Malcolm J. S. Johnston
The focus of my research has been on the mechanics of failure of active faults and volcanoes.
My research focuses on the physical processes occurring prior to, during, and following earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and their implications in observations of ground displacement, strain, tilt, electric and magnetic fields using data from state-of-the-art borehole instrumentation. These data show the details of aseismic fault failure, preseismic, coseismic and postseismic deformation, earthquake nucleation, volcanic deformation and volcanic processes. Theoretical modeling of these processes suggests testable physical explanations in term of physics of failure, the role of fluids in the crust, strain redistribution, and likely properties of fault zone materials. Very near-field data on slow slip, earthquakes and dynamic rupture were obtained in fault zones at 3.6 km depth in South Africa, a few 10’s of meters from earthquakes from M=-4.5 to M=2.
Professional Experience
Research Geophysicist Emeritus - U.S. Geological Survey
1970-1972: Assistant Professor, Dept. Geology and Mineralogy, University of Michigan
1972: Visiting Lecturer (Assist Prof.), Department of Physics, University of Newcastle, England
1991-1996: Consulting Professor, Dept. of Geophysics, Stanford University
1983-Visiting Professor, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
1972-2013: Project Chief/Research Geophysicist U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA
1979–1999: Visiting Scientist, US/China Exchange Program, Continuous Magnetic Field and Geodetic Arrays Along Active Faults in Yunnan and Near Beijing, China
2002: Visiting Scientist, Hawaii Volcano Observatory
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. (1970) Geophysics/Physics, University of Queensland, Australia
B.Sc(Hons) (1967) Physics/Geophysics, University of Queensland, Australia
B.Sc. (1965) Physics, University of Queensland, Australia
Affiliations and Memberships*
2001-present: Co-chairman and Executive Committee of International Union of Geology and Geophysics (IUGG) Working Group on Electromagnetic Studies of Earthquakes and Volcanoes (EMSEV)
1996 - Fellow, Japanese Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS), University of Tokyo
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 63
Moment tensors and other source parameters of mining‐induced earthquakes in TauTona Mine, South Africa
Induced seismicity exhibits diverse source mechanisms that are often difficult to constrain for small events. Here, we use data from the in‐mine seismic network, the Natural Earthquake Laboratory in South African Mines network, and a temporary Program for the Array Seismic Studies of the Continental Lithosphere deployment in TauTona Mine, South Africa, to determine full moment tensors of 100 minin
Authors
Margaret S. Boettcher, Deborah L. Kane, Arthur F. McGarr, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, Ze'ev Reches
Constraints on behaviour of a mining‐induced earthquake inferred from laboratory rock mechanics experiments
On December 12, 2004, an earthquake of magnitude 2.2, located in the TauTona Gold Mine at a depth of about 3.65 km in the ancient Pretorius fault zone, was recorded by the in-mine borehole seismic network, yielding an excellent set of ground motion data recorded at hypocentral distances of several km. From these data, the seismic moment tensor, indicating mostly normal faulting with a small implos
Authors
Arthur F. McGarr, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, M. Boettcher, V. Heesakkers, Z. Reches
Mechanics of Old Faithful Geyser, Calistoga, CA
In order to probe the subsurface dynamics associated with geyser eruptions, we measured ground deformation at Old Faithful Geyser of Calistoga, CA. We present a physical model in which recharge during the period preceding an eruption is driven by pressure differences relative to the aquifer supplying the geyser. The model predicts that pressure and ground deformation are characterized by an expone
Authors
M.L. Rudolph, M. Manga, Shaul Hurwitz, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, L. Karlstrom, Chun-Yong Wang
A deployment of broadband seismic stations in two deep gold mines, South Africa
In-mine seismic networks throughout the TauTona and Mponeng gold mines provide precise locations and seismic source parameters of earthquakes. They also support small-scale experimental projects, including NELSAM (Natural Earthquake Laboratory in South African Mines), which is intended to record, at close hand, seismic rupture of a geologic fault that traverses the project region near the deepest
Authors
Arthur F. McGarr, Margaret S. Boettcher, Jon Peter B. Fletcher, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, R. Durrheim, S. Spottiswoode, A. Milev
Extension of Gutenberg‐Richter distribution to MW −1.3, no lower limit in sight
With twelve years of seismic data from TauTona Gold Mine, South Africa, we show that mining‐induced earthquakes follow the Gutenberg‐Richter relation with no scale break down to the completeness level of the catalog, at moment magnitude MW −1.3. Events recorded during relatively quiet hours in 2006 indicate that catalog detection limitations, not earthquake source physics, controlled the previousl
Authors
Margaret S. Boettcher, Arthur F. McGarr, Malcolm J. S. Johnston
Broadband records of earthquakes in deep gold mines and a comparison with results from SAFOD, California
For one week during September 2007, we deployed a temporary network of field recorders and accelerometers at four sites within two deep, seismically active mines. The ground-motion data, recorded at 200 samples/sec, are well suited to determining source and ground-motion parameters for the mining-induced earthquakes within and adjacent to our network. Four earthquakes with magnitudes close to 2 we
Authors
Arthur F. McGarr, M. Boettcher, Jon Peter B. Fletcher, Russell Sell, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, R. Durrheim, S. Spottiswoode, A. Milev
On the reported magnetic precursor of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
Among the most frequently cited reports in the science of earthquake prediction is that by Fraser-Smith et al. (1990) and Bernardi et al. (1991). They found anomalous enhancement of magnetic-field noise levels prior to the 18 October 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in the ultra-low-frequency range (0.0110-10.001 Hz) from a ground-based sensor at Corralitos, CA, just 7 km from the earthquake epicenter.
Authors
J.N. Thomas, J.J. Love, M.J.S. Johnston
On the reported magnetic precursor of the 1993 guam earthquake
Using 1-second magnetometer data recorded 67 km from the epicenter of the 1993 Mw 7.7 Guam earthquake, Hayakawa et al. (1996) and Miyahara et al. (1999) identify anomalous precursory changes in ultra-low frequency magnetic polarization (the ratio of vertical to horizontal field components). In a check of their results, we compare their data (GAM) with 1-second data from the Kakioka observatory (KA
Authors
J.N. Thomas, J.J. Love, M.J.S. Johnston, K. Yumoto
Reply to “Comment on ‘Seismomagnetic effects from the long-awaited 28 September 2004 M 6.0 Parkfield earthquake’ by M. J. S. Johnston, Y. Sasai, G. D. Egbert, and R. J. Mueller” by P. Varotsos and S. Uyeda
No abstract available.
Authors
Malcolm J. S. Johnston, Y. Sasai, G. D. Egbert, S. K. Park
Hydrothermal circulation at Mount St. Helens determined by self-potential measurements
The distribution of hydrothermal circulation within active volcanoes is of importance in identifying regions of hydrothermal alteration which may in turn control explosivity, slope stability and sector collapse. Self-potential measurements, indicative of fluid circulation, were made within the crater of Mount St. Helens in 2000 and 2001. A strong dipolar anomaly in the self-potential field was det
Authors
Paul A. Bedrosian, Martyn J. Unsworth, Malcolm J. S. Johnston
Drag-out effect of piezomagnetic signals due to a borehole: The Mogi source as an example
We show that using borehole measurements in tectonomagnetic experiments allows enhancement of the observed signals. New magnetic dipoles, which vary with stress changes from mechanical sources, are produced on the walls of the borehole. We evaluate such an effect quantitatively. First we formulate a general expression for the borehole effect due to any arbitrary source models. This is valid everyw
Authors
Y. Sasai, M.J.S. Johnston, Y. Tanaka, R. Mueller, T. Hashimoto, M. Utsugi, S. Sakanaka, M. Uyeshima, J. Zlotnicki, P. Yvetot
Borehole dilatometer installation, operation, and maintenance at sites in Hawaii
In response to concerns about the potential hazard of Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii, the USGS began efforts in 1998 to add four high-resolution borehole sites. Located at these sites are; strainmeters, tiltmeters, seismometers, accelerometers and other instrumentation. These instruments are capable of providing continuous monitoring of the magma movement under Mauna Loa. Each site was planned to pro
Authors
G.D. Myren, M.J.S. Johnston, R.J. Mueller
Science and Products
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 63
Moment tensors and other source parameters of mining‐induced earthquakes in TauTona Mine, South Africa
Induced seismicity exhibits diverse source mechanisms that are often difficult to constrain for small events. Here, we use data from the in‐mine seismic network, the Natural Earthquake Laboratory in South African Mines network, and a temporary Program for the Array Seismic Studies of the Continental Lithosphere deployment in TauTona Mine, South Africa, to determine full moment tensors of 100 mininAuthorsMargaret S. Boettcher, Deborah L. Kane, Arthur F. McGarr, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, Ze'ev RechesConstraints on behaviour of a mining‐induced earthquake inferred from laboratory rock mechanics experiments
On December 12, 2004, an earthquake of magnitude 2.2, located in the TauTona Gold Mine at a depth of about 3.65 km in the ancient Pretorius fault zone, was recorded by the in-mine borehole seismic network, yielding an excellent set of ground motion data recorded at hypocentral distances of several km. From these data, the seismic moment tensor, indicating mostly normal faulting with a small implosAuthorsArthur F. McGarr, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, M. Boettcher, V. Heesakkers, Z. RechesMechanics of Old Faithful Geyser, Calistoga, CA
In order to probe the subsurface dynamics associated with geyser eruptions, we measured ground deformation at Old Faithful Geyser of Calistoga, CA. We present a physical model in which recharge during the period preceding an eruption is driven by pressure differences relative to the aquifer supplying the geyser. The model predicts that pressure and ground deformation are characterized by an exponeAuthorsM.L. Rudolph, M. Manga, Shaul Hurwitz, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, L. Karlstrom, Chun-Yong WangA deployment of broadband seismic stations in two deep gold mines, South Africa
In-mine seismic networks throughout the TauTona and Mponeng gold mines provide precise locations and seismic source parameters of earthquakes. They also support small-scale experimental projects, including NELSAM (Natural Earthquake Laboratory in South African Mines), which is intended to record, at close hand, seismic rupture of a geologic fault that traverses the project region near the deepestAuthorsArthur F. McGarr, Margaret S. Boettcher, Jon Peter B. Fletcher, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, R. Durrheim, S. Spottiswoode, A. MilevExtension of Gutenberg‐Richter distribution to MW −1.3, no lower limit in sight
With twelve years of seismic data from TauTona Gold Mine, South Africa, we show that mining‐induced earthquakes follow the Gutenberg‐Richter relation with no scale break down to the completeness level of the catalog, at moment magnitude MW −1.3. Events recorded during relatively quiet hours in 2006 indicate that catalog detection limitations, not earthquake source physics, controlled the previouslAuthorsMargaret S. Boettcher, Arthur F. McGarr, Malcolm J. S. JohnstonBroadband records of earthquakes in deep gold mines and a comparison with results from SAFOD, California
For one week during September 2007, we deployed a temporary network of field recorders and accelerometers at four sites within two deep, seismically active mines. The ground-motion data, recorded at 200 samples/sec, are well suited to determining source and ground-motion parameters for the mining-induced earthquakes within and adjacent to our network. Four earthquakes with magnitudes close to 2 weAuthorsArthur F. McGarr, M. Boettcher, Jon Peter B. Fletcher, Russell Sell, Malcolm J. S. Johnston, R. Durrheim, S. Spottiswoode, A. MilevOn the reported magnetic precursor of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
Among the most frequently cited reports in the science of earthquake prediction is that by Fraser-Smith et al. (1990) and Bernardi et al. (1991). They found anomalous enhancement of magnetic-field noise levels prior to the 18 October 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in the ultra-low-frequency range (0.0110-10.001 Hz) from a ground-based sensor at Corralitos, CA, just 7 km from the earthquake epicenter.AuthorsJ.N. Thomas, J.J. Love, M.J.S. JohnstonOn the reported magnetic precursor of the 1993 guam earthquake
Using 1-second magnetometer data recorded 67 km from the epicenter of the 1993 Mw 7.7 Guam earthquake, Hayakawa et al. (1996) and Miyahara et al. (1999) identify anomalous precursory changes in ultra-low frequency magnetic polarization (the ratio of vertical to horizontal field components). In a check of their results, we compare their data (GAM) with 1-second data from the Kakioka observatory (KAAuthorsJ.N. Thomas, J.J. Love, M.J.S. Johnston, K. YumotoReply to “Comment on ‘Seismomagnetic effects from the long-awaited 28 September 2004 M 6.0 Parkfield earthquake’ by M. J. S. Johnston, Y. Sasai, G. D. Egbert, and R. J. Mueller” by P. Varotsos and S. Uyeda
No abstract available.AuthorsMalcolm J. S. Johnston, Y. Sasai, G. D. Egbert, S. K. ParkHydrothermal circulation at Mount St. Helens determined by self-potential measurements
The distribution of hydrothermal circulation within active volcanoes is of importance in identifying regions of hydrothermal alteration which may in turn control explosivity, slope stability and sector collapse. Self-potential measurements, indicative of fluid circulation, were made within the crater of Mount St. Helens in 2000 and 2001. A strong dipolar anomaly in the self-potential field was detAuthorsPaul A. Bedrosian, Martyn J. Unsworth, Malcolm J. S. JohnstonDrag-out effect of piezomagnetic signals due to a borehole: The Mogi source as an example
We show that using borehole measurements in tectonomagnetic experiments allows enhancement of the observed signals. New magnetic dipoles, which vary with stress changes from mechanical sources, are produced on the walls of the borehole. We evaluate such an effect quantitatively. First we formulate a general expression for the borehole effect due to any arbitrary source models. This is valid everywAuthorsY. Sasai, M.J.S. Johnston, Y. Tanaka, R. Mueller, T. Hashimoto, M. Utsugi, S. Sakanaka, M. Uyeshima, J. Zlotnicki, P. YvetotBorehole dilatometer installation, operation, and maintenance at sites in Hawaii
In response to concerns about the potential hazard of Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii, the USGS began efforts in 1998 to add four high-resolution borehole sites. Located at these sites are; strainmeters, tiltmeters, seismometers, accelerometers and other instrumentation. These instruments are capable of providing continuous monitoring of the magma movement under Mauna Loa. Each site was planned to proAuthorsG.D. Myren, M.J.S. Johnston, R.J. Mueller
*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