Daniel H Doctor
Dan is a research geologist conducting geologic mapping and specialized geologic research for the Appalachian Basin project. His current research interests include stratigraphy of the Appalachian Basin, landscape evolution within the Appalachian Valley and Ridge physiographic province, karst hydrology and geomorphology, sinkhole hazard studies, and paleoclimate records from karst regions.
Biography
Dan began a career with the USGS in 2002 as an NRC postdoc within the Isotope Tracers of Biogeochemical and Hydrologic Processes project of the National Research Program in Menlo Park, California. In 2006, he joined the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center in Reston, Virginia.
Education:
Ph.D. (2002) in Hydrogeology/Geochemistry, with Doctoral Minor in Water Resources Science, University of Minnesota, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, Minneapolis, MN
Dissertation title: The Hydrogeology of the Classical Karst (Kras) Aquifer of Southwestern Slovenia
Bachelor of Arts (1994) in Geology, Minor in Environmental Studies
Colgate University, Hamilton, NY (Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa)
Professional Experience:
Research Geologist (2006-present). U.S. Geological Survey, KARST Project, Eastern Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center, Reston, VA
Hydrologist (2004-2006). U.S. Geological Survey, Isotope Tracers Group, Water Resources Division, Menlo Park, CA
Postdoctoral Research Associate, National Research Council (NRC) (2002-2004). U.S. Geological Survey, Isotope Tracers Group, Water Resources Division, Menlo Park, CA
Project Analyst (2001). Lands and Minerals Division, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN-DNR).
Science and Products
Appalachian Basin Geologic Mapping Project
The Appalachian Basin Geologic Mapping Project performs geologic mapping at local and regional scales, and geologic research in The Valley and Ridge and Appalachian Plateaus physiographic provinces. These provinces include parts of 11 states and mainly borders the Blue Ridge / Piedmont and North Interior Lowlands Provinces. Two states have Valley and Ridge geology only (GA, NJ), two have...
Subsidence Susceptibility Map for the Conterminous U.S.
Sinkholes present hazards to humans due to subsidence and by focusing contaminated surface water runoff into groundwater. Sinkholes create instability in the foundations of buildings, roads and other infrastructure, resulting in damage and in some cases loss of life, but may also play an important role as vernal pools in some ecosystems. This project created a prototype nationwide subsidence...
National Preparedness Month 2020: Landslides and Sinkholes
Natural hazards have the potential to impact a majority of Americans every year. USGS science provides part of the foundation for emergency preparedness whenever and wherever disaster strikes.