology), D. Jault (Grenoble Alpes University), and C. Michaut (Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon).
PEPI’s scope encompasses a broad range of topics, including the structure, composition, and dynamics of planetary interiors, covering areas such as seismology, geochemistry, tectonophysics, and thermal evolution. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research that advances understanding of planetary systems, including Earth, through studies of their physical and chemical properties. The journal also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by welcoming contributions that address global challenges, such as environmental sustainability and resource management. Authors are encouraged to deposit raw experimental data in repositories to enhance research transparency and reproducibility, aligning with open science practices.
Submissions are managed through Elsevier’s online platform (ScienceDirect), where authors must adhere to strict guidelines, including providing editable files (e.g., Word, LaTeX) and obtaining permissions for copyrighted material. The journal offers open access options, including gold open access, where articles are freely accessible immediately upon publication under licenses like Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY). An embargo period of 24 months applies for green open access. Elsevier’s Article Transfer Service may recommend transferring manuscripts better suited to other journals, ensuring alignment with the journal’s focus. The peer-review process is rigorous, maintaining high standards, and authors benefit from tools like Mendeley for citation management and personalized article processing charge (APC) options based on their institutional affiliations.
PEPI’s commitment to advancing geoscientific research is evident in its promotion of high-impact, data-driven studies and its role in fostering international collaboration. Recent notable articles include open-access works on seismic imaging, thermal evolution, and planetary dynamics, reflecting the journal’s relevance to cutting-edge research. With a global readership and a reputation for quality, PEPI continues to be a vital resource for researchers studying the complex processes shaping planetary interiors.
