Kathleen R. Trafton, Ph.D.
Country specialists collect and analyze information on production, trade, and consumption of minerals throughout the world.
Dr. Trafton works in minerals intelligence for the U.S. Geological Survey's National Minerals Information Center. Her expertise is in Europe and francophone Africa. She speaks French fluently and Korean at an intermediate level.
Professional Experience
Physical scientist, U.S. Geological Survey (2023-present)
Education and Certifications
Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Sciences (Volcanology), University of Oregon, 2021
Bachelor of Arts in Geology and in French, Colby College, 2016
French linguistics and Geology courses, University of Geneva, Switzerland, 2015
Science and Products
Mineral statistics for Europe and central Eurasia
Mineral statistics for Europe and central Eurasia
Global mineral statistics
Global mineral statistics
Mines, smelters, refineries, and recycling facilities in the United States Mines, smelters, refineries, and recycling facilities in the United States
Developing resilient U.S. mineral supply chains requires data for identifying the vulnerabilities and bottlenecks for the mineral materials that are required for defense technologies, semiconductor manufacturing, agricultural production and advanced electronics. A U.S.-based mineral and metal production facility database is essential for national security and economic stability by...
U.S. Mines Database (2026)
U.S. Mines Database (2026)
The Mining Industry of France
The Mining Industry of France
The Mining Industry of the U.K.
The Mining Industry of the U.K.
Pumice: a window into volcanoes
Pumice: a window into volcanoes
The products of primary magma fragmentation finally revealed by pumice agglomerates The products of primary magma fragmentation finally revealed by pumice agglomerates
Following rapid decompression in the conduit of a volcano, magma breaks into ash- to block-sized fragments, powering explosive sub-Plinian and Plinian eruptions that may generate destructive pyroclastic falls and flows. It is thus crucial to assess how magma breaks up into fragments. This task is difficult, however, because of the subterranean nature of the entire process and because the...
Authors
Thomas Giachetti, Kathy Trafton, Joshua Wiejaczka, James E. Gardner, James M. Watkins, Tom Shea, Heather M. Wright
Minerals Yearbook, volume III, Area Reports — International — Europe and central Eurasia Minerals Yearbook, volume III, Area Reports — International — Europe and central Eurasia
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Minerals Yearbook discusses the performance of the worldwide minerals and materials industries and provides background information to assist in interpreting that performance. Content of the individual Minerals Yearbook volumes follows:Volume I, Metals and Minerals, contains chapters about virtually all metallic and industrial mineral commodities...
Authors
U.S. Geological Survey
Non-USGS Publications**
Trafton, K., and Giachetti, T., 2022, The pivotal role of Vulcanian activity in ending the explosive phase of rhyolitic eruptions: the case of the Big Obsidian Flow eruption (Newberry Volcano, USA). Bulletin of Volcanology. 84. 10.1007/s00445-022-01610-3.
Trafton, K., and Giachetti, T., 2021, The morphology and texture of Plinian pyroclasts reflect their lateral sourcing in the conduit. Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 562. 10.1016/j.epsl.2021.116844.
**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
Mineral statistics for Europe and central Eurasia
Mineral statistics for Europe and central Eurasia
Global mineral statistics
Global mineral statistics
Mines, smelters, refineries, and recycling facilities in the United States Mines, smelters, refineries, and recycling facilities in the United States
Developing resilient U.S. mineral supply chains requires data for identifying the vulnerabilities and bottlenecks for the mineral materials that are required for defense technologies, semiconductor manufacturing, agricultural production and advanced electronics. A U.S.-based mineral and metal production facility database is essential for national security and economic stability by...
U.S. Mines Database (2026)
U.S. Mines Database (2026)
The Mining Industry of France
The Mining Industry of France
The Mining Industry of the U.K.
The Mining Industry of the U.K.
Pumice: a window into volcanoes
Pumice: a window into volcanoes
The products of primary magma fragmentation finally revealed by pumice agglomerates The products of primary magma fragmentation finally revealed by pumice agglomerates
Following rapid decompression in the conduit of a volcano, magma breaks into ash- to block-sized fragments, powering explosive sub-Plinian and Plinian eruptions that may generate destructive pyroclastic falls and flows. It is thus crucial to assess how magma breaks up into fragments. This task is difficult, however, because of the subterranean nature of the entire process and because the...
Authors
Thomas Giachetti, Kathy Trafton, Joshua Wiejaczka, James E. Gardner, James M. Watkins, Tom Shea, Heather M. Wright
Minerals Yearbook, volume III, Area Reports — International — Europe and central Eurasia Minerals Yearbook, volume III, Area Reports — International — Europe and central Eurasia
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Minerals Yearbook discusses the performance of the worldwide minerals and materials industries and provides background information to assist in interpreting that performance. Content of the individual Minerals Yearbook volumes follows:Volume I, Metals and Minerals, contains chapters about virtually all metallic and industrial mineral commodities...
Authors
U.S. Geological Survey
Non-USGS Publications**
Trafton, K., and Giachetti, T., 2022, The pivotal role of Vulcanian activity in ending the explosive phase of rhyolitic eruptions: the case of the Big Obsidian Flow eruption (Newberry Volcano, USA). Bulletin of Volcanology. 84. 10.1007/s00445-022-01610-3.
Trafton, K., and Giachetti, T., 2021, The morphology and texture of Plinian pyroclasts reflect their lateral sourcing in the conduit. Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 562. 10.1016/j.epsl.2021.116844.
**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.