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
Filter Total Items: 131
Draped aeromagnetic survey in Transantarctic Mountains over the area of the Butcher Ridge igneous complex showing extent of underlying mafic intrusion Draped aeromagnetic survey in Transantarctic Mountains over the area of the Butcher Ridge igneous complex showing extent of underlying mafic intrusion
A draped aeromagnetic survey over the area surrounding the Butcher Ridge igneous complex (BRIC), Transantarctic Mountains, was acquired in 1997–1998 as part of a larger Transantarctic Mountains Aerogeophysical Research Activity survey. The BRIC is a sill-like hypoabyssal intrusion ranging in composition from tholeiitic basalt to rhyolite. An 40Ar/39Ar age of 174 Ma and the chemical...
Authors
John C. Behrendt, D. Damaske, C. A. Finn, P. Kyle, T. J. Wilson
High-resolution aeromagnetic mapping of volcanic terrain, Yellowstone National Park High-resolution aeromagnetic mapping of volcanic terrain, Yellowstone National Park
High-resolution aeromagnetic data acquired over Yellowstone National Park (YNP) show contrasting patterns reflecting differences in rock composition, types and degree of alteration, and crustal structures that mirror the variable geology of the Yellowstone Plateau. The older, Eocene, Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup, a series of mostly altered, andesitic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks...
Authors
C. A. Finn, L. A. Morgan
Subglacial volcanic features beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet interpreted from aeromagnetic and radar ice sounding Subglacial volcanic features beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet interpreted from aeromagnetic and radar ice sounding
The West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) flows through the volcanically active, late Cenozoic West Antarctic rift system. Active subglacial volcanism and a vast (>106 km3) extent of subglacial volcanic structures have been interpreted from aerogeophysical surveys over central West Antarctica in the past decade, combined with results from 1960s and 1970s aeromagnetic profiles over the WAIS...
Authors
John C. Behrendt, D. D. Blankenship, D. L. Morse, C. A. Finn, R.E. Bell
New digital data base helps to map North America New digital data base helps to map North America
A new effort is underway to compile an upgraded digital magnetic anomaly data base and map for the North American continent by 2002. This program is a joint effort by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Consejo de Recursos Minerales de Mexico (CRM). An integrated, readily accessible, modern digital data base of magnetic anomaly data spanning...
Authors
Carol A. Finn, Mark Pilkington, Alejandro Cuevas, Jaime Urrutia
Geologic controls on the initiation of rapid basal motion for West Antarctic ice streams: a geophysical perspective including new airborne radar sounding and laser altimetry results Geologic controls on the initiation of rapid basal motion for West Antarctic ice streams: a geophysical perspective including new airborne radar sounding and laser altimetry results
No abstract available.
Authors
D. D. Blankenship, D. L. Morse, C. A. Finn, R.E. Bell, M.E. Peters, S.D. Kempf, S. M. Hodge, M. Studinger, John C. Behrendt, J. M. Brozena
Relocation of Wyoming mine production blasts using calibration explosions Relocation of Wyoming mine production blasts using calibration explosions
An important requirement for a comprehensive seismic monitoring system is the capability to accurately locate small seismic events worldwide. Accurate event location can improve the probability of determining whether or not a small event, recorded predominantly by local and regional stations, is a nuclear explosion. For those portions of the earth where crustal velocities are not well...
Authors
Carol A. Finn, Gordon D. Kraft, Matthew S. Sibol, Ronald L. Jones, Mark E. Pulaski
Subglacial sediments: A regional geological template for iceflow in West Antarctica Subglacial sediments: A regional geological template for iceflow in West Antarctica
We use aerogeophysical data to estimate the distribution of marine subglacial sediments and fault-bounded sedimentary basins beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS). We find that significant ice flow occurs exclusively in regions covered by subglacial sediments. The onsets and lateral margins of ice streams coincide with the limit of marine sediments. Lateral margins are also...
Authors
M. Studinger, R.E. Bell, D. D. Blankenship, C. A. Finn, R.A. Arko, D. L. Morse, I. Joughin
New digital magnetic anomaly database for North America New digital magnetic anomaly database for North America
The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Consejo de Recursos Minerales of Mexico (CRM) are compiling an upgraded digital magnetic anomaly database and map for North America. This trinational project is expected to be completed by late 2002.
Authors
C. A. Finn, M. Pilkington, A. Cuevas, I. Hernandez, Jaime Urrutia
Preliminary Precambrian basement map showing geologic-geophysical domains, Wyoming Preliminary Precambrian basement map showing geologic-geophysical domains, Wyoming
No abstract available.
Authors
P.K. Sims, C. A. Finn, V. L. Rystrom
Preliminary Precambrian basement map of Colorado – A geologic interpretation of the aeromagnetic anomaly map Preliminary Precambrian basement map of Colorado – A geologic interpretation of the aeromagnetic anomaly map
No abstract available.
Authors
P.K. Sims, Viki Bankey, C. A. Finn
Aerogeophysical measurements of collapse-prone hydrothermally altered zones at Mount Rainier volcano Aerogeophysical measurements of collapse-prone hydrothermally altered zones at Mount Rainier volcano
Hydrothermally altered rocks can weaken volcanoes, increasing the potential for catastrophic sector collapses that can lead to destructive debris flows1. Evaluating the hazards associated with such alteration is difficult because alteration has been mapped on few active volcanoes1-4 and the distribution and severity of subsurface alteration is largely unknown on any active volcano. At...
Authors
C. A. Finn, T. W. Sisson, M. Deszcz-Pan
Hunting Mount Rainer's danger zones Hunting Mount Rainer's danger zones
No abstract available.
Authors
Carol A. Finn, T. Sisson
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 131
Draped aeromagnetic survey in Transantarctic Mountains over the area of the Butcher Ridge igneous complex showing extent of underlying mafic intrusion Draped aeromagnetic survey in Transantarctic Mountains over the area of the Butcher Ridge igneous complex showing extent of underlying mafic intrusion
A draped aeromagnetic survey over the area surrounding the Butcher Ridge igneous complex (BRIC), Transantarctic Mountains, was acquired in 1997–1998 as part of a larger Transantarctic Mountains Aerogeophysical Research Activity survey. The BRIC is a sill-like hypoabyssal intrusion ranging in composition from tholeiitic basalt to rhyolite. An 40Ar/39Ar age of 174 Ma and the chemical...
Authors
John C. Behrendt, D. Damaske, C. A. Finn, P. Kyle, T. J. Wilson
High-resolution aeromagnetic mapping of volcanic terrain, Yellowstone National Park High-resolution aeromagnetic mapping of volcanic terrain, Yellowstone National Park
High-resolution aeromagnetic data acquired over Yellowstone National Park (YNP) show contrasting patterns reflecting differences in rock composition, types and degree of alteration, and crustal structures that mirror the variable geology of the Yellowstone Plateau. The older, Eocene, Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup, a series of mostly altered, andesitic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks...
Authors
C. A. Finn, L. A. Morgan
Subglacial volcanic features beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet interpreted from aeromagnetic and radar ice sounding Subglacial volcanic features beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet interpreted from aeromagnetic and radar ice sounding
The West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) flows through the volcanically active, late Cenozoic West Antarctic rift system. Active subglacial volcanism and a vast (>106 km3) extent of subglacial volcanic structures have been interpreted from aerogeophysical surveys over central West Antarctica in the past decade, combined with results from 1960s and 1970s aeromagnetic profiles over the WAIS...
Authors
John C. Behrendt, D. D. Blankenship, D. L. Morse, C. A. Finn, R.E. Bell
New digital data base helps to map North America New digital data base helps to map North America
A new effort is underway to compile an upgraded digital magnetic anomaly data base and map for the North American continent by 2002. This program is a joint effort by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Consejo de Recursos Minerales de Mexico (CRM). An integrated, readily accessible, modern digital data base of magnetic anomaly data spanning...
Authors
Carol A. Finn, Mark Pilkington, Alejandro Cuevas, Jaime Urrutia
Geologic controls on the initiation of rapid basal motion for West Antarctic ice streams: a geophysical perspective including new airborne radar sounding and laser altimetry results Geologic controls on the initiation of rapid basal motion for West Antarctic ice streams: a geophysical perspective including new airborne radar sounding and laser altimetry results
No abstract available.
Authors
D. D. Blankenship, D. L. Morse, C. A. Finn, R.E. Bell, M.E. Peters, S.D. Kempf, S. M. Hodge, M. Studinger, John C. Behrendt, J. M. Brozena
Relocation of Wyoming mine production blasts using calibration explosions Relocation of Wyoming mine production blasts using calibration explosions
An important requirement for a comprehensive seismic monitoring system is the capability to accurately locate small seismic events worldwide. Accurate event location can improve the probability of determining whether or not a small event, recorded predominantly by local and regional stations, is a nuclear explosion. For those portions of the earth where crustal velocities are not well...
Authors
Carol A. Finn, Gordon D. Kraft, Matthew S. Sibol, Ronald L. Jones, Mark E. Pulaski
Subglacial sediments: A regional geological template for iceflow in West Antarctica Subglacial sediments: A regional geological template for iceflow in West Antarctica
We use aerogeophysical data to estimate the distribution of marine subglacial sediments and fault-bounded sedimentary basins beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS). We find that significant ice flow occurs exclusively in regions covered by subglacial sediments. The onsets and lateral margins of ice streams coincide with the limit of marine sediments. Lateral margins are also...
Authors
M. Studinger, R.E. Bell, D. D. Blankenship, C. A. Finn, R.A. Arko, D. L. Morse, I. Joughin
New digital magnetic anomaly database for North America New digital magnetic anomaly database for North America
The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and Consejo de Recursos Minerales of Mexico (CRM) are compiling an upgraded digital magnetic anomaly database and map for North America. This trinational project is expected to be completed by late 2002.
Authors
C. A. Finn, M. Pilkington, A. Cuevas, I. Hernandez, Jaime Urrutia
Preliminary Precambrian basement map showing geologic-geophysical domains, Wyoming Preliminary Precambrian basement map showing geologic-geophysical domains, Wyoming
No abstract available.
Authors
P.K. Sims, C. A. Finn, V. L. Rystrom
Preliminary Precambrian basement map of Colorado – A geologic interpretation of the aeromagnetic anomaly map Preliminary Precambrian basement map of Colorado – A geologic interpretation of the aeromagnetic anomaly map
No abstract available.
Authors
P.K. Sims, Viki Bankey, C. A. Finn
Aerogeophysical measurements of collapse-prone hydrothermally altered zones at Mount Rainier volcano Aerogeophysical measurements of collapse-prone hydrothermally altered zones at Mount Rainier volcano
Hydrothermally altered rocks can weaken volcanoes, increasing the potential for catastrophic sector collapses that can lead to destructive debris flows1. Evaluating the hazards associated with such alteration is difficult because alteration has been mapped on few active volcanoes1-4 and the distribution and severity of subsurface alteration is largely unknown on any active volcano. At...
Authors
C. A. Finn, T. W. Sisson, M. Deszcz-Pan
Hunting Mount Rainer's danger zones Hunting Mount Rainer's danger zones
No abstract available.
Authors
Carol A. Finn, T. Sisson
*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