Jim Skinner

Education

• Northern Arizona University, M.S. Geology, 2002
  • Thesis: Re-characterization of the materials of Utopia Planitia, Mars, using Mars Global Surveyor Datasets
• North Carolina State University, B.S. Geology, 1996

Current Projects

• Mapping the Stratigraphy of the Olympia Cavi, Planum Boreum, Using High-Resolution Data. (NASA MDAP, 2013-2017; PI Skinner).
• Geologic History of the Runanga-Jorn Basin, Mars: Efficiency of Scale in the Mapping and Representation of Layered Sequences. (NASA PG&G, 2012-2015; PI Skinner).
• Analysis and Chronostratigraphic Implications of Secondary-to-Source Impact Feature Relationships. (NASA LASER, 2012-2015; PI Skinner).
• The Geomorphological and Compositional Geology of Libya Montes and the Interbasin Plains of Northern Terra Tyrrhena, Mars. (NASA PG&G, 2009-2013 +NCE; PI Skinner).
• Planetary Geologic Map Coordination. (NASA PG&G, Cartography, Ongoing; PI Skinner).

Professional Experience

• USGS Astrogeology Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ (May, 2004 to present)
  • Research Geologist conducting and supporting individual and community scientific research of planetary surfaces through geologic mapping and map-based topical studies.
• MACTEC, Inc., Raleigh, NC (October, 2003 to January, 2004)
  • Project Geologist coordinating Phase I and II field investigations for environmental remediation.
• USGS Astrogeology, Flagstaff, AZ (April, 2000 to May, 2003)
  • Geological Technician assisting with planetary geologic mapping projects and map-based scientific studies.
• Municipal Engineering Services Company, Garner, NC (July, 1997 to August, 1999)
  • Project Geologist coordinating field investigations and groundwater studies for the development of municipal landfills.
• Western Geophysical, Houston, TX (June, 1996 to June, 1997)
  • Onboard Geophysicist coordinating multi-cable deep marine seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico onboard R/V Western Hercules.

Service and Awards

• USGS Planetary Geologic Map Coodinator (Feb., 2014 to present)
• NASA Planetary Cartography and Geologic Mapping Working Group, Geologic Mapping Subcommittee (GEMS) - Member (June, 2009 to present), Chair (June, 2011 to present)
• Licensed Geologist, State of North Carolina (#2051), since 2004
• Reviews Provided
  • Journal Articles: Astrobiology, EPSL, GRL, GSA Special Issues, Icarus, JGR-Planets, USGS SIM
  • NASA Program Panels - MDAP, MFRP, MSL PS, Dawn at Ceres Operational Review
  • NASA Proposals (External) - LASER, MDAP, MFRP, MMAMA, PG&G
• Awards
  • NASA Group Achievement Award (Desert-RATS Science Team), 2010
  • USGS Western Region Communicator of the Year, 2009

Scientific Publications

Peer-Reviewed Geologic Maps

• Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Tanaka, K.L., Geologic Map of the Nepenthes Planum Region, Mars, USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM), in prep.
• Tanaka, K.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Dohm, J.M., Irwin, R.P., III, Kolb, E.K., Fortezzo, C.M., Platz, T., Michael, G.G., and Hare, T.M., Geologic Map of Mars, USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM) 3292, scale 1:20,000,000, in press.
• Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Herkenhoff, K.E., 2012, Geologic Map of the Olympia Rupes Region (MTM 85200), Mars, USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM) 3197, scale 1:500,000.
• Dohm, J.M., Tanaka, K.L., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2011, Geologic map of the Metis Mons Quadrangle (V-6), Venus, USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM) 3158, scale 1:5,000,000.
• Tanaka, K.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hare, T.M., 2005, Geologic Map of the Northern Plains of Mars, USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM) 2888, scale 1:15,000,000.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• Platz, T., Michael, G.G., Tanaka, K.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Fortezzo, C.M., 2013, Crater-based dating of geological units on Mars: Methods and implications for the new global geologic map, Icarus, v. 255, pp. 806-827 (doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2013.04.021).
• Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Fortezzo, C.M., 2013, The role of photogeologic mapping in traverse planning: Lessons from DRATS 2010 activities, Acta Astronautica, v. 90, pp. 242-253 (doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2011.11.011).
• Skinner, J.A., Jr., Tanaka, K.L., and Platz, T., 2012, Widespread loess-like deposit in the Martian northern lowlands identifies middle Amazonian climate change, Geology, v. 40, pp. 1127-1130 (doi:10.1130/G33513.1).
• Jaeger, W.L., Keszthelyi, L.P., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Milazzo, M.P., McEwen, A.S., Titus, T.N., Rosiek, M.R., Galuszka, D.M., Howington-Kraus, E., Kirk, R.L., and the HiRISE Team, 2010, Emplacement of the youngest flood lavas on Mars: A short, turbulent story, Icarus, v. 205, no. 1. (doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2009.09.011).
• Tanaka, K.L., Fortezzo, C.M., Hayward, R.K., Rodriguez, J.A.P., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2009, History of plains resurfacing in the Scandia region of Mars, Planetary and Space Science, (doi:10.1016/j.pss.2010.11.004).
• Skinner, J.A., Jr. and Mazzini, A., 2009, On the potential of Martian mud volcanism: Analog comparison and considerations of geologic context, Marine and Petroleum Geology, 26, 1866-1878 (doi:10.1016/jmarpetgeo.2009.02.0006).
• Tanaka, K. L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Crumpler, L., Dohm, J.M., 2009, Assessment of planetary geologic mapping techniques for Mars using terrestrial analogues: The SP Mountain area of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona, Planetary and Space Science, 57, 510-532 (doi:10.1016/j.pss.2008.06.012).
• Tanaka, K.L., Rodriguez, J.A.P., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Bourke, M.C., Fortezzo, C.M., Herkenhoff, K., Kolb, E.J., and Okubo, C.H., 2008, North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification, Icarus, 196, 318-358 (doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2008.01.021).
• Skinner, J.A., Jr. And Tanaka, K.L., 2007, Evidence and implications of sedimentary diapirism in the southern Utopia highland-lowland boundary plain, Mars, Icarus 186. 41-59 (doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2006.08.013).
• Tanaka, K.L., Carr, M.H., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Gilmore, M.S., and Hare, T.M., 2003, Geology of the MER 2003 “Elysium” candidate landing site in southeastern Utopia Planitia, Mars, J. Geophys. Res. 108 (doi:10.1029/2003JE002054).
• Tanaka, K.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Hare, T.M., Joyal, T., and Wenker, A., 2003,Resurfacing history of the northern plains of Mars based on geologic mapping of Mars Global Surveyor data, J. Geophys. Res., 108, (doi:10.1029/2002JE001908).

Data Series and Technical Articles

• Tanaka, K.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hare, T.M., 2009, Planetary Geologic Mapping Handbook (2009): in Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of Planetary Geologic Mappers, San Antonio, TX, 2009, NASA/CP-2010-216680.
• Hare, T. M., Davis, P.A., Nigh, D., Skinner, J.A., Jr., SanFilip, J.R., Bolm, K.S., Fortezzo, C.M., Galuszka, D., Stettner, W.R., Sultani, S., and Nader, B., 2008, Large-Scale Digital Geological Maps Databases and Reports of the North Coal District in Afghanistan, USGS Data Series 31.

Book Chapters

• Hare, T.M., Kirk, R.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Tanaka, K.L., 2009, Extraterrestrial GIS, in Manual of Geographic Information Systems, M. Madden (ed.), pp. 1199-1219.

Recent Conference Abstracts

• Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Nava, R.L., 2011, Using Large Crater Clusters to Identify Potential Source Craters on Mars: Technical Methods and Science Applications [abs. #2502]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 42nd, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Fortezzo, C.M., 2011, Traverse Planning for Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS) 2010 Activities: Strategic Guidance from Photogeologic Mapping [abs. #2727]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 42nd, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Fergason, R.L., 2010, Contrasting Flow Events in Chryse and Acidalia Planitiae, Mars, as Determined Through Landform Mapping and Spatial Analyses [abs.# P51B-1421]: in AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, American Geophysical Union. [POSTER]
• Tanaka, K. L., Fortezzo, C.M., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Kolb, E.J., 2010, “Sequence Stratigraphy” of Polar Deposits on Mars: Lessons Learned [abs. #6055]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 41st, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Tanaka, K.L., 2010, Sub-dividing the Geology of Vastitas Borealis, Mars: Evidence for a Varied Record of Amazonian Deposition and Erosion [abs. #2734]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 41st, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Nava, R.A., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2010, GIS-Based Analysis of Secondary Craters as Stratigraphic Markers, Mars [abs. #2699]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 41st, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Tanaka, K.L., Rodriguez, J.A.P., Fortezzo, C.M., Hayward, R.K., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2010, Nature of Hesperian Resurfacing in the Scandia-North Polar Region of Mars [abs. #2323]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 41st, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Skinner, J.A., Jr., Fergason, R.L., and Tanaka, K.L., 2009, Occurrence and Origin of Lobate Materials in the Highland-Lowland Boundary of Southern Utopia Planitia, Mars [abs. 2459]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 40th, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Hare, T.M., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Tanaka, K.L., Fortezzo, C.M., Bleamaster, L.F., III, Sucharski, R.M., 2009, GIS-Based Planetary Geologic Maps: Recommendations for Improved Preparation, Review, and Publication [abs. #2538]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 40th, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Nava, R.A., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hare, T.M., 2009, Using Distributional Characteristics of Superposed Large-Scale Crater Clusters as Temporal Indicators of Geologic Processes [abs. #2530]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 40th, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Tanaka, K.L., Dohm, J.M., Irwin, R., Kolb, E.J., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hare, T.M., 2009, Progress in Global Geologic Mapping of Mars [abs. #1975]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 40th, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
• Nava, R.A., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2009, Secondary Craters as Stratigraphic Markers: GIS-Based Program Development and Performance Testing Using the Secondaries of Zunil Crater, Mars [abs. #P23A-1243]: in AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, American Geophysical Union. [POSTER]
• Skinner, J.A., Jr. and Gaddis, L.R., 2008, Systematic Lunar Geologic Mapping: Results from Copernicus Quadrangle: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, v. 40, no. 6, p. 518. [ORAL]