Andy is a Research Geologist in the Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. He earned a B.S. from Allegheny College, a M.S. from Miami University, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University, in Geology. Since joining the USGS as a Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellow in 2008 in Menlo Park, CA, Andy has focused on geomorphologic and tectonic problems.
Andy is currently the Project Chief for the Neotectonics of the Northern Mojave Desert effort, which is supported by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. In addition to coordinating the project team's geologic mapping, surface processes, and groundwater resources studies, Andy is helping to improve our understanding of earthquake hazards by evaluating recently active faults and folds related to the tectonics of the Pacific-North American plate boundary. A long-term goal of the team's work is to arrive at a new tectonic synthesis of the northeastern portion of the Eastern California Shear Zone.
Andy also conducts geomorphologic studies on the Channel Islands, southern California, in cooperation with the Channel Islands National Park. He applies surficial geologic mapping and cosmogenic nuclide analysis as part of a research team evaluating both 1) the impacts of grazing on the Channel Islands Landscape, and 2) earthquake and landslide hazards in this high-relief landscape.
Finally, Andy is also using cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure ages of glacial moraine boulders in the southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado, to provide the timing of fault rupture and rate of fault slip on range front faults in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, as well as evaluate the timing of alluvial fan activity relative to the timing of deglaciation. Understanding when these different geomorphic and depositional systems are active relative to one another will improve our understanding of paleoclimate variability in the southern Rocky Mountains.
Professional Experience
2011 - present, Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Geology Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Menlo Park, CA
2008 - 2011, Mendenhall Postdoctoral Scholar, U.S. Geological Survey, Geology Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Menlo Park, CA
2000 - 2001, Analytical Chemist, Alpha Analytical Labs, Westborough, MA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Geology, Purdue University, 2008
M.S., Geology, Miami University (OH), 2004
B.S., Geology, B.S. Allegheny College, 2000
Affiliations and Memberships*
Geological Society of America
American Geophysical Union
American Geochemical Society
Montana State University
Fort Irwin US Army Training Center
Channel Islands National Park
Mojave National Preserve
Desert Studies Center (California State University, Fullerton)
Science and Products
Western Basin & Range - Eastern California Shear Zone
Science and Products
- Science
Western Basin & Range - Eastern California Shear Zone
The Eastern California Shear Zone (ECSZ) Mapping project, funded by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, combines surficial and bedrock geologic mapping, geophysical surveys, and high-resolution topographic data analysis with neotectonic, geomorphic, structural, volcanic, and geochronologic studies to better understand the tectonic framework and landscape evolution of the ECSZ in the... - Data
- Maps
- Publications
- Multimedia
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government