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Adam R. Mosbrucker

Geomatics expert with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory

Geomatics integrates geospatial science and technology disciplines such as photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS, GNSS, and geodesy. These are fundamental tools for Volcano Science Center monitoring and research projects.

I specialize in quantitative fluvial geomorphology, which uses geomatics, field instrumentation, and sampling to study sediment transport in disturbed volcanic systems. My current research focus is developing innovative uses of camera systems, including high-precision photogrammetric models of vegetated river channels and a suspended-sediment surrogate based on close-range multispectral ‘SedCam’ imagery.

As the Volcano Hazards Program Lidar Coordinator, I leverage local and national partnerships to acquire topographic data needed for volcano hazard modeling, mapping, and eruption forecasting efforts.

Professional Experience

  • Lidar Coordinator, USGS Volcano Hazards Program, 2020–present

  • Geologist, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, 2017–present

  • Owner, JBC Geomatics, 2019–2023

  • Adjunct Professor, Portland State University Geography, 2014–2019

  • Hydrologic Technician, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, 2009–2017

Education and Certifications

  • FAA UAS Remote Pilot Certificate, 2019–present

  • GIS Professional (GISP) Certification, since 2013–present

  • Graduate Certificate, GIS, Portland State University Geography, 2012

  • B.S. Earth Science, Portland State University Geology, 2011

Science and Products

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Estimating concentrations of fine-grained and total suspended sediment from close-range remote sensing imagery

Fluvial sediment, a vital surface water resource, is hazardous in excess. Suspended sediment, the most prevalent source of impairment of river systems, can adversely affect flood control, navigation, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, recreation, and water supply (e.g., Rasmussen et al., 2009; Qu, 2014). Monitoring programs typically focus on suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) and discharge (SS
Authors
Adam R. Mosbrucker, Kurt R. Spicer, Tami S. Christianson, Mark A. Uhrich
By
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Correlations of turbidity to suspended-sediment concentration in the Toutle River Basin, near Mount St. Helens, Washington, 2010-11

Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Observatory, investigated alternative methods for the traditional sample-based sediment record procedure in determining suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) and discharge. One such sediment-surrogate technique was developed using turbidity and discharge to estimate SSC for two gaging stations in the Toutle River Basin near Mount St. Hel
Authors
Mark A. Uhrich, Jasna Kolasinac, Pamela L. Booth, Robert L. Fountain, Kurt R. Spicer, Adam R. Mosbrucker
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

High-resolution digital elevation model of Mount St. Helens crater and upper North Fork Toutle River basin, Washington, based on an airborne lidar survey of September 2009

The lateral blast, debris avalanche, and lahars of the May 18th, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington, dramatically altered the surrounding landscape. Lava domes were extruded during the subsequent eruptive periods of 1980–1986 and 2004–2008. More than three decades after the emplacement of the 1980 debris avalanche, high sediment production persists in the North Fork Toutle River basin,
Authors
Adam R. Mosbrucker
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Science and Products