Jim Skinner
Jim is a Supervisory Geologist and USGS-NASA Planetary Geologic Mapping (PGM) Program Coordinator. He specializes in the characterization of planetary landscapes using geologic mapping and comparative terrestrial analogs, with focus on planetary basins, stratigraphic architectures, traverse planning, mapping strategies, and cartographic representation of geologic environments.
Since becoming a USGS geologist in 2000, I have been active in the planetary geologic mapping community and involved in geologic mapping-based training for NASA engineers, managers, astronauts, mission teams, and students. Prior to USGS, I worked in the private sector as a field geologist for both hydrocarbon and environmental industries.
Professional Experience
8/2022 – present : Supervisory Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ; Planetary geologic mapping, process strategies, program coordination, project development and management, and personnel supervision.
1/2011 – 8/2022 : Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ; Planetary geologic mapping, process strategies, and program coordination.
4/2004 – 1/2011 : Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ; Planetary geologic mapping and related topical studies.
6/2003 – 4/2004 : Project Geologist, MACTEC, Inc., Raleigh, NC; Geologic mapping and environmental assessments
10/1999 – 6/2003 : Geologic Science Technician, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ; GIS-based Mars geologic and morphologic mapping.
6/1997 – 8/1999 : Project Geologist, Municipal Engineering Services, Garner, NC; Geologic mapping and design of groundwater monitoring systems
6/1996 – 6/1997 : Onboard Geophysicist (R/V Western Hercules), Houston, TX; Geophysical and navigational support for deep marine seismic surveys
Education and Certifications
Northern Arizona University, M.S. Geology, 2002 (Thesis: Re-characterization of the materials of Utopia Planitia)
Licensed Geologist, State of North Carolina (#2051)
North Carolina State University, B.S. Geology, 1996 (marine science concentration)
Affiliations and Memberships*
NASA Engineer and Manager Geology Field Instructor (2018 – present)
IAU Planetary Nomenclature, Mars Task Group member (2014 – present)
Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) Geology Field Instructor (2019)
NASA Advisory Council’s Planetary Science Subcommittee member (2016-17)
Mapping and Planetary Spatial Infrastructure Team (MAPSIT) (2015-19)
NASA Space Grant Program mentor (2009, 2016, 2018)
Geologic Mapping Subcommittee member (2009-17), Chair (2011-14)
Honors and Awards
NASA Johnson Space Center Certificate of Appreciation – ASCAN Training (2017)
NASA Group Achievement Award (Desert-RATS Science Team), 2010
USGS Western Region Communicator of the Year, 2009
Science and Products
Planetary geologic mapping protocol—2022
The Planetary Geologic Mapping Protocol covers the idealized process of compiling a NASA-funded map product of a non-terrestrial solid surface planetary body for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) publication and summarizes technical specifications of the Mapping Process for authors and reviewers. Directed by community and programmatic recommendations, the USGS Planetary Geologic Map Coordination Group
Authors
James A. Skinner, Alexandra E. Huff, Sarah R. Black, Holly C. Buban, Corey M. Fortezzo, Tenielle A. Gaither, Trent M. Hare, Marc A. Hunter
Filter Total Items: 19
Extraterrestrial GIS
No abstract available.
Authors
Trent M. Hare, Randolph L. Kirk, James A. Skinner, Kenneth L. Tanaka
Assessment of planetary geologic mapping techniques for Mars using terrestrial analogs: The SP Mountain area of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona
We photogeologically mapped the SP Mountain region of the San Francisco Volcanic Field in northern Arizona, USA to evaluate and improve the fidelity of approaches used in geologic mapping of Mars. This test site, which was previously mapped in the field, is chiefly composed of Late Cenozoic cinder cones, lava flows, and alluvium perched on Permian limestone of the Kaibab Formation. Faulting and fo
Authors
Kenneth L. Tanaka, James A. Skinner, Larry S. Crumpler, James M. Dohm
Martian mud volcanism: Terrestrial analogs and implications for formational scenarios
The geology of Mars and the stratigraphic characteristics of its uppermost crust (mega-regolith) suggest that some of the pervasively-occurring pitted cones, mounds, and flows may have formed through processes akin to terrestrial mud volcanism. A comparison of terrestrial mud volcanism suggests that equivalent Martian processes likely required discrete sedimentary depocenters, volatile-enriched st
Authors
James A. Skinner, A. Mazzini
North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification
We have remapped the geology of the north polar plateau on Mars, Planum Boreum, and the surrounding plains of Vastitas Borealis using altimetry and image data along with thematic maps resulting from observations made by the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Express, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. New and revised geographic and geologic terminologies assist with effectively disc
Authors
Kenneth L. Tanaka, J. Alexis P. Rodriguez, James A. Skinner, Mary C. Bourke, Corey M. Fortezzo, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, Eric J. Kolb, Chris Okubo
Evidence for and implications of sedimentary diapirism and mud volcanism in the southern Utopia highland-lowland boundary plain, Mars
Several types of spatially associated landforms in the southern Utopia Planitia highland–lowland boundary (HLB) plain appear to have resulted from localized geologic activity, including (1) fractured rises, (2) elliptical mounds, (3) pitted cones with emanating lobate materials, and (4) isolated and coalesced cavi (depressions). Stratigraphic analysis indicates these features are Hesperian or youn
Authors
James A. Skinner, Kenneth L. Tanaka
Resurfacing history of the northern plains of Mars based on geologic mapping of Mars Global Surveyor data
Geologic mapping of the northern plains of Mars, based on Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter topography and Viking and Mars Orbiter Camera images, reveals new insights into geologic processes and events in this region during the Hesperian and Amazonian Periods. We propose four successive stages of lowland resurfacing likely related to the activity of near-surface volatiles commencing at the highland-low
Authors
Kenneth L. Tanaka, James A. Skinner, Trent M. Hare, T. Joyal, A. Wenker
Geology of the MER 2003 "Elysium" candidate landing site in southeastern Utopia Planitia, Mars
The NASA Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Project has been considering a landing-site ellipse designated EP78B2 in southeastern Utopia Planitia, southwest of Elysium Mons. The site appears to be relatively safe for a MER landing site because of its predicted low wind velocities in mesoscale atmospheric circulation models and its low surface roughness at various scales as indicated by topographic and i
Authors
Kenneth L. Tanaka, Michael H. Carr, James A. Skinner, Martha S. Gilmore, Trent M. Hare
Non-USGS Publications**
Skinner, J.A., Jr., Fortezzo, C.M., and Mouginis-Mark, P.J., 2021, Exposure of an Early to Middle Noachian valley network in three dimensions on Mars, Icarus, 354 (doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2020.114071).
Laura, J., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hunter, M.A., 2017, Large Crater Clustering Tool, Computers and Geosciences, 105 (doi:10.1016/j.cageo.2017.04.011).
Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Fortezzo, C.M., 2013, The role of photogeologic mapping in traverse planning: Lessons from DRATS 2010 activities, Acta Astronautica (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 identified Middle Amazonian climate change, Geology (doi:10.1130/G33513).
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).
Skinner, J.A., Jr. and Mazzini, A., 2009, Martian mud volcanism: Terrestrial analogs and implications for formational scenarios, Journal of Marine and Petroleum Geology, 26, 1866-1878 (doi:10.1026/jmarpetgeo.2009.02.006).
Tanaka, K. L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Crumpler, L., and 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:10.1026/j.pss.2008.06.012).
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).
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.
Tanaka, K.L., Rodriguez, J.A.P., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Bourke, M.C., Fortezzo, C.M., Herkenhoff, K.E., Kolb, E.J., and Okubo, C.H., 2008. North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification, Icarus (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).
**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.
Planetary Geologic Mapping Program
Planetary Geologic Mapping Program
Planetary Geologic Mapping Program
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Science and Products
- Publications
Planetary geologic mapping protocol—2022
The Planetary Geologic Mapping Protocol covers the idealized process of compiling a NASA-funded map product of a non-terrestrial solid surface planetary body for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) publication and summarizes technical specifications of the Mapping Process for authors and reviewers. Directed by community and programmatic recommendations, the USGS Planetary Geologic Map Coordination GroupAuthorsJames A. Skinner, Alexandra E. Huff, Sarah R. Black, Holly C. Buban, Corey M. Fortezzo, Tenielle A. Gaither, Trent M. Hare, Marc A. HunterFilter Total Items: 19Extraterrestrial GIS
No abstract available.AuthorsTrent M. Hare, Randolph L. Kirk, James A. Skinner, Kenneth L. TanakaAssessment of planetary geologic mapping techniques for Mars using terrestrial analogs: The SP Mountain area of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona
We photogeologically mapped the SP Mountain region of the San Francisco Volcanic Field in northern Arizona, USA to evaluate and improve the fidelity of approaches used in geologic mapping of Mars. This test site, which was previously mapped in the field, is chiefly composed of Late Cenozoic cinder cones, lava flows, and alluvium perched on Permian limestone of the Kaibab Formation. Faulting and foAuthorsKenneth L. Tanaka, James A. Skinner, Larry S. Crumpler, James M. DohmMartian mud volcanism: Terrestrial analogs and implications for formational scenarios
The geology of Mars and the stratigraphic characteristics of its uppermost crust (mega-regolith) suggest that some of the pervasively-occurring pitted cones, mounds, and flows may have formed through processes akin to terrestrial mud volcanism. A comparison of terrestrial mud volcanism suggests that equivalent Martian processes likely required discrete sedimentary depocenters, volatile-enriched stAuthorsJames A. Skinner, A. MazziniNorth polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification
We have remapped the geology of the north polar plateau on Mars, Planum Boreum, and the surrounding plains of Vastitas Borealis using altimetry and image data along with thematic maps resulting from observations made by the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Express, and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. New and revised geographic and geologic terminologies assist with effectively discAuthorsKenneth L. Tanaka, J. Alexis P. Rodriguez, James A. Skinner, Mary C. Bourke, Corey M. Fortezzo, Kenneth E. Herkenhoff, Eric J. Kolb, Chris OkuboEvidence for and implications of sedimentary diapirism and mud volcanism in the southern Utopia highland-lowland boundary plain, Mars
Several types of spatially associated landforms in the southern Utopia Planitia highland–lowland boundary (HLB) plain appear to have resulted from localized geologic activity, including (1) fractured rises, (2) elliptical mounds, (3) pitted cones with emanating lobate materials, and (4) isolated and coalesced cavi (depressions). Stratigraphic analysis indicates these features are Hesperian or younAuthorsJames A. Skinner, Kenneth L. TanakaResurfacing history of the northern plains of Mars based on geologic mapping of Mars Global Surveyor data
Geologic mapping of the northern plains of Mars, based on Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter topography and Viking and Mars Orbiter Camera images, reveals new insights into geologic processes and events in this region during the Hesperian and Amazonian Periods. We propose four successive stages of lowland resurfacing likely related to the activity of near-surface volatiles commencing at the highland-lowAuthorsKenneth L. Tanaka, James A. Skinner, Trent M. Hare, T. Joyal, A. WenkerGeology of the MER 2003 "Elysium" candidate landing site in southeastern Utopia Planitia, Mars
The NASA Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Project has been considering a landing-site ellipse designated EP78B2 in southeastern Utopia Planitia, southwest of Elysium Mons. The site appears to be relatively safe for a MER landing site because of its predicted low wind velocities in mesoscale atmospheric circulation models and its low surface roughness at various scales as indicated by topographic and iAuthorsKenneth L. Tanaka, Michael H. Carr, James A. Skinner, Martha S. Gilmore, Trent M. HareNon-USGS Publications**
Skinner, J.A., Jr., Fortezzo, C.M., and Mouginis-Mark, P.J., 2021, Exposure of an Early to Middle Noachian valley network in three dimensions on Mars, Icarus, 354 (doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2020.114071).Laura, J., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hunter, M.A., 2017, Large Crater Clustering Tool, Computers and Geosciences, 105 (doi:10.1016/j.cageo.2017.04.011).Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Fortezzo, C.M., 2013, The role of photogeologic mapping in traverse planning: Lessons from DRATS 2010 activities, Acta Astronautica (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 identified Middle Amazonian climate change, Geology (doi:10.1130/G33513).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).Skinner, J.A., Jr. and Mazzini, A., 2009, Martian mud volcanism: Terrestrial analogs and implications for formational scenarios, Journal of Marine and Petroleum Geology, 26, 1866-1878 (doi:10.1026/jmarpetgeo.2009.02.006).Tanaka, K. L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Crumpler, L., and 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:10.1026/j.pss.2008.06.012).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).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.Tanaka, K.L., Rodriguez, J.A.P., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Bourke, M.C., Fortezzo, C.M., Herkenhoff, K.E., Kolb, E.J., and Okubo, C.H., 2008. North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification, Icarus (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).**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.
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Planetary Geologic Mapping ProgramPlanetary Geologic Mapping ProgramTerrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
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*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government