Cross sections from one-dimensional electrical resistivity (top of each section) and three-dimensional magnetic susceptibility inverted models (bottom of each section) along profiles that span (a) Norris Geyser Basin, and (b) Upper Geyser Basin. Geologic and geothermal features are from the Yellowstone geologic map. VE=vertical exaggeration.
Carol A Finn, Ph.D.
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
Surface geophysical data from Ollalie North springs, west-central Oregon
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
Cross sections from one-dimensional electrical resistivity (top of each section) and three-dimensional magnetic susceptibility inverted models (bottom of each section) along profiles that span (a) Norris Geyser Basin, and (b) Upper Geyser Basin. Geologic and geothermal features are from the Yellowstone geologic map. VE=vertical exaggeration.
Deep magmatic staging chambers for crustal layered mafic intrusions: An example from the Bushveld Complex of southern Africa
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
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
Surface geophysical data from Ollalie North springs, west-central Oregon
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
Cross sections from one-dimensional electrical resistivity (top of each section) and three-dimensional magnetic susceptibility inverted models (bottom of each section) along profiles that span (a) Norris Geyser Basin, and (b) Upper Geyser Basin. Geologic and geothermal features are from the Yellowstone geologic map. VE=vertical exaggeration.
Cross sections from one-dimensional electrical resistivity (top of each section) and three-dimensional magnetic susceptibility inverted models (bottom of each section) along profiles that span (a) Norris Geyser Basin, and (b) Upper Geyser Basin. Geologic and geothermal features are from the Yellowstone geologic map. VE=vertical exaggeration.
Deep magmatic staging chambers for crustal layered mafic intrusions: An example from the Bushveld Complex of southern Africa
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
*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