Publications

Site characterization is a critical component of seismic hazards studies, especially in the development and use of ground motion models (GMMs). One such parameter, kappa (Κ0), represents local site attenuation and effectively describes regional variations in ground motion [1]. However, estimates of Κ0 are limited. We estimate the site parameter Κ0 for 296 broadband and accelerometer...

The present study examined changes in biometric characteristics, osmoregulatory capacity, and seawater (SW) tolerance of juvenile sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) throughout the varying thermal changes from late autumn to late spring. Body length, mass, and condition factor were maintained until April, when significant declines in mass and condition factor were observed to correspond...

Aggregation processes control both the residence time and dispersal of volcanic ash during eruptions yet remain incompletely understood. The products of aggregation vary from simple ash clusters to large, complexly layered accretionary lapilli. Here we detail the micro-stratigraphy of a single population of accretionary lapilli that grew during the ∼431 CE Tierra Blanca Joven eruption...

The Albuquerque Basin, located in central New Mexico, is about 100 miles long and 25–40 miles wide. The basin is hydrologically defined as the extent of consolidated and unconsolidated deposits of Tertiary and Quaternary age that encompasses the structural Rio Grande Rift between San Acacia to the south and Cochiti Lake to the north. A 20-percent population increase in the basin from...

Over the past few years early earthquake warning systems have been incorporated into earthquake preparation efforts in many locations around the globe. These systems provide an excellent opportunity for advanced warning of ground shaking and other hazards associated with earthquakes. This study aims to optimize this advanced warning for individuals inside a building when the alert is...

The collection of online videos and imagery to use in disaster reconnaissance is increasing in frequency, due to accessibility of platforms and the ubiquitous nature of smartphones and recording devices. In this short article, we explore the processes, goals, and utility of Virtual Emergency Reconnaissance Teams (VERTs) to collect footage and imagery of geohazards (earthquakes, volcanoes...

Estimating earthquake impacts using physical or empirical models is challenging because the three components of loss estimation-shaking, exposure, and vulnerabilities-entail inherent uncertainties. Loss modeling in near-real-time adds additional uncertainties, yet expectations for actionable information with a reasonable level of confidence in the results are real. The modeling...

he Center for Engineering Strong-Motion Data (CESMD), an internationally utilized joint center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the California Geological Survey (CGS), provides a unified access point for earthquake strong-motion records and station metadata from the CGS California Strong-Motion Instrumentation Program (CSMIP), the USGS National Strong-Motion Project (NSMP), the...

No abstract available.

Fleas are common ectoparasites of vertebrates worldwide and vectors of many pathogens causing disease, such as sylvatic plague in prairie dog colonies. Development of fleas is regulated by environmental conditions, especially temperature and relative humidity. Development rates are typically slower at low temperatures and faster at high temperatures, which are bounded by lower and upper...

Nest predation is the main cause of nest failure for ducks. Understanding how habitat features influence predator movements may facilitate management of upland and wetland breeding habitats that reduces predator encounter rates with duck nests and increases nest survival rates. For 1618 duck nests, nest survival increased with distance to phragmites (Phragmites australis), shrubs...

Investigators have speculated that the climate-driven “greening of the Arctic” may benefit barren-ground caribou populations, but paradoxically many populations have declined in recent years. This pattern has raised concerns about the influence of summer habitat conditions on caribou demographic rates, and how populations may be impacted in the future. The short Arctic summer provides...