Carol Finn is a research geophysicist with the Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver, CO.
Carol specializes in the application of magnetic, gravity and electromagnetic data, to develop framework geological models in support of resource and volcano hazards assessments and fundamental Earth Processes. She has worked all over the world. Her current research is on imagining Yellowstone's iconic thermal features, 3D modeling of layered mafic intrusions and their platinum group element potential and Cascades and Alaska landslide hazards.
Research Interests
Carol is an expert on the application of magnetic, gravity and electromagnetic data, along with other geophysical techniques, to identify the subsurface distribution of
- hydrothermal alteration and causative sub-volcanic intrusions as well as ground water as they relate to both landslide hazard assessment and systematics of hydrothermal systems
- layered mafic intrusions, including the Bushveld, Stillwater and Duluth complexes, in support of assessments of platinum group element potential
- crystalline basement related to global mineral resource assessments (Algeria, Mauritania, Afghanistan, South Africa, Uzbekistan, United States)
Professional Experience
1978-present, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Geophysics, University of Colorado, 1988
M.S. Geophysics, University of Colorado, 1984
B.S. Geology, Wellesley College, 1978
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Geophysical Union: Thriving Earth Exchange Board Member (2016-present), Past President (2015-2016), President (2013-2014), President-Elect (2011-2012), General Secretary (2006-2010)
Geological Society of America
2000-2005 Adjunct faculty member, Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Honors and Awards
2011 - DOI Meritorious Service Award
2007 - DOI Superior Service Award
2004 - Elected Geological Society of America Fellow
2003 - US Board of Geographic Names named Finn Spur in Antarctica (79° 17' S, 156° 37' E) after me in recognition of my management of Antarctic aerogeophysical field projects.
2001-2002 - Awarded senior Gledden Research Fellowship, Centre for Global Metallogeny, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
1990-1992 - Awarded Science and Technology Fellowship, Geological Survey of Japan, Tsukuba, Japan
Science and Products
Large Magmatic Systems for Minerals
International Integrated Minerals Interpretation
Geophysical Studies on the Architecture of Large Igneous Systems Hosting Magmatic Ore Deposits
Airborne Electromagnetic Survey Processed Data and Models Data Release, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 2016
Principal facts of gravity data from the Stillwater Complex, Montana, 2013-2014 and 2020
Mount Baker and Mount Adams Airborne Magnetic and Electromagnetic Survey Data, August 2002, Washington, USA
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic Survey, Yellowstone National Park, 2016 - Minimally Processed Data
Airborne Magnetic Surveys over Oklahoma, 2017
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Iliamna Volcano, Alaska, June 2012
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Stillwater Complex, Montana, May 2000 (ver. 2.0, June 2020)
Bouguer gravity and magnetic susceptibility measurements at Iliamna Volcano, Alaska 2019
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Stillwater Complex, Montana, May 2000
Magnetic anomaly map of North America
Gravity anomaly and terrain maps of Washington
Electromagnetic and magnetic imaging of the Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA
Subsurface characterization of the Duluth Complex and related intrusions from 3D modeling of gravity and magnetotelluric data
The 180-km-long Meers-Willow Fault System in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen: A potential U.S. mid-continent seismic hazard
Geophysical imaging of the Yellowstone hydrothermal plumbing system
Drivers of seedling establishment success in dryland restoration efforts
3-D Modeling of the Duluth Complex from geophysical data
Geometry of the Bushveld Complex from 3D potential field modelling
Airborne geophysical imaging of weak zones on Iliamna Volcano, Alaska: Implications for slope stability
Geological and thermal control of the hydrothermal system in northern Yellowstone Lake: Inferences from high resolution magnetic surveys
Mapping the 3-D extent of the Stillwater Complex, Montana—Implications for potential platinum group element exploration and development
Three-dimensional geophysical mapping of shallow water saturated altered rocks at Mount Baker, Washington: Implications for slope stability
Combining multiphase groundwater flow and slope stability models to assess stratovolcano flank collapse in the Cascade Range
Science and Products
- Science
Large Magmatic Systems for Minerals
This project continues work on large magmatic systems in the U.S., where critical mineral commodities important to clean energy technologies can be concentrated. Modeling of large mafic intrusion extents will continue, and new geophysical methods will be applied to improve understanding of magmatic systems.International Integrated Minerals Interpretation
We will publish reports and interpretive papers on existing data from USGS internal mineral resource assessment collaborative work.Geophysical Studies on the Architecture of Large Igneous Systems Hosting Magmatic Ore Deposits
Platinum group elements, also known as PGEs, are a group of elements that have specific properties which make them useful for various applications in industry. One geologic setting that contains large concentrations of platinum group elements is layered mafic intrusions. This project will use new and preexisting geophysical datasets to characterize the internal structure of layered intrusions... - Data
Airborne Electromagnetic Survey Processed Data and Models Data Release, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 2016
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) and magnetic survey data were collected during November and December 2016 along 4,212 line-kilometers over Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The survey was conducted as part of a study of the subsurface geologic structure and geothermal and groundwater resources of Yellowstone National Park. The survey was designed to image the subsurface plumbing of Yellowstone'sPrincipal facts of gravity data from the Stillwater Complex, Montana, 2013-2014 and 2020
Gravity data were collected during three separate campaigns during July of 2013, August and September of 2014, and September and October of 2020 at 168 sites on and around the Stillwater layered mafic complex in southern Montana. Measurements were taken with Lacoste & Romberg G-64, G-550, and G-161 gravimeters and reduced to obtain the complete Bouguer anomaly, with reference ties to absolute baseMount Baker and Mount Adams Airborne Magnetic and Electromagnetic Survey Data, August 2002, Washington, USA
Hydrothermally altered rocks, particularly if water saturated, can weaken stratovolcanoes, thereby increasing the potential for catastrophic sector collapses that can lead to far-traveled, destructive debris flows, which are the largest volcanic hazards for Mount Adams and Mount Baker. Evaluating the hazards associated with such alteration is difficult because much of the alteration is obscured byAirborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic Survey, Yellowstone National Park, 2016 - Minimally Processed Data
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) and magnetic survey data were collected during November and December 2016 along 4,212 line-kilometers over Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The survey was conducted as part of a study of the subsurface geologic structure and geothermal and groundwater resources of Yellowstone National Park. The survey was designed to image the subsurface plumbing of Yellowstone'sAirborne Magnetic Surveys over Oklahoma, 2017
Airborne magnetic surveys were conducted in Oklahoma from August 11th, 2017-October 28th, 2017, by Goldak Airborne Surveys. Here we present downloadable flight line data from those surveys in comma-separated values (csv format). Three areas were flown along a draped surface with a nominal survey height above ground of 120 meters. The flight line spacing for these areas was 200 to 400 m for Area 12Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Iliamna Volcano, Alaska, June 2012
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) and magnetic survey data were collected during June 2012 along 556 line-kilometers over Iliamna Volcano, Alaska. These data were collected in support of alteration and volcano flank instability mapping as part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program. Data were acquired by SkyTEM Survey ApS SkyTEM304 system with the Soloy Helicopters Eurocopter AsAirborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Stillwater Complex, Montana, May 2000 (ver. 2.0, June 2020)
A helicopter-borne electromagnetic/magnetic survey was flown over the Stillwater area, southwest Montana from May 5 to May 16, 2000. The survey was conducted over the Stillwater Igneous Complex, a Precambrian layered mafic-ultramafic intrusion which is characterized by igneous layering. Electromagnetic data were acquired using DIGHEM helicopter-borne electromagnetic system. Magnetic data were collBouguer gravity and magnetic susceptibility measurements at Iliamna Volcano, Alaska 2019
Gravity data were collected in August of 2019 at 21 sites on and around Iliamna Volcano and Anchorage, Alaska. Measurements were taken with a Lacoste & Romberg G-161 meter and reduced to obtain the complete Bouguer anomaly. A total of 39 magnetic susceptibility measurements were taken at 13 locations using a ZH Instruments SM30 susceptibility meter. This data release includes susceptibility measurAirborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Stillwater Complex, Montana, May 2000
A helicopter-borne electromagnetic/magnetic survey was flown over the Stillwater area, southwest Montana from May 5 to May 16, 2000. The survey was conducted over the Stillwater Igneous Complex, a Precambrian layered mafic-ultramafic intrusion which is characterized by igneous layering. Electromagnetic data were acquired using DIGHEM helicopter-borne electromagnetic system. Magnetic data were coll - Maps
Magnetic anomaly map of North America
This digital Magnetic Anomaly database and map for the North American continent is the result of a joint effort by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Consejo de Recursos Minerales of Mexico (CRM). The database and map represent a substantial upgrade from the previous compilation of Magnetic Anomaly data for North America, now over a decade old (Committee forGravity anomaly and terrain maps of Washington
No abstract available. - Multimedia
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 114
Electromagnetic and magnetic imaging of the Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA
Modelling and analysis of helicopter electromagnetic data result in resistivity and susceptibility models and derivatives of magnetic data that characterise shallow parts of the Stillwater Complex, critical for aiding exploration and expansion of globally scarce critical and battery mineral resources that include platinum group elements, nickel, copper and chromium. The magnetic susceptibly modelsAuthorsCarol A. Finn, Michael L. Zientek, Benjamin r. Bloss, Heather L. Parks, Justin ModrooSubsurface characterization of the Duluth Complex and related intrusions from 3D modeling of gravity and magnetotelluric data
No abstract available.AuthorsDana E. Peterson, Paul A. Bedrosian, Carol A. FinnThe 180-km-long Meers-Willow Fault System in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen: A potential U.S. mid-continent seismic hazard
We integrate new high-resolution aeromagnetic data with seismic reflection data, well logs, satellite remote sensing, and field observations to provide a regional view of buried and exposed structures in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen and to assess their potential for future seismicity. Trends ranging from NW−SE to ∼E−W, peaking at 330° ± 4.5° and 280° ± 3°, dominate the magnetic lineaments of thAuthorsBrandon F. Chase, Folarin Kolawole, Estella A. Atekwana, Brett M. Carpenter, Molly Turko, Mohamed Abdelsalam, Carol A. FinnGeophysical imaging of the Yellowstone hydrothermal plumbing system
The nature of Yellowstone National Park’s plumbing system linking deep thermal fluids to its legendary thermal features is virtually unknown. The prevailing concepts of Yellowstone hydrology and chemistry are that fluids reside in reservoirs with unknown geometries, flow laterally from distal sources and emerge at the edges of lava flows. Here we present a high-resolution synoptic view of pathwaysAuthorsCarol A. Finn, Paul A. Bedrosian, W. Steven Holbrook, Esben Auken, Benjamin R. Bloss, Kayla (Jade) J CrosbieDrivers of seedling establishment success in dryland restoration efforts
Restoration of degraded drylands is urgently needed to mitigate climate change, reverse desertification and secure livelihoods for the two billion people who live in these areas. Bold global targets have been set for dryland restoration to restore millions of hectares of degraded land. These targets have been questioned as overly ambitious, but without a global evaluation of successes and failuresAuthorsNancy Shackelford, Gustavo B. Paterno, Daniel E. Winkler, Todd E. Erickson, Elizabeth A. Leger, Lauren N. Svejcar, Martin F. Breed, Akasha M. Faist, Peter L. Harrison, Michael F. Curran, Qinfeng Guo, Anita Kirmer, Darin J. Law, Kevin Mganga, Seth M. Munson, Lauren M. Porensky, Raul Emiliano Quiroga, Péter Török, Claire E. Wainwright, Ali Abdullahi, Matt A. Bahm, Elizabeth A. Ballenger, Nichole Barger, Owen W. Baughman, Carina Becker, Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja, Chad S. Boyd, Carla M. Burton, Philip J. Burton, Eman Calleja, Peter J. Carrick, Alex Caruana, Charlie D. Clements, Kirk W. Davies, Balázs Deák, Jessica Drake, Sandra Dullau, Joshua Eldridge, Erin Espeland, Stephen E. Fick, Magda Garbowski, Enrique G. de la Riva, Peter J. Golos, Penelope A. Grey, Barry Heydenrych, Patricia M. Holmes, Jeremy J. James, Jayne Jonas-Bratten, Réka Kiss, Andrea T. Kramer, Julie E. Larson, Juan Lorite, C. Ellery Mayence, Luis Merino-Martín, Tamás Miglécz, Suanne Jane Milton, Thomas A. Monaco, Arlee M. Montalvo, Jose A. Navarro-Cano, Mark W. Paschke, Pablo Luis Peri, Monica L. Pokorny, Matthew J. Rinella, Nelmarie Saayman, Merilynn C. Schantz, Tina Parkhurst, Eric W. Seabloom, Katharine L. Stuble, Shauna M. Uselman, Orsolya Valkó, Kari E. Veblen, Scott D. Wilson, Megan Wong, Zhiwei Xu, Katharine L. Suding3-D Modeling of the Duluth Complex from geophysical data
The Mesoproterozoic Duluth Complex in northeastern Minnesota is one of the major plutonic components of the Midcontinent Rift System and hosts a variety of copper-nickel sulfide and platinum-group element deposits. The Duluth Complex is composed of a series of individual mafic and felsic intrusions emplaced 1110-1098 Ma within Paleoproterozoic sedimentary rocks of the Animikie basin and volcanic fAuthorsDana E. Peterson, Paul A. Bedrosian, Carol A. FinnGeometry of the Bushveld Complex from 3D potential field modelling
A full three-dimensional (3D) potential field model of the central and southern Bushveld Complex reveals information about the Complex in areas obscured by younger geological cover. Previously, two-dimensional gravity models and a few magnetic models limited to certain sections of the Bushveld Complex have been used to propose geometries for the Rustenburg Layered Suite, especially in the westernAuthorsJanine Cole, Carol A. Finn, Susan J. WebbAirborne geophysical imaging of weak zones on Iliamna Volcano, Alaska: Implications for slope stability
Water‐saturated, hydrothermally altered rocks reduce the strength of volcanic edifices and increase the potential for sector collapses and far‐traveled mass flows of unconsolidated debris. Iliamna Volcano is an andesitic stratovolcano located on the western side of the Cook Inlet, ∼225 km southwest of Anchorage and is a source of repeated avalanches. The widespread snow and ice cover on Iliamna VoAuthorsDana E. Peterson, Carol A. Finn, Paul A. BedrosianGeological and thermal control of the hydrothermal system in northern Yellowstone Lake: Inferences from high resolution magnetic surveys
A multiscale magnetic survey of the northern basin of Yellowstone Lake was undertaken in 2016 as part of the Hydrothermal Dynamics of Yellowstone Lake Project (HD‐YLAKE)—a broad research effort to characterize the cause‐and‐effect relationships between geologic and environmental processes and hydrothermal activity on the lake floor. The magnetic survey includes lake surface, regional aeromagnetic,AuthorsClaire Bouligand, Maurice A. Tivey, Carol A. Finn, Lisa A Morgan, W. C. Pat Shanks, Robert A. SohnMapping the 3-D extent of the Stillwater Complex, Montana—Implications for potential platinum group element exploration and development
Geophysical models characterize the exposed and interpreted buried extent of the Stillwater Complex, critical for understanding the origin of the layered mafic intrusion and its associated high-grade platinum group element resources. The 3D models, constrained by gravity, magnetic, xenolith, seismic, borehole, and rock property data indicate that the likely maximum extent of the Stillwater ComplexAuthorsCarol A. Finn, Michael L. Zientek, Heather L. Parks, Dana E. PetersonThree-dimensional geophysical mapping of shallow water saturated altered rocks at Mount Baker, Washington: Implications for slope stability
Water-saturated hydrothermal alteration reduces the strength of volcanic edifices, increasing the potential for catastrophic sector collapses that can lead to far traveled and destructive debris flows. Intense hydrothermal alteration significantly lowers the resistivity and magnetization of volcanic rock and therefore hydrothermally altered rocks can be identified with helicopter electromagnetic aAuthorsCarol A. Finn, Maria Deszcz-Pan, Jessica L. Ball, Benjamin J. Bloss, Burke J. MinsleyCombining multiphase groundwater flow and slope stability models to assess stratovolcano flank collapse in the Cascade Range
Hydrothermal alteration can create low‐permeability zones, potentially resulting in elevated pore‐fluid pressures, within a volcanic edifice. Strength reduction by rock alteration and high pore‐fluid pressures have been suggested as a mechanism for edifice flank instability. Here we combine numerical models of multiphase heat transport and groundwater flow with a slope‐stability code that incorporAuthorsJessica L. Ball, Joshua M. Taron, Mark E. Reid, Shaul Hurwitz, Carol A. Finn, Paul A. Bedrosian
*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