Craig A Johnson, Ph.D.
Craig Johnson is a Research Geologist with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center.
Craig attended Dartmouth (AB), Michigan (MS), and Yale (PhD). He held a NASA postdoc and a staff position at the American Museum of Natural History in New York prior to joining the USGS in 1992. Craig is responsible for a stable isotope laboratory in which isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur are measured in rocks, waters, gases, and biological materials. Craig studies ore genesis, environmental impacts of mining, the source and fate of solutes in natural waters and crustal fluids, the isotopic record of marine sulfate, and isotopic records of paleoenvironments.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 89
Sources of salinity near a coal mine spoil pile, north-central Colorado Sources of salinity near a coal mine spoil pile, north-central Colorado
A small (1 km2) salt-affected stream drainage on the High Plains north of Denver, Colorado was sampled to determine the near-surface dispersion of soluble salts and metals from low-sulfur coal mining waste (spoil). Surface waters collected along the 0.8-km stream reach, and aqueous leachates of spoil and naturally saline local soil, were analyzed for chemical constituents and sulfur...
Authors
R. Zielinski, J. Otton, C. Johnson
Use of 17O/16O to trace atmospherically-deposited sulfate in surface waters: A case study in alpine watersheds in the Rocky Mountains Use of 17O/16O to trace atmospherically-deposited sulfate in surface waters: A case study in alpine watersheds in the Rocky Mountains
Building on the discovery of excess 17O in atmospheric sulfate by Lee et al. (2001), we have carried out a case study to determine whether 17O might provide a new tool for quantifying the impact of atmospheric deposition on surface-water sulfate loads. In Rocky Mountain alpine regions, excess 17O was found to be characteristics of atmospheric sulfate deposited in snow. Excess 17O was...
Authors
C. Johnson, M.A. Mast, C.L. Kester
Fate of process solution cyanide and nitrate at three Nevada gold mines inferred from stable carbon and nitrogen isotope measurements Fate of process solution cyanide and nitrate at three Nevada gold mines inferred from stable carbon and nitrogen isotope measurements
Stable isotope methods have been used to identify the mechanisms responsible for cyanide consumption at three heap-leach operations that process Carlin-type gold ores in Nevada, U.S.A. The reagent cyanide had δ15N values ranging from -5 to -2‰ and δ 13C values from -60 to -35‰. The wide δ13C range reflects the use by different suppliers of isotopically distinct natural-gas feedstocks and...
Authors
C. Johnson, D. Grimes, R. Rye
Mesoproterozoic graphite deposits, New Jersey Highlands: Geologic and stable isotopic evidence for possible algal origins Mesoproterozoic graphite deposits, New Jersey Highlands: Geologic and stable isotopic evidence for possible algal origins
Graphite deposits of Mesoproterozoic age are locally abundant in the eastern New Jersey Highlands, where they are hosted by sulphidic biotite–quartz–feldspar gneiss, metaquartzite, and anatectic pegmatite. Gneiss and metaquartzite represent a shallow marine shelf sequence of locally organic-rich sand and mud. Graphite from massive deposits within metaquartzite yielded δ13C values of –26...
Authors
R.A. Volkert, Craig Johnson, Albert Tamashausky
Syngenetic Au on the Carlin trend: Implications for Carlin-type deposits Syngenetic Au on the Carlin trend: Implications for Carlin-type deposits
A new type of gold occurrence recently discovered in the Carlin trend, north-central Nevada, is clearly distinct from classic Carlin-type gold ore. These occurrences are interpreted to be of sedimentary exhalative (sedex) origin because they are stratiform and predate compaction and lithification of their unaltered Devonian host rocks. They contain barite that exhibits δ34S and δ180...
Authors
P. Emsbo, R.W. Hutchinson, A. H. Hofstra, J.A. Volk, K. Bettles, G.J. Baschuk, C. Johnson
Guatemala jadeitites and albitites were formed by deuterium-rich serpentinizing fluids deep within a subduction zone Guatemala jadeitites and albitites were formed by deuterium-rich serpentinizing fluids deep within a subduction zone
Jadeitites and albitites from the Motagua Valley, Guatemala, are high-pressure–low-temperature metasomatic rocks that occur as tectonic inclusions in serpentinite-matrix melange. Metasomatism was driven by a fluid with a δ18OH2O value of 6‰, and a δDH2O value that is high in comparison with metamorphic fluids at other high-pressure–low-temperature localities of similar grade. We infer...
Authors
C. Johnson, G.E. Harlow
Non-USGS Publications**
Riciputi, L.R., McSween, H.Y., Jr., Johnson, C.A., and Prinz, M., 1994, Minor and trace element concentrations in carbonates of carbonaceous chondrites, and implications for the compositions of coexisting fluids: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 58 (4), p. 1343–1351, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(94)90386-7.
Johnson, C.A., and Prinz, M., 1993, Carbonate compositions in CM and CI chondrites, and implications for aqueous alteration: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 57 (12), p. 2843–2852, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(93)90393-B.
Johnson, C.A., Cardellach, E., Tritlla, J., and Hanan, B.B., 1993, Origin of the Cierco Pb-Zn vein system (central Pyrenees, Spain): evidence from stable isotopes, Sr isotopes and fluid inclusions, in Fenoll Hach-Ali, P., Torrez-Ruiz, J., and Gervilla, F., eds., Current research in geology applied to ore deposits. Proceedings of the 2nd SGA Biennial Meeting, Granada, Spain, 9-11 September 1993, p. 135-138.
Johnson, C.A., and Prinz, M., 1991, Chromite and olivine in type II chondrules in carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites: implications for thermal histories and group differences: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 55 (3), p. 893–904, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(91)90349-A.
Johnson, C.A., Rye, D.M., and Skinner, B.J., 1990, Unusual oxygen isotopic compositions in and around the Sterling Hill and Franklin Furnace ore deposits, in Proceedings for conference on character and origin of the Franklin and Sterling Hill orebodies: Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University, p. 63–76.
Johnson, C.A., Rye, D.M., and Skinner, B.J., 1990, Petrology and stable isotope geochemistry of the metamorphosed zinc-iron-manganese deposit at Sterling Hill, New Jersey: Economic Geology, 85 (6), p. 1133–1161, https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.85.6.1133.
Johnson, C.A., Prinz, M., Weisberg, M.K., Clayton, R.N., and Mayeda, T.K., 1990, Dark inclusions in Allende, Leoville and Vigarano: evidence for nebular oxidation of CV3 constituents: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 54 (3), p.819–830, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(90)90376-V.
Skinner, B.J. and Johnson, C.A., 1987, Evidence for movement of ore materials during high grade metamorphism: Ore Geology Reviews, 2 (1-3), p. 191–204, https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-1368(87)90028-X.
Johnson, C.A., Bohlen, S.R., and Essene, E.J., 1983, An evaluation of garnet-clinopyroxene geothermometry in granulites: Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 84 (2-3), p. 191-198, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00371285.
Johnson, C.A., and Essene, E. J., 1982, The formation of garnet in olivine-bearing metagabbros in the Adirondack Mountains, New York: Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 81 (3), p. 240-251, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00371301.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 89
Sources of salinity near a coal mine spoil pile, north-central Colorado Sources of salinity near a coal mine spoil pile, north-central Colorado
A small (1 km2) salt-affected stream drainage on the High Plains north of Denver, Colorado was sampled to determine the near-surface dispersion of soluble salts and metals from low-sulfur coal mining waste (spoil). Surface waters collected along the 0.8-km stream reach, and aqueous leachates of spoil and naturally saline local soil, were analyzed for chemical constituents and sulfur...
Authors
R. Zielinski, J. Otton, C. Johnson
Use of 17O/16O to trace atmospherically-deposited sulfate in surface waters: A case study in alpine watersheds in the Rocky Mountains Use of 17O/16O to trace atmospherically-deposited sulfate in surface waters: A case study in alpine watersheds in the Rocky Mountains
Building on the discovery of excess 17O in atmospheric sulfate by Lee et al. (2001), we have carried out a case study to determine whether 17O might provide a new tool for quantifying the impact of atmospheric deposition on surface-water sulfate loads. In Rocky Mountain alpine regions, excess 17O was found to be characteristics of atmospheric sulfate deposited in snow. Excess 17O was...
Authors
C. Johnson, M.A. Mast, C.L. Kester
Fate of process solution cyanide and nitrate at three Nevada gold mines inferred from stable carbon and nitrogen isotope measurements Fate of process solution cyanide and nitrate at three Nevada gold mines inferred from stable carbon and nitrogen isotope measurements
Stable isotope methods have been used to identify the mechanisms responsible for cyanide consumption at three heap-leach operations that process Carlin-type gold ores in Nevada, U.S.A. The reagent cyanide had δ15N values ranging from -5 to -2‰ and δ 13C values from -60 to -35‰. The wide δ13C range reflects the use by different suppliers of isotopically distinct natural-gas feedstocks and...
Authors
C. Johnson, D. Grimes, R. Rye
Mesoproterozoic graphite deposits, New Jersey Highlands: Geologic and stable isotopic evidence for possible algal origins Mesoproterozoic graphite deposits, New Jersey Highlands: Geologic and stable isotopic evidence for possible algal origins
Graphite deposits of Mesoproterozoic age are locally abundant in the eastern New Jersey Highlands, where they are hosted by sulphidic biotite–quartz–feldspar gneiss, metaquartzite, and anatectic pegmatite. Gneiss and metaquartzite represent a shallow marine shelf sequence of locally organic-rich sand and mud. Graphite from massive deposits within metaquartzite yielded δ13C values of –26...
Authors
R.A. Volkert, Craig Johnson, Albert Tamashausky
Syngenetic Au on the Carlin trend: Implications for Carlin-type deposits Syngenetic Au on the Carlin trend: Implications for Carlin-type deposits
A new type of gold occurrence recently discovered in the Carlin trend, north-central Nevada, is clearly distinct from classic Carlin-type gold ore. These occurrences are interpreted to be of sedimentary exhalative (sedex) origin because they are stratiform and predate compaction and lithification of their unaltered Devonian host rocks. They contain barite that exhibits δ34S and δ180...
Authors
P. Emsbo, R.W. Hutchinson, A. H. Hofstra, J.A. Volk, K. Bettles, G.J. Baschuk, C. Johnson
Guatemala jadeitites and albitites were formed by deuterium-rich serpentinizing fluids deep within a subduction zone Guatemala jadeitites and albitites were formed by deuterium-rich serpentinizing fluids deep within a subduction zone
Jadeitites and albitites from the Motagua Valley, Guatemala, are high-pressure–low-temperature metasomatic rocks that occur as tectonic inclusions in serpentinite-matrix melange. Metasomatism was driven by a fluid with a δ18OH2O value of 6‰, and a δDH2O value that is high in comparison with metamorphic fluids at other high-pressure–low-temperature localities of similar grade. We infer...
Authors
C. Johnson, G.E. Harlow
Non-USGS Publications**
Riciputi, L.R., McSween, H.Y., Jr., Johnson, C.A., and Prinz, M., 1994, Minor and trace element concentrations in carbonates of carbonaceous chondrites, and implications for the compositions of coexisting fluids: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 58 (4), p. 1343–1351, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(94)90386-7.
Johnson, C.A., and Prinz, M., 1993, Carbonate compositions in CM and CI chondrites, and implications for aqueous alteration: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 57 (12), p. 2843–2852, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(93)90393-B.
Johnson, C.A., Cardellach, E., Tritlla, J., and Hanan, B.B., 1993, Origin of the Cierco Pb-Zn vein system (central Pyrenees, Spain): evidence from stable isotopes, Sr isotopes and fluid inclusions, in Fenoll Hach-Ali, P., Torrez-Ruiz, J., and Gervilla, F., eds., Current research in geology applied to ore deposits. Proceedings of the 2nd SGA Biennial Meeting, Granada, Spain, 9-11 September 1993, p. 135-138.
Johnson, C.A., and Prinz, M., 1991, Chromite and olivine in type II chondrules in carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites: implications for thermal histories and group differences: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 55 (3), p. 893–904, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(91)90349-A.
Johnson, C.A., Rye, D.M., and Skinner, B.J., 1990, Unusual oxygen isotopic compositions in and around the Sterling Hill and Franklin Furnace ore deposits, in Proceedings for conference on character and origin of the Franklin and Sterling Hill orebodies: Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University, p. 63–76.
Johnson, C.A., Rye, D.M., and Skinner, B.J., 1990, Petrology and stable isotope geochemistry of the metamorphosed zinc-iron-manganese deposit at Sterling Hill, New Jersey: Economic Geology, 85 (6), p. 1133–1161, https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.85.6.1133.
Johnson, C.A., Prinz, M., Weisberg, M.K., Clayton, R.N., and Mayeda, T.K., 1990, Dark inclusions in Allende, Leoville and Vigarano: evidence for nebular oxidation of CV3 constituents: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 54 (3), p.819–830, https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(90)90376-V.
Skinner, B.J. and Johnson, C.A., 1987, Evidence for movement of ore materials during high grade metamorphism: Ore Geology Reviews, 2 (1-3), p. 191–204, https://doi.org/10.1016/0169-1368(87)90028-X.
Johnson, C.A., Bohlen, S.R., and Essene, E.J., 1983, An evaluation of garnet-clinopyroxene geothermometry in granulites: Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 84 (2-3), p. 191-198, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00371285.
Johnson, C.A., and Essene, E. J., 1982, The formation of garnet in olivine-bearing metagabbros in the Adirondack Mountains, New York: Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 81 (3), p. 240-251, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00371301.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.