Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Jens-Erik Lundstern (Lund Snee) (Former Employee)

Science and Products

Recent advances in characterizing the crustal stress field and future applications of stress data: Perspectives from North America Recent advances in characterizing the crustal stress field and future applications of stress data: Perspectives from North America

The stress field controls patterns of crustal deformation, including which faults are likeliest to cause earthquakes or transmit fluids. Since the 1950s, maps of maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) orientations have advanced dramatically, and the style of faulting (relative principal stress magnitudes) has recently been mapped in some regions as well. This perspectives paper summarizes...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA

The cause of the transition from Mesozoic and early Cenozoic crustal shortening to later extension in the western United States is debated. In many parts of the extant Sevier hinterland, now the Basin and Range Province, the sedimentary sections that provide the most direct record of that transition remain poorly studied and lack meaningful age control. In this paper, we present field...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Theresa Schwartz, Cameron Mercer, Joseph Colgan, Jeremiah Workman, Leah Morgan
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

The importance of nodal plane orientation diversity for earthquake focal mechanism stress inversions The importance of nodal plane orientation diversity for earthquake focal mechanism stress inversions

Inversions of earthquake focal mechanisms are among the most accessible and reliable methods for determining crustal stress. However, the use of this method varies widely, and assumptions that underpin it are often violated, potentially compromising stress estimates. We investigate the consequences of violating the little-studied assumption that the focal mechanisms have diverse...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Eric Beauce, Orlando Teran
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Revised age and regional correlations of Cenozoic strata on Bat Mountain, Death Valley region, California, USA, from zircon U-Pb geochronology of sandstones and ash-fall tuffs Revised age and regional correlations of Cenozoic strata on Bat Mountain, Death Valley region, California, USA, from zircon U-Pb geochronology of sandstones and ash-fall tuffs

Basin analysis and tectonic reconstructions of the Cenozoic history of the Death Valley region, California, USA, are hindered by a lack of volcanic (tuff) age control in many stratigraphic successions exposed in the Grapevine and Funeral Mountains of California, USA. Although maximum depositional ages (MDAs) interpreted from detrital zircon U-Pb data may be a promising alternative to...
Authors
Theresa Schwartz, Amanda Souders, Jens-Erik Lundstern, Amy Gilmer, Ren A. Thompson
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

State of stress in areas of active unconventional oil and gas development in North America State of stress in areas of active unconventional oil and gas development in North America

In this paper, we present comprehensive data on stress orientation and relative magnitude in areas throughout North America where unconventional oil and gas are currently being developed. We find excellent agreement between maximum horizontal principal stress (SHmax) orientations over a wide range of depths, using multiple methods. In all basins studied, we observed coherent stress...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Mark D. Zoback
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program

Downhill from Austin and Ely to Las Vegas: U-Pb detrital zircon suites from the Eocene–Oligocene Titus Canyon Formation and associated strata, Death Valley, California Downhill from Austin and Ely to Las Vegas: U-Pb detrital zircon suites from the Eocene–Oligocene Titus Canyon Formation and associated strata, Death Valley, California

In a reconnaissance investigation aimed at interrogating the changing topography and paleogeography of the western United States prior to Basin and Range faulting, a preliminary study made use of U-Pb ages of detrital zircon suites from 16 samples from the Eocene–Oligocene Titus Canyon Formation, its overlying units, and correlatives near Death Valley. The Titus Canyon Formation...
Authors
Elizabeth Miller, Mark Raftrey, Jens-Erik Lundstern
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program

Magmatism, migrating topography, and the transition from Sevier shortening to Basin and Range extension, western United States Magmatism, migrating topography, and the transition from Sevier shortening to Basin and Range extension, western United States

The paleogeographic evolution of the western U.S. Great Basin from the Late Cretaceous to the Cenozoic is critical to understanding how the North American Cordillera at this latitude transitioned from Mesozoic shortening to Cenozoic extension. According to a widely applied model, Cenozoic extension was driven by collapse of elevated crust supported by crustal thicknesses that were...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Elizabeth Miller
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program

Pore pressure threshold and fault slip potential for induced earthquakes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of north central Texas Pore pressure threshold and fault slip potential for induced earthquakes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of north central Texas

Earthquakes were induced in the Fort Worth Basin from 2008 through 2020 by increase in pore pressure from injection of oilfield wastewater (SWD). In this region and elsewhere, a missing link in understanding the mechanics of causation has been a lack of comprehensive models of pore pressure evolution (ΔPp) from SWD. We integrate detailed earthquake catalogs, ΔPp, and probabilistic fault...
Authors
Peter Hennings, J.P. Nicot, Rebecca Gao, Heather DeShon, Jens-Erik Lundstern, Alan Morris, Michael Brudzinski, Elizabeth Horne, Caroline Breton
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program

Non-USGS Publications**

Lund Snee, J.-E. and Zoback, M.D, 2020, Multiscale variations of the crustal stress field throughout North America: Nature Communications, v. 11, article no. 1951.
Lund Snee, J.-E., and Miller, E.L., 2020, Magmatism, migrating topography, and the onset of Basin and Range faulting: Earth and Space Science Open Archive.
Hennings, P.H., Lund Snee, J.-E., Osmond, J.L., DeShon, H.R., Dommisse, Robin, Horne, Elizabeth, Lemons, Casee, and Zoback, M.D., 2019, Injection‐Induced Seismicity and Fault‐Slip Potential in the Fort Worth Basin, Texas: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 109 (5), p. 1615-1634.
Zoback, M.D., and Lund Snee, J.-E., 2018, Predicted and observed shear on preexisting faults during hydraulic fracture stimulation: SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts, p. 3588-3592.
Lund Snee, J.-E., and Zoback, M.D., 2018, State of stress in the Permian Basin, Texas and New Mexico: Implications for induced seismicity: The Leading Edge, 37, p. 127-134.
Lund Snee, J.-E., Miller, E.L., Grove, M., Hourigan, J.K., and Konstantinou, A., 2016, Cenozoic paleogeographic evolution of the Elko Basin and surrounding region, northeast Nevada: Geosphere, 12 (2), p. 464-500.
Lund Snee, J.-E., and Zoback, M.D., 2016, State of stress in Texas: Implications for induced seismicity: Geophysical Research Letters, 43, p. 10208-10214.
Lund Snee, J.-E., Toy, V.G., and Gessner, K. , 2014, Significance of brittle deformation in the footwall of the Alpine Fault, New Zealand: Smithy Creek Fault zone: Journal of Structural Geology, 64, p. 79-98.

**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.

Rippling marine deposits with hammer shown for scale

Sedimentology and Structure Working Group

The Sedimentology and Structure Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project by conducting geologic mapping and research focused on the structural and sedimentary processes that shaped the Intermountain West region and their implications for resource exploration and tectonic history. This research provides a process-based framework for understanding mineral...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Sedimentology and Structure Working Group

Sedimentology and Structure Working Group

The Sedimentology and Structure Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project by conducting geologic mapping and research focused on the structural and sedimentary processes that shaped the Intermountain West region and their implications for resource exploration and tectonic history. This research provides a process-based framework for understanding mineral...
Learn More
Mt. Ouray, Colorado with aspen colors

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material...
Learn More

Detrital zircon U-Pb data for reconnaissance characterization of strata across the Intermountain West region of the United States Detrital zircon U-Pb data for reconnaissance characterization of strata across the Intermountain West region of the United States

This document describes sedimentary rock samples and their associated detrital zircon U-Pb data that were collected to support geologic mapping and research initiatives within the context of the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project. The data characterize the age and/or provenance of Neoproterozoic to Miocene strata exposed across the Intermountain West region of the...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

U-Pb detrital zircon data and Ar feldspar data from middle Cenozoic sandstones and volcanic tuffs from southern Nevada, USA U-Pb detrital zircon data and Ar feldspar data from middle Cenozoic sandstones and volcanic tuffs from southern Nevada, USA

This Data Release accompanies the publication, "Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA" by Lundstern and others (2024) in the journal Lithosphere. Included here are U-Pb detrital zircon and Ar/Ar feldspar geochronologic data for middle Cenozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks collected by Jens-Erik Lundstern and Theresa M. Schwartz in several parts of southern...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Maximum horizontal stress orientation and relative stress magnitude (faulting regime) data throughout North America Maximum horizontal stress orientation and relative stress magnitude (faulting regime) data throughout North America

This Data Release accompanies the publication "State of stress in areas of active unconventional oil and gas development in North America" by J.-E. Lund Snee (now J.-E. Lundstern) and M.D. Zoback (2022) in the AAPG Bulletin. This dataset provides maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) orientation and relative stress magnitude (faulting regime) information that comprise a new-generation...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Science and Products

Recent advances in characterizing the crustal stress field and future applications of stress data: Perspectives from North America Recent advances in characterizing the crustal stress field and future applications of stress data: Perspectives from North America

The stress field controls patterns of crustal deformation, including which faults are likeliest to cause earthquakes or transmit fluids. Since the 1950s, maps of maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) orientations have advanced dramatically, and the style of faulting (relative principal stress magnitudes) has recently been mapped in some regions as well. This perspectives paper summarizes...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA

The cause of the transition from Mesozoic and early Cenozoic crustal shortening to later extension in the western United States is debated. In many parts of the extant Sevier hinterland, now the Basin and Range Province, the sedimentary sections that provide the most direct record of that transition remain poorly studied and lack meaningful age control. In this paper, we present field...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Theresa Schwartz, Cameron Mercer, Joseph Colgan, Jeremiah Workman, Leah Morgan
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

The importance of nodal plane orientation diversity for earthquake focal mechanism stress inversions The importance of nodal plane orientation diversity for earthquake focal mechanism stress inversions

Inversions of earthquake focal mechanisms are among the most accessible and reliable methods for determining crustal stress. However, the use of this method varies widely, and assumptions that underpin it are often violated, potentially compromising stress estimates. We investigate the consequences of violating the little-studied assumption that the focal mechanisms have diverse...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Eric Beauce, Orlando Teran
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Revised age and regional correlations of Cenozoic strata on Bat Mountain, Death Valley region, California, USA, from zircon U-Pb geochronology of sandstones and ash-fall tuffs Revised age and regional correlations of Cenozoic strata on Bat Mountain, Death Valley region, California, USA, from zircon U-Pb geochronology of sandstones and ash-fall tuffs

Basin analysis and tectonic reconstructions of the Cenozoic history of the Death Valley region, California, USA, are hindered by a lack of volcanic (tuff) age control in many stratigraphic successions exposed in the Grapevine and Funeral Mountains of California, USA. Although maximum depositional ages (MDAs) interpreted from detrital zircon U-Pb data may be a promising alternative to...
Authors
Theresa Schwartz, Amanda Souders, Jens-Erik Lundstern, Amy Gilmer, Ren A. Thompson
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

State of stress in areas of active unconventional oil and gas development in North America State of stress in areas of active unconventional oil and gas development in North America

In this paper, we present comprehensive data on stress orientation and relative magnitude in areas throughout North America where unconventional oil and gas are currently being developed. We find excellent agreement between maximum horizontal principal stress (SHmax) orientations over a wide range of depths, using multiple methods. In all basins studied, we observed coherent stress...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Mark D. Zoback
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program

Downhill from Austin and Ely to Las Vegas: U-Pb detrital zircon suites from the Eocene–Oligocene Titus Canyon Formation and associated strata, Death Valley, California Downhill from Austin and Ely to Las Vegas: U-Pb detrital zircon suites from the Eocene–Oligocene Titus Canyon Formation and associated strata, Death Valley, California

In a reconnaissance investigation aimed at interrogating the changing topography and paleogeography of the western United States prior to Basin and Range faulting, a preliminary study made use of U-Pb ages of detrital zircon suites from 16 samples from the Eocene–Oligocene Titus Canyon Formation, its overlying units, and correlatives near Death Valley. The Titus Canyon Formation...
Authors
Elizabeth Miller, Mark Raftrey, Jens-Erik Lundstern
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program

Magmatism, migrating topography, and the transition from Sevier shortening to Basin and Range extension, western United States Magmatism, migrating topography, and the transition from Sevier shortening to Basin and Range extension, western United States

The paleogeographic evolution of the western U.S. Great Basin from the Late Cretaceous to the Cenozoic is critical to understanding how the North American Cordillera at this latitude transitioned from Mesozoic shortening to Cenozoic extension. According to a widely applied model, Cenozoic extension was driven by collapse of elevated crust supported by crustal thicknesses that were...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Elizabeth Miller
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program

Pore pressure threshold and fault slip potential for induced earthquakes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of north central Texas Pore pressure threshold and fault slip potential for induced earthquakes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of north central Texas

Earthquakes were induced in the Fort Worth Basin from 2008 through 2020 by increase in pore pressure from injection of oilfield wastewater (SWD). In this region and elsewhere, a missing link in understanding the mechanics of causation has been a lack of comprehensive models of pore pressure evolution (ΔPp) from SWD. We integrate detailed earthquake catalogs, ΔPp, and probabilistic fault...
Authors
Peter Hennings, J.P. Nicot, Rebecca Gao, Heather DeShon, Jens-Erik Lundstern, Alan Morris, Michael Brudzinski, Elizabeth Horne, Caroline Breton
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program

Non-USGS Publications**

Lund Snee, J.-E. and Zoback, M.D, 2020, Multiscale variations of the crustal stress field throughout North America: Nature Communications, v. 11, article no. 1951.
Lund Snee, J.-E., and Miller, E.L., 2020, Magmatism, migrating topography, and the onset of Basin and Range faulting: Earth and Space Science Open Archive.
Hennings, P.H., Lund Snee, J.-E., Osmond, J.L., DeShon, H.R., Dommisse, Robin, Horne, Elizabeth, Lemons, Casee, and Zoback, M.D., 2019, Injection‐Induced Seismicity and Fault‐Slip Potential in the Fort Worth Basin, Texas: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 109 (5), p. 1615-1634.
Zoback, M.D., and Lund Snee, J.-E., 2018, Predicted and observed shear on preexisting faults during hydraulic fracture stimulation: SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts, p. 3588-3592.
Lund Snee, J.-E., and Zoback, M.D., 2018, State of stress in the Permian Basin, Texas and New Mexico: Implications for induced seismicity: The Leading Edge, 37, p. 127-134.
Lund Snee, J.-E., Miller, E.L., Grove, M., Hourigan, J.K., and Konstantinou, A., 2016, Cenozoic paleogeographic evolution of the Elko Basin and surrounding region, northeast Nevada: Geosphere, 12 (2), p. 464-500.
Lund Snee, J.-E., and Zoback, M.D., 2016, State of stress in Texas: Implications for induced seismicity: Geophysical Research Letters, 43, p. 10208-10214.
Lund Snee, J.-E., Toy, V.G., and Gessner, K. , 2014, Significance of brittle deformation in the footwall of the Alpine Fault, New Zealand: Smithy Creek Fault zone: Journal of Structural Geology, 64, p. 79-98.

**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.

Rippling marine deposits with hammer shown for scale

Sedimentology and Structure Working Group

The Sedimentology and Structure Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project by conducting geologic mapping and research focused on the structural and sedimentary processes that shaped the Intermountain West region and their implications for resource exploration and tectonic history. This research provides a process-based framework for understanding mineral...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Sedimentology and Structure Working Group

Sedimentology and Structure Working Group

The Sedimentology and Structure Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project by conducting geologic mapping and research focused on the structural and sedimentary processes that shaped the Intermountain West region and their implications for resource exploration and tectonic history. This research provides a process-based framework for understanding mineral...
Learn More
Mt. Ouray, Colorado with aspen colors

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material...
Learn More

Detrital zircon U-Pb data for reconnaissance characterization of strata across the Intermountain West region of the United States Detrital zircon U-Pb data for reconnaissance characterization of strata across the Intermountain West region of the United States

This document describes sedimentary rock samples and their associated detrital zircon U-Pb data that were collected to support geologic mapping and research initiatives within the context of the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project. The data characterize the age and/or provenance of Neoproterozoic to Miocene strata exposed across the Intermountain West region of the...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

U-Pb detrital zircon data and Ar feldspar data from middle Cenozoic sandstones and volcanic tuffs from southern Nevada, USA U-Pb detrital zircon data and Ar feldspar data from middle Cenozoic sandstones and volcanic tuffs from southern Nevada, USA

This Data Release accompanies the publication, "Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA" by Lundstern and others (2024) in the journal Lithosphere. Included here are U-Pb detrital zircon and Ar/Ar feldspar geochronologic data for middle Cenozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks collected by Jens-Erik Lundstern and Theresa M. Schwartz in several parts of southern...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Maximum horizontal stress orientation and relative stress magnitude (faulting regime) data throughout North America Maximum horizontal stress orientation and relative stress magnitude (faulting regime) data throughout North America

This Data Release accompanies the publication "State of stress in areas of active unconventional oil and gas development in North America" by J.-E. Lund Snee (now J.-E. Lundstern) and M.D. Zoback (2022) in the AAPG Bulletin. This dataset provides maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) orientation and relative stress magnitude (faulting regime) information that comprise a new-generation...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Was this page helpful?