David is an Emeritus at Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. He received a Ph.D from UCLA in 1978 and a BS from Binghamton University in 1973 in Geology. He began by studying metamorphic rocks of core complexes in the Intermountain West and is now focusing on evaluating earthquake hazards by studying Cenozoic materials.
David is currently an Emeritus at Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. He worked on metamorphic rocks of core complexes and Cenozoic igneous and sedimentary rocks of basins in the Intermountain West for two decades, pursuing structural origins of mineral resources and hydrocarbon resources. He shifted to study of late Cenozoic materials, mainly for evaluating earthquake hazards, during the last two decades.
David is now working on the neotectonics of the Northern Mojave Desert. Through surficial geologic mapping and surface process studies, he is improving understanding of earthquake risks by evaluating recently active faults, folds, and warps of tectonic origin. The mapping is focused on several active faults identified by recent regional mapping of the Mojave Desert. A long-term goal is to arrive at a new tectonic synthesis of this part of the eastern California shear zone.
He is also involved with studying the Mojave Desert Ecosystem through surficial geologic mapping and surface process studies. He is developing data for a regional study of biotic and abiotic systems of the Mojave Desert, such as ground-based studies of surficial geology, material properties, eolian transport, overland flow, and Holocene climate history.
Finally, he is working on the Paleoclimatic records of the southwest. He examines spring and marsh records, lake shoreline records, and lake-bottom deposits to detail glacial and post-glacial sediment histories to extract paleo climatic information. These studies range from Mojave Desert to Great Salt Lake and its precursor lake, Lake Bonneville.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D in Geology, University of California, 1978
BS in Geology with "Distinguished Independent Study", Binghamton University, 1973
Science and Products
Digital Database for the Preliminary Surficial Geologic Map of Leuhman Ridge and the Surrounding Area, Edwards Air Force Base and Air Force Research Laboratory, Kern and San Bernardino Counties, California
Zircon U-Pb data for volcanic ash beds in the Barstow Formation, California probe data 2022
Data release for luminescence: Edwards Air Force Base (CA) and CA Water Science Center report including luminescence data and ages
Geochemistry, geochronology, and isotope geochemistry data for rocks and zircons from Mountain Pass, California
Geologic map of the Silver Zone Pass quadrangle, Elko County, Nevada
Geologic map and borehole stratigraphy of Hinkley Valley and vicinity, San Bernardino County, California
Geologic map of the Providence Mountains in parts of the Fountain Peak and adjacent 7.5' quadrangles, San Bernardino County, California
Geologic map of the Providence Mountains in parts of the Fountain Peak and adjacent 7.5' quadrangles, San Bernardino County, California
Surficial geologic map of the Ivanpah 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino County, California, and Clark County, Nevada
Surficial geologic map of the Cuddeback Lake 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino and Kern counties, California
Surficial geologic map of the Cuddeback Lake 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino and Kern Counties, California
Surficial geologic map of the Amboy 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino County, California
Surficial geologic map of the Amboy 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino County, California
Surficial geologic map of the Amboy 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino County, California
Summary and conclusions
Introduction to study area hydrogeology, chromium sources, site history, and purpose of study
Preliminary surficial geologic map of Leuhman Ridge and the surrounding area, Edwards Air Force Base and Air Force Research Laboratory, Kern and San Bernardino Counties, California
Volcanoes of the Mojave: The 2022 Desert Symposium field trip road log
Post-Early Miocene silicic volcanism in the northern Mojave Desert, California
Young basalt fields of the Mojave Desert
Geomorphic history of Lake Manix, Mojave Desert, California: Evolution of a complex terminal lake basin
Paleoclimate record for Lake Coyote, California, and the Last Glacial Maximum and deglacial paleohydrology (25 to 14 cal ka) of the Mojave River
Temporal and petrogenetic links between Mesoproterozoic alkaline and carbonatite magmas at Mountain Pass, California
Geologic and geophysical maps of the Newfoundland Mountains and part of the adjacent Wells 30' x 60' quadrangles, Box Elder County, Utah
Geophysical characterization of a Proterozoic REE terrane at Mountain Pass, eastern Mojave Desert, California
Modeling habitat of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in the Mojave and parts of the Sonoran Deserts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona
Non-USGS Publications**
**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
- Data
Digital Database for the Preliminary Surficial Geologic Map of Leuhman Ridge and the Surrounding Area, Edwards Air Force Base and Air Force Research Laboratory, Kern and San Bernardino Counties, California
This Geologic Map Schema (GeMS) database contains all the geologic map information used to publish the Preliminary Surficial Geologic Map of Leuhman Ridge and the Surrounding Area, Edwards Air Force Base and Air Force Research Laboratory, Kern and San Bernardino Counties, California, U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2023-1014. This digital map database represents the general distribution ofZircon U-Pb data for volcanic ash beds in the Barstow Formation, California probe data 2022
Zircon grains separated from altered ash beds were analyzed to better understand the ages of the beds. Isotopic analyses for U-Pb geochronology and trace element geochemistry were performed simultaneously by secondary ion mass spectrometry using the Stanford-USGS SHRIMP-RG ion microprobe housed at Stanford University, USA. Analyses followed the analytical protocol and data acquisition conditions dData release for luminescence: Edwards Air Force Base (CA) and CA Water Science Center report including luminescence data and ages
The following report summarizes the dating results from Aeolian deposits within and around Edwards Air Force Base in California. Within this report, we detail the methodology used by the USGS Luminescence Geochronology Laboratory to obtain ages including sample preparation methods, luminescence measurement, equivalent dose determination, and dating related calculations. We recommend that this repoGeochemistry, geochronology, and isotope geochemistry data for rocks and zircons from Mountain Pass, California
This dataset contains geochemical, geochronologic, and isotopic data collected for rocks and zircons from Mountain Pass, California, USA. See accompanying Economic Geology publication described in the "Larger Work" section of this metadata file for a detailed description of this dataset. - Maps
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Geologic map of the Silver Zone Pass quadrangle, Elko County, Nevada
This 1:24,000-scale geologic map of the Silver Zone Pass quadrangle lies in the southern Toano Range in Elko County, Nevada. Metamorphic and sedimentary strata of the quadrangle range from Neoproterozoic to Permian in age. Important intrusions include the Late Jurassic (ca. 159 Ma) Silver Zone Pass pluton and Cretaceous Toano Spring pluton. In particular, the Silver Zone Pass pluton involves undefGeologic map and borehole stratigraphy of Hinkley Valley and vicinity, San Bernardino County, California
Hinkley Valley, in the central to western Mojave Desert of southeastern California, has a long historical record owing to its position as a crossroads for rail and road traffic and its position adjacent to the Mojave River. Subflow in the Mojave River provided groundwater recharge that maintained water consumption and demand by way of shallow wells for local agriculture in the valley. Its crossroaGeologic map of the Providence Mountains in parts of the Fountain Peak and adjacent 7.5' quadrangles, San Bernardino County, California
IntroductionThe Providence Mountains are in the eastern Mojave Desert about 60 km southeast of Baker, San Bernardino County, California. This range, which is noted for its prominent cliffs of Paleozoic limestone, is part of a northeast-trending belt of mountainous terrain more than 100 km long that also includes the Granite Mountains, Mid Hills, and New York Mountains. Providence Mountains State RGeologic map of the Providence Mountains in parts of the Fountain Peak and adjacent 7.5' quadrangles, San Bernardino County, California
IntroductionThe Providence Mountains are in the eastern Mojave Desert about 60 km southeast of Baker, San Bernardino County, California. This range, which is noted for its prominent cliffs of Paleozoic limestone, is part of a northeast-trending belt of mountainous terrain more than 100 km long that also includes the Granite Mountains, Mid Hills, and New York Mountains. Providence Mountains State RSurficial geologic map of the Ivanpah 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino County, California, and Clark County, Nevada
This map was prepared as part of a suite of surficial geologic maps covering the northern Mojave Desert to investigate neotectonic features and map soils of relevance for ecological properties. The map covers an area of the eastern Mojave Desert that includes the Cinder Cones, Cima Dome, Ivanpah Valley, and Lanfair Valley and includes major mountain chains of the Providence, New York, and IvanpahSurficial geologic map of the Cuddeback Lake 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino and Kern counties, California
The 1:100,000-scale Cuddeback Lake quadrangle is located in the western Mojave Desert north-northeast of Los Angeles, between the southern Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Mountains, in Kern and San Bernardino Counties, California. Geomorphic features include high-relief mountains, small hills, volcanic domes, pediments, broad alluvial valleys, and dry lakes. It is one in a series of surficial geoSurficial geologic map of the Cuddeback Lake 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino and Kern Counties, California
The 1:100,000-scale Cuddeback Lake quadrangle is located in the western Mojave Desert north-northeast of Los Angeles, between the southern Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Mountains, in Kern and San Bernardino Counties, California. Geomorphic features include high-relief mountains, small hills, volcanic domes, pediments, broad alluvial valleys, and dry lakes. It is one in a series of surficial geoSurficial geologic map of the Amboy 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino County, California
The surficial geologic map of the Amboy 30' x 60' quadrangle presents characteristics of surficial materials for an area of approximately 5,000 km2 in the eastern Mojave Desert of southern California. This map consists of new surficial mapping conducted between 2000 and 2007, as well as compilations from previous surficial mapping. Surficial geologic units are mapped and described based on depositSurficial geologic map of the Amboy 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino County, California
The surficial geologic map of the Amboy 30' x 60' quadrangle presents characteristics of surficial materials for an area of approximately 5,000 km2 in the eastern Mojave Desert of southern California. This map consists of new surficial mapping conducted between 2000 and 2007, as well as compilations from previous surficial mapping. Surficial geologic units are mapped and described based on depositSurficial geologic map of the Amboy 30' x 60' quadrangle, San Bernardino County, California
The surficial geologic map of the Amboy 30' x 60' quadrangle presents characteristics of surficial materials for an area of approximately 5,000 km2 in the eastern Mojave Desert of southern California. This map consists of new surficial mapping conducted between 2000 and 2007, as well as compilations from previous surficial mapping. Surficial geologic units are mapped and described based on deposit - Multimedia
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 123
Summary and conclusions
Executive SummaryChromium concentrations in rock and aquifer material in Hinkley and Water Valleys in the Mojave Desert, 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California, are generally low compared to the average chromium concentration of 185 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) in the average bulk continental crust. Chromium concentrations in felsic, coarse-textured “Mojave-type” deposits, composed of MoAuthorsJohn A. Izbicki, Krishangi D. Groover, Whitney A. Seymour, David M. Miller, John G. Warden, Laurence G. MillerIntroduction to study area hydrogeology, chromium sources, site history, and purpose of study
Between 1952 and 1964, hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), was released into groundwater from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) Hinkley compressor station in the Mojave Desert 80 miles (mi) northeast of Los Angeles, California. Remediation began in 1992, and in 2010, site cleanup was projected to require between 10 and 95 years and was expected to cost between $36 and $176 million. A 2007 PG&EAuthorsJohn A. Izbicki, Krishangi D. Groover, David M. Miller, Whitney A. Seymour, John G. Warden, Laurence G. MillerPreliminary surficial geologic map of Leuhman Ridge and the surrounding area, Edwards Air Force Base and Air Force Research Laboratory, Kern and San Bernardino Counties, California
This preliminary geologic map presents mapping of the Leuhman Ridge area of Edwards Air Force Base, California, conducted between April 2020 and June 2021. The report focuses on surficial materials and bedrock to evaluate potential faults and other geologic features that may influence groundwater movement. The preliminary work confirms that the Spring Fault, previously mapped by Dibblee (1960, 196AuthorsAndrew J. Cyr, David M. MillerVolcanoes of the Mojave: The 2022 Desert Symposium field trip road log
Basalt lava fields, some decorated with scoria ‘cinder’ cones, are scattered around the Mojave Desert. Most basalt fields are short-lived, but the Cima volcanic field is unique in having eruptions that span ~7.5 m.y., including the youngest eruption in the Mojave Desert at ~12 ka. Xenolith-bearing basalts that include both mantle and deep crustal rocks are known in several fields. All basalt fiAuthorsDavid C. Buesch, David M. Miller, Bruce Bridenbecker, Mark SweeneyPost-Early Miocene silicic volcanism in the northern Mojave Desert, California
Silicic volcanism that postdates widespread early Miocene volcanism in the Mojave Desert is underappreciated. We compiled age, petrographic, and geochemical data for volcanic rocks in a wide swath of the desert south of the Garlock fault using an age threshold of post-18.8 Ma, approximately the limit of the earlier Miocene volcanism as marked by the eruption of the widespread Peach Spring Tuff. InAuthorsDavid M. Miller, Phillip B Gans, Tracey J. Felger, Jorge A. VazquezYoung basalt fields of the Mojave Desert
Basalt, a mafic volcanic rock common in mid-ocean islands and in several continental settings, is melted from upper mantle rocks in many cases and thus provides information on mantle conditions. Basalt lava fields, some decorated with cinder cones, are scattered around the Mojave Desert. Only a few basalt fields have been well studied, so we undertook a compilation of basalt fields that are youngeAuthorsDavid M. Miller, David C. BueschGeomorphic history of Lake Manix, Mojave Desert, California: Evolution of a complex terminal lake basin
The US Environmental Protection Agency's short-term freshwater effluent test methods include a fish (Pimephales promelas), a cladoceran (Ceriodaphnia dubia), and a green alga (Raphidocelis subcapitata). There is a recognized need for additional taxa to accompany the three standard species for effluent testing. An appropriate additional taxon is unionid mussels because mussels are widely distributeAuthorsMarith C. Reheis, David M. Miller, James B. Paces, Charles G. Oviatt, Joanna R. Redwine, Darrell Kaufman, Jordon Bright, Elmira WanPaleoclimate record for Lake Coyote, California, and the Last Glacial Maximum and deglacial paleohydrology (25 to 14 cal ka) of the Mojave River
Lake Coyote, California, which formed in one of five basins along the Mojave River, acted both as a part of the Lake Manix basin and, after the formation of Afton Canyon and draining of Lake Manix ca. 24.5 calibrated (cal) ka, a side basin that was filled episodically for the next 10,000 yr. As such, its record of lake level is an important counterpart to the record of the other terminal basin, LaAuthorsDavid M. Miller, Stephanie L Dudash, John P. McGeehinTemporal and petrogenetic links between Mesoproterozoic alkaline and carbonatite magmas at Mountain Pass, California
Mountain Pass is the site of the most economically important rare earth element (REE) deposit in the United States. Mesoproterozoic alkaline intrusions are spatiotemporally associated with a composite carbonatite stock that hosts REE ore. Understanding the genesis of the alkaline and carbonatite magmas is an essential scientific goal for a society in which critical minerals are in high demand andAuthorsKathryn E. Watts, Gordon B. Haxel, David M. MillerGeologic and geophysical maps of the Newfoundland Mountains and part of the adjacent Wells 30' x 60' quadrangles, Box Elder County, Utah
The Newfoundland Mountains map area (Newfoundland Mountains and adjacent part of Wells 30' x 60' quadrangles) is located in Box Elder County, northwestern Utah. The map encompasses broad expanses of the Great Salt Lake Desert as well as several picturesque mountain ranges (figures 1, 2, and 3). The geology of the area was last mapped and summarized by Doelling (1980). Since that landmark study, muAuthorsDavid M. Miller, Tracey J. Felger, Victoria E. LangenheimGeophysical characterization of a Proterozoic REE terrane at Mountain Pass, eastern Mojave Desert, California
Mountain Pass, California (USA), located in the eastern Mojave Desert, hosts one of the world’s richest rare earth element (REE) deposits. The REE-rich terrane occurs in a 2.5-km-wide, northwest-trending belt of Mesoproterozoic (1.4 Ga) stocks and dikes, which intrude a larger Paleoproterozoic (1.7 Ga) metamorphic block that extends ∼10 km southward from Clark Mountain to the eastern Mescal Range.AuthorsKevin Denton, David A. Ponce, Jared R. Peacock, David M. MillerModeling habitat of the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in the Mojave and parts of the Sonoran Deserts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona
Habitat modeling is an important tool used to simulate the potential distribution of a species for a variety of basic and applied questions. The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is a federally listed threatened species in the Mojave Desert and parts of the Sonoran Desert of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Land managers in this region require reliable information about the potential distAuthorsKenneth E. Nussear, Todd C. Esque, Richard D. Inman, Leila Gass, Kathryn A. Thomas, Cynthia S.A. Wallace, Joan B. Blainey, David M. Miller, Robert H. WebbNon-USGS Publications**
Miller, D. M., 1978, Deformation associated with Big Bertha Dome, Albion Mountains, Idaho. Univ. of Cal. Los Angeles, Ph.D. Dissertation, 255 p.
Miller, D. M., and Oertel, G., 1979, Strain determination from the measurement of pebble shapes: a modification: Tectonophysics, v. 55, p. T11-T13.**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.