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Dana E Peterson

Dana Peterson is a Geophysicist with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver, Colorado. 

Dana Peterson joined the USGS in 2018 through the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Internship Program with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver, Colorado, before transitioning to a staff Geophysicist in 2019. Her work involves using seismic, electromagnetic, and magnetic methods to understand tectonic processes and model potential hazards.  

Current Research

  • Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic imaging of weak zones on Iliamna Volcano, Alaska in partnership with the Alaska Volcano Observatory 
  • Geophysical studies on the architecture of large igneous systems with a focus on the Duluth Complex 
  • Interdisciplinary Methods and Applications in Geophysics (IMAGe) 

Professional Experience

  • 2019-Present: Geophysicist, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO

  • 2016: Exploration Geophysics Intern at Shell, Houston, TX

  • 2014-2019: NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

  • 2013-2014: Research Assistant at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, Singapore

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. Seismology & Geological Sciences, Cornell University, 2020

  • B.A. Geology & Geophysics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2013

Honors and Awards

  • 2018, NSF Graduate Research Internship

  • 2017, Estwing Award for Outstanding Graduate Student

  • 2015, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

  • 2014-2016, Cornell Long Fellowship

Science and Products

Geometry of the décollement below eastern Bangladesh and implications for seismic hazard

Eastern Bangladesh sits on the seismically active Chittagong-Myanmar fold and thrust belt (CMFB), a north-trending accretionary wedge on the eastern side of the India-Eurasia collision. Earthquakes on the basal décollement and associated thrusts within the CMFB present a hazard to this densely populated region. In this study, we interpret 28 seismic reflection profiles from both published and unpu
Authors
Paula Burgi, Juddith Hubbard, Syed Humayun Akhter, Dana Elise Peterson
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

3-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 f
Authors
Dana Elise Peterson, Paul A. Bedrosian, Carol A. Finn
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Airborne 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 Vo
Authors
Dana Elise Peterson, Carol A. Finn, Paul A. Bedrosian
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Mapping 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 Complex
Authors
Carol A. Finn, Michael L. Zientek, Heather L. Parks, Dana Elise Peterson
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

3-D P- and S-wave velocity structure and low-frequency earthquake locations in the Parkfield, California region

To refine the 3-D seismic velocity model in the greater Parkfield, California region, a new data set including regular earthquakes, shots, quarry blasts and low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) was assembled. Hundreds of traces of each LFE family at two temporary arrays were stacked with time–frequency domain phase weighted stacking method to improve signal-to-noise ratio. We extend our model resoluti
Authors
Xiangfang Zeng, Clifford H. Thurber, David R. Shelly, Rebecca M. Harrington, Elizabeth S. Cochran, Ninfa L. Bennington, Dana Peterson, Bin Guo, Kara McClement
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Peterson, D., Garibaldi, N., Keranen, K., Tikoff, B., Miller, C., Lara, L.E., Tassara, A., Thurber, C. and Lanza, F., Active normal faulting, diking, and doming above the rapidly inflating Laguna del Maule volcanic field, Chile imaged with CHIRP, magnetic, and focal mechanism data. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, p. e2019JB019329, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JB019329.
Peterson, D., Garibaldi, N., Keranen, K., Tikoff, B., Miller, C., Lara, L.E., Tassara, A., Thurber, C. and Lanza, F., 2020. Data from: Active normal faulting, diking, and doming above the rapidly inflating Laguna del Maule volcanic field, Chile imaged with CHIRP, magnetic, and focal mechanism data: . Cornell University Library eCommons Repository, https://doi.org/10.7298/85gm-e119.
Garibaldi, N., Tikoff, B., Peterson, D., Davis, J. R., and Keranen, K., 2020. Statistical separation of tectonic and inflation-driven components of deformation on silicic reservoirs, Laguna del Maule volcanic field, Chile. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2019.106744
Peterson, D. E., & Keranen, K. M., 2019. A High Wave Speed Basal Sedimentary Layer Identified From Seismic Imaging of the Plate Boundary in Central Cascadia. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 124(7), 6832-6847, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB017227.
Wespestad, C.E., Thurber, C.H., Andersen, N.L., Singer, B.S., Cardona, C., Zeng, X., Bennington, N.L., Keranen, K., Peterson, D.E., Cordell, D. and Unsworth, M., 2019. Magma reservoir below Laguna del Maule volcanic field, Chile, imaged with surface‐wave tomography. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 124(3), pp.2858-2872, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB016485.

**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.

link
Stillwater River canyon with mine

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...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
link

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...
Learn More
link
Map of regional tectonic setting and bedrock geology for the Lake Superior region, MN, WI, MI

Geophysics of Precambrian Terranes, Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountains

The project objective is to provide follow-up geophysical ground data acquisition and interpretation for areas involving Precambrian geologic settings in the Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountains. The project is designed fill gaps and to complement the high-quality aeromagnetic acquired during the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI).
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
link

Geophysics of Precambrian Terranes, Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountains

The project objective is to provide follow-up geophysical ground data acquisition and interpretation for areas involving Precambrian geologic settings in the Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountains. The project is designed fill gaps and to complement the high-quality aeromagnetic acquired during the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI).
Learn More
link
project flowchart

Interdisciplinary Methods and Applications in Geophysics (IMAGe)

The project focuses on the development of novel geophysical techniques that improve our ability to understand Earth's subsurface, with broad relevance to the Mineral Resources Program and the USGS Science Strategy. Our goal is to develop and maintain state-of-the art geophysical capabilities that support the diverse science needs of USGS projects that aim to meet the challenges of the 21st century...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
link

Interdisciplinary Methods and Applications in Geophysics (IMAGe)

The project focuses on the development of novel geophysical techniques that improve our ability to understand Earth's subsurface, with broad relevance to the Mineral Resources Program and the USGS Science Strategy. Our goal is to develop and maintain state-of-the art geophysical capabilities that support the diverse science needs of USGS projects that aim to meet the challenges of the 21st century...
Learn More

Principal 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 base
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Airborne 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 As
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Bouguer 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 measur
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Science and Products

  • Publications

    Geometry of the décollement below eastern Bangladesh and implications for seismic hazard

    Eastern Bangladesh sits on the seismically active Chittagong-Myanmar fold and thrust belt (CMFB), a north-trending accretionary wedge on the eastern side of the India-Eurasia collision. Earthquakes on the basal décollement and associated thrusts within the CMFB present a hazard to this densely populated region. In this study, we interpret 28 seismic reflection profiles from both published and unpu
    Authors
    Paula Burgi, Juddith Hubbard, Syed Humayun Akhter, Dana Elise Peterson
    By
    Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

    3-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 f
    Authors
    Dana Elise Peterson, Paul A. Bedrosian, Carol A. Finn
    By
    Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

    Airborne 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 Vo
    Authors
    Dana Elise Peterson, Carol A. Finn, Paul A. Bedrosian
    By
    Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

    Mapping 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 Complex
    Authors
    Carol A. Finn, Michael L. Zientek, Heather L. Parks, Dana Elise Peterson
    By
    Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

    3-D P- and S-wave velocity structure and low-frequency earthquake locations in the Parkfield, California region

    To refine the 3-D seismic velocity model in the greater Parkfield, California region, a new data set including regular earthquakes, shots, quarry blasts and low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) was assembled. Hundreds of traces of each LFE family at two temporary arrays were stacked with time–frequency domain phase weighted stacking method to improve signal-to-noise ratio. We extend our model resoluti
    Authors
    Xiangfang Zeng, Clifford H. Thurber, David R. Shelly, Rebecca M. Harrington, Elizabeth S. Cochran, Ninfa L. Bennington, Dana Peterson, Bin Guo, Kara McClement
    By
    Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

    Non-USGS Publications**

    Peterson, D., Garibaldi, N., Keranen, K., Tikoff, B., Miller, C., Lara, L.E., Tassara, A., Thurber, C. and Lanza, F., Active normal faulting, diking, and doming above the rapidly inflating Laguna del Maule volcanic field, Chile imaged with CHIRP, magnetic, and focal mechanism data. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, p. e2019JB019329, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JB019329.
    Peterson, D., Garibaldi, N., Keranen, K., Tikoff, B., Miller, C., Lara, L.E., Tassara, A., Thurber, C. and Lanza, F., 2020. Data from: Active normal faulting, diking, and doming above the rapidly inflating Laguna del Maule volcanic field, Chile imaged with CHIRP, magnetic, and focal mechanism data: . Cornell University Library eCommons Repository, https://doi.org/10.7298/85gm-e119.
    Garibaldi, N., Tikoff, B., Peterson, D., Davis, J. R., and Keranen, K., 2020. Statistical separation of tectonic and inflation-driven components of deformation on silicic reservoirs, Laguna del Maule volcanic field, Chile. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2019.106744
    Peterson, D. E., & Keranen, K. M., 2019. A High Wave Speed Basal Sedimentary Layer Identified From Seismic Imaging of the Plate Boundary in Central Cascadia. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 124(7), 6832-6847, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB017227.
    Wespestad, C.E., Thurber, C.H., Andersen, N.L., Singer, B.S., Cardona, C., Zeng, X., Bennington, N.L., Keranen, K., Peterson, D.E., Cordell, D. and Unsworth, M., 2019. Magma reservoir below Laguna del Maule volcanic field, Chile, imaged with surface‐wave tomography. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 124(3), pp.2858-2872, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JB016485.

    **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
    link
    Stillwater River canyon with mine

    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...
    By
    Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
    link

    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...
    Learn More
    link
    Map of regional tectonic setting and bedrock geology for the Lake Superior region, MN, WI, MI

    Geophysics of Precambrian Terranes, Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountains

    The project objective is to provide follow-up geophysical ground data acquisition and interpretation for areas involving Precambrian geologic settings in the Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountains. The project is designed fill gaps and to complement the high-quality aeromagnetic acquired during the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI).
    By
    Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
    link

    Geophysics of Precambrian Terranes, Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountains

    The project objective is to provide follow-up geophysical ground data acquisition and interpretation for areas involving Precambrian geologic settings in the Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountains. The project is designed fill gaps and to complement the high-quality aeromagnetic acquired during the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI).
    Learn More
    link
    project flowchart

    Interdisciplinary Methods and Applications in Geophysics (IMAGe)

    The project focuses on the development of novel geophysical techniques that improve our ability to understand Earth's subsurface, with broad relevance to the Mineral Resources Program and the USGS Science Strategy. Our goal is to develop and maintain state-of-the art geophysical capabilities that support the diverse science needs of USGS projects that aim to meet the challenges of the 21st century...
    By
    Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
    link

    Interdisciplinary Methods and Applications in Geophysics (IMAGe)

    The project focuses on the development of novel geophysical techniques that improve our ability to understand Earth's subsurface, with broad relevance to the Mineral Resources Program and the USGS Science Strategy. Our goal is to develop and maintain state-of-the art geophysical capabilities that support the diverse science needs of USGS projects that aim to meet the challenges of the 21st century...
    Learn More
  • Data

    Principal 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 base
    By
    Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

    Airborne 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 As
    By
    Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

    Bouguer 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 measur
    By
    Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center