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Michael G. Frothingham, PhD

Michael Frothingham is a Geologist with the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center.

Michael joined the USGS in 2022 as a part of the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West project in Denver, Colorado. His interdisciplinary research involves collaborations among structural geologists and geophysicists to study how seismic waves interact with structural features such as faults, shear zones, plutons, and foliated rocks from Earth’s surface to the deep crust. Michael’s research tools include GIS geologic mapping, microscope petrography, Electron Backscattered Diffraction, quantitative structural analysis, geophysical modeling, and boots-on-the-ground field geology.

Professional Experience

  • Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey (2022-present)

  • Graduate Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant, University of Colorado-Boulder (2018-2023)

  • Park Geologist Apprentice in Denali National Park, AmeriCorps and Geoscientists in the Parks (2018)

  • Student Contractor Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey (2017-2018)

  • Graduate Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant, Montana State University-Bozeman (2015-2017)

  • Wellsite Geologist, Williston Basin in Montana and North Dakota, (2011-2015)

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D., Geological Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder (2023)

  • M.S., Earth Sciences, Montana State University-Bozeman (2017)

  • B.S., Geology, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign (2011)

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Geological Society of America, member

  • American Geophysical Union, member

  • Colorado Scientific Society, member

Science and Products

Don't judge an orogen by its cover: Kinematics of the Appalachian décollement from seismic anisotropy

As North America collided with Africa to form Pangea during the Alleghanian orogeny, crystalline and sedimentary rocks in the southeastern United States were thrust forelandward along the Appalachian décollement. We examined Ps receiver functions to better constrain the kinematics of this prominent subsurface structure. From Southeastern Suture of the Appalachian Margin Experiment (SESAME) and oth
Authors
Michael G. Frothingham, Vera Schulte-Pelkum, Kevin H. Mahan, Arthur J. Merschat, Makayla Mather, Zulliet Cabrera Gomez
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center

From crystals to crustal-scale seismic anisotropy: Bridging the gap between rocks and seismic studies with digital geologic map data in Colorado

Deep continental crustal structures are enigmatic due to lack of direct exposures and limited tools to investigate them remotely. Seismic waves can sample these rocks, but most seismic methods focus on coarse crustal structures while laboratory measurements concentrate on crystal-scale rock properties, and little work has been conducted to bridge this interpretation gap. In some places, geologic m
Authors
Michael G. Frothingham, Kevin H. Mahan, Vera Schulte-Pelkum, Jonathan Caine, Frederick W. Vollmer
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Frothingham, M. G., Schulte-Pelkum, V., Mahan, K. H., Merschat, A. J., Mather, M., & Gomez, Z. C. (2022). Don't judge an orogen by its cover: Kinematics of the Appalachian décollement from seismic anisotropy. Geology, 50(11). 1306-1311. https://doi.org/10.1130/G50323.1
Frothingham, M. G., Mahan, K. H., Schulte‐Pelkum, V., Caine, J. S., & Vollmer, F. W. (2022). From Crystals to Crustal‐Scale Seismic Anisotropy: Bridging the Gap Between Rocks and Seismic Studies With Digital Geologic Map Data in Colorado. Tectonics, 41(1). https://doi.org/10.1029/2021TC006893
Mahan, K. H., Frothingham, M. G., & Alexander, E. (2021). Virtual mapping and analytical data integration: a teaching module using Precambrian crystalline basement in Colorado's Front Range (USA). Geoscience Communication, 4(3), 421-435. https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-4-421-2021

**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.

link
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 Project by conducting research on sedimentary rocks and structural deformation to determine the processes controlling tectonic uplift, accommodation, and sedimentation, ultimately to develop stratigraphic and structural frameworks that expand the utility of geologic map relationships for process...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Sedimentology and Structure Working Group

The Sedimentology and Structure Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research on sedimentary rocks and structural deformation to determine the processes controlling tectonic uplift, accommodation, and sedimentation, ultimately to develop stratigraphic and structural frameworks that expand the utility of geologic map relationships for process...
Learn More
link
Close up view of metagreywacke

Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group

The Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research focused on understanding the magmatic and metamorphic processes that shaped the Intermountain West and their implications for mineral resource exploration and tectonic history.
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group

The Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research focused on understanding the magmatic and metamorphic processes that shaped the Intermountain West and their implications for mineral resource exploration and tectonic history.
Learn More
link
USGS Research Geologist standing in front of terrace deposit

Surficial Working Group

The Surficial Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by performing research activities related to better understanding the roles of tectonics and hydrology in landscape evolution.
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Surficial Working Group

The Surficial Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by performing research activities related to better understanding the roles of tectonics and hydrology in landscape evolution.
Learn More
link
Distant view of Denali

Denali National Park Geohazards Geologic Mapping

Denali National Park (DENA) is a major draw for tourism and recreation and a major economic engine for central Alaska. However, the geologic forces that created the steep landscape of DENA also make it prone to geologic hazards (geohazards) like landslides, debris flows, and earthquakes. DENA has only one major road, called the ‘Park Road’, that serves nearly all of its infrastructure. Since 2017...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Denali National Park Geohazards Geologic Mapping

Denali National Park (DENA) is a major draw for tourism and recreation and a major economic engine for central Alaska. However, the geologic forces that created the steep landscape of DENA also make it prone to geologic hazards (geohazards) like landslides, debris flows, and earthquakes. DENA has only one major road, called the ‘Park Road’, that serves nearly all of its infrastructure. Since 2017...
Learn More
link
Mt. Ouray, Colorado with aspen colors

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project is creating a seamless, integrated, geologic map database that spans the Intermountain West region. The database will serve enhanced geologic map data to support geoscience research, environmental and resource assessments, and the communication of geologic information for all U.S. Geological Survey stakeholders. This innovative...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project is creating a seamless, integrated, geologic map database that spans the Intermountain West region. The database will serve enhanced geologic map data to support geoscience research, environmental and resource assessments, and the communication of geologic information for all U.S. Geological Survey stakeholders. This innovative...
Learn More

Geologic map of the Homestake Reservoir 7.5′ quadrangle, Lake, Pitkin, and Eagle Counties, Colorado

The Homestake Reservoir 7.5' quadrangle lies at the northwestern end of the Upper Arkansas Valley, and headwaters of the Arkansas River, and the Roaring Fork, Fryingpan, and Eagle Rivers of the Colorado River system.  The quadrangle lies within tectonic provinces of the 1.4 giga-annum (Ga) Picuris orogeny and includes the late Paleozoic Ancestral Rockies, Late Cretaceous-Paleocene Laramide orogeny
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Science and Products

Don't judge an orogen by its cover: Kinematics of the Appalachian décollement from seismic anisotropy

As North America collided with Africa to form Pangea during the Alleghanian orogeny, crystalline and sedimentary rocks in the southeastern United States were thrust forelandward along the Appalachian décollement. We examined Ps receiver functions to better constrain the kinematics of this prominent subsurface structure. From Southeastern Suture of the Appalachian Margin Experiment (SESAME) and oth
Authors
Michael G. Frothingham, Vera Schulte-Pelkum, Kevin H. Mahan, Arthur J. Merschat, Makayla Mather, Zulliet Cabrera Gomez
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center

From crystals to crustal-scale seismic anisotropy: Bridging the gap between rocks and seismic studies with digital geologic map data in Colorado

Deep continental crustal structures are enigmatic due to lack of direct exposures and limited tools to investigate them remotely. Seismic waves can sample these rocks, but most seismic methods focus on coarse crustal structures while laboratory measurements concentrate on crystal-scale rock properties, and little work has been conducted to bridge this interpretation gap. In some places, geologic m
Authors
Michael G. Frothingham, Kevin H. Mahan, Vera Schulte-Pelkum, Jonathan Caine, Frederick W. Vollmer
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Frothingham, M. G., Schulte-Pelkum, V., Mahan, K. H., Merschat, A. J., Mather, M., & Gomez, Z. C. (2022). Don't judge an orogen by its cover: Kinematics of the Appalachian décollement from seismic anisotropy. Geology, 50(11). 1306-1311. https://doi.org/10.1130/G50323.1
Frothingham, M. G., Mahan, K. H., Schulte‐Pelkum, V., Caine, J. S., & Vollmer, F. W. (2022). From Crystals to Crustal‐Scale Seismic Anisotropy: Bridging the Gap Between Rocks and Seismic Studies With Digital Geologic Map Data in Colorado. Tectonics, 41(1). https://doi.org/10.1029/2021TC006893
Mahan, K. H., Frothingham, M. G., & Alexander, E. (2021). Virtual mapping and analytical data integration: a teaching module using Precambrian crystalline basement in Colorado's Front Range (USA). Geoscience Communication, 4(3), 421-435. https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-4-421-2021

**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.

link
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 Project by conducting research on sedimentary rocks and structural deformation to determine the processes controlling tectonic uplift, accommodation, and sedimentation, ultimately to develop stratigraphic and structural frameworks that expand the utility of geologic map relationships for process...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Sedimentology and Structure Working Group

The Sedimentology and Structure Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research on sedimentary rocks and structural deformation to determine the processes controlling tectonic uplift, accommodation, and sedimentation, ultimately to develop stratigraphic and structural frameworks that expand the utility of geologic map relationships for process...
Learn More
link
Close up view of metagreywacke

Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group

The Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research focused on understanding the magmatic and metamorphic processes that shaped the Intermountain West and their implications for mineral resource exploration and tectonic history.
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group

The Igneous and Metamorphic Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by conducting research focused on understanding the magmatic and metamorphic processes that shaped the Intermountain West and their implications for mineral resource exploration and tectonic history.
Learn More
link
USGS Research Geologist standing in front of terrace deposit

Surficial Working Group

The Surficial Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by performing research activities related to better understanding the roles of tectonics and hydrology in landscape evolution.
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Surficial Working Group

The Surficial Working Group supports the Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West Project by performing research activities related to better understanding the roles of tectonics and hydrology in landscape evolution.
Learn More
link
Distant view of Denali

Denali National Park Geohazards Geologic Mapping

Denali National Park (DENA) is a major draw for tourism and recreation and a major economic engine for central Alaska. However, the geologic forces that created the steep landscape of DENA also make it prone to geologic hazards (geohazards) like landslides, debris flows, and earthquakes. DENA has only one major road, called the ‘Park Road’, that serves nearly all of its infrastructure. Since 2017...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Denali National Park Geohazards Geologic Mapping

Denali National Park (DENA) is a major draw for tourism and recreation and a major economic engine for central Alaska. However, the geologic forces that created the steep landscape of DENA also make it prone to geologic hazards (geohazards) like landslides, debris flows, and earthquakes. DENA has only one major road, called the ‘Park Road’, that serves nearly all of its infrastructure. Since 2017...
Learn More
link
Mt. Ouray, Colorado with aspen colors

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project is creating a seamless, integrated, geologic map database that spans the Intermountain West region. The database will serve enhanced geologic map data to support geoscience research, environmental and resource assessments, and the communication of geologic information for all U.S. Geological Survey stakeholders. This innovative...
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
link

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project is creating a seamless, integrated, geologic map database that spans the Intermountain West region. The database will serve enhanced geologic map data to support geoscience research, environmental and resource assessments, and the communication of geologic information for all U.S. Geological Survey stakeholders. This innovative...
Learn More

Geologic map of the Homestake Reservoir 7.5′ quadrangle, Lake, Pitkin, and Eagle Counties, Colorado

The Homestake Reservoir 7.5' quadrangle lies at the northwestern end of the Upper Arkansas Valley, and headwaters of the Arkansas River, and the Roaring Fork, Fryingpan, and Eagle Rivers of the Colorado River system.  The quadrangle lies within tectonic provinces of the 1.4 giga-annum (Ga) Picuris orogeny and includes the late Paleozoic Ancestral Rockies, Late Cretaceous-Paleocene Laramide orogeny
By
Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

*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

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