Michaela (Mikki) Johnson is the Associate Program Coordinator for the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP).
She manages the NGGDPP grants program, oversees national products improving access to scientific collections, e.g., ReSciColl, leads NGGDPP development of documentation profiles for scientific collections, and leads the Earth MRI data delivery team. Her career background included involvement in a variety of single-focus and multidisciplinary projects; the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) project, groundwater-related subsidence, hyperspectral mineral mapping research, geophysics supporting water and mineral resources investigations, and mineral resource assessments.
Professional Experience
2020-Present, Associate Program Coordinator, National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program, Denver, CO
2014-2020, Data Manager and GIS Specialist, Geology Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center, Denver, CO
2009-2014, Hydrologist, Texas Water Science Center, Houston, TX
1998-2009, Hydrologist and GIS Specialist, Nebraska Water Science Center, Lincoln, NE
Education and Certifications
M.A. Geography – GIS and Remote Sensing, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 2001
B.S. Natural Resources – Water Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 1995
Science and Products
Using mobile GIS applications to support mineral resource investigations in the Eglab region, Algeria
A 20-year record of water chemistry in an alpine setting, Mount Emmons, Colorado, USA
Application of imaging spectroscopy for mineral exploration in Alaska: A study over porphyry Cu deposits in the eastern Alaska Range
Multiscale hyperspectral imaging of the Orange Hill Porphyry Copper Deposit, Alaska, USA, with laboratory-, field-, and aircraft-based imaging spectrometers
Hyperspectral surveying for mineral resources in Alaska
Mapping surficial minerals at high latitudes: The USGS 2014 imaging spectrometer data collection in Alaska
Geospatial compilation of results from field sample collection in support of mineral resource investigations, Western Alaska Range, Alaska, July 2013
Geospatial compilation of historical water-level changes in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers 1977-2013 and Jasper aquifer 2000-13, Gulf Coast aquifer system, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Characterization of potential mineralization in Afghanistan: four permissive areas identified using imaging spectroscopy data
Geospatial compilation of historical water-level altitudes in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers 1977-2013 and Jasper aquifer 2000-13 in the Gulf Coast aquifer system, Houston-Galveston Region, Texas
Groundwater withdrawals 1976, 1990, and 2000--10 and land-surface-elevation changes 2000--10 in Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria Counties, Texas
Hyperspectral surface materials map of quadrangle 3562, Khawja-Jir (403) and Murghab (404) quadrangles, Afghanistan, showing iron-bearing minerals and other materials
Mineral Resource Assessment Training
Magnetotelluric Data from the San Andreas Fault, Loma Prieta CA, 1989-1990
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data and inverted resistivity models, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, May 2017
Airborne Geophysical Survey Inventory of the Conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico (ver. 4.0, April 2023)
Directory of Public Repositories of Geological Materials
Geochemical analyses of surface water, groundwater and springs surrounding Mount Emmons near Crested Butte, Colorado (ver. 2.0, September 2020)
Corescan Hyperspectral Core Imager, Mark III system data collected for the characterization of mineral resources near Nabesna, Alaska, 2014-2016
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Stillwater Complex, Montana, May 2000 (ver. 2.0, June 2020)
Reanalysis of Selected Archived NURE-HSSR Sediment and Soil Samples from Alaska
Airborne magnetic and radiometric survey, southeast Missouri and western Illinois, 2018-2019
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Stillwater Complex, Montana, May 2000
Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey Inventory
Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data in Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, 2001
Water-level altitudes 2016 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973–2015 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Water-level altitudes 2015 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2014 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array Type L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) mosaic for the Kahiltna terrane, Alaska, 2007-2010
Water-level altitudes 2014 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2013 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Base of principal aquifer for parts of the North Platte, South Platte, and Twin Platte Natural Resources Districts, western Nebraska
Water-level altitudes 2013 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973--2012 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Water-level altitudes 2012 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2011 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Water-level altitudes 2011 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2010 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Water-level altitudes 2010 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2009 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Estimated land-surface subsidence in Harris County, Texas, 1915-17 to 2001
Land-surface subsidence, or land subsidence, in Harris County, Texas, which encompasses much of the Houston area, has been occurring for decades. Land subsidence has increased the frequency and extent of flooding, damaged buildings and transportation infrastructure, and caused adverse environmental effects. The primary cause of land subsidence in the Houston area is withdrawal of groundwater, alth
Software to Process and Preserve Legacy Magnetotelluric Data
Science and Products
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Filter Total Items: 94
Using mobile GIS applications to support mineral resource investigations in the Eglab region, Algeria
The Algerian Geological Survey Agency – U.S. Geological Survey (ASGA-USGS) mineral resource assessment project in the Eglab region, Algeria, comprises the eastern part of the Reguibat Shield bounded by the Tindouf, Reggane, and Taoudeni basins to the north, east, and south, respectively. The use of mobile GIS applications on handheld tablets facilitated team coordination and ease of transition froAuthorsMichaela R. Johnson, Nadjib F. Belanteur, Cliff D. TaylorA 20-year record of water chemistry in an alpine setting, Mount Emmons, Colorado, USA
From 1997 to the present, the U.S. Geological Survey and other agencies have been collecting water samples for chemical analyses on Mount Emmons in central Colorado, USA. The geology of Mount Emmons is dominated by Upper Cretaceous to Paleogene sediments of marine to continental origin, with felsic intrusive rocks interrupting the sedimentary block. Extensive sulphide-rich alteration accompanied tAuthorsRichard Wanty, Andrew H. Manning, Michaela Johnson, Philip VerplanckApplication of imaging spectroscopy for mineral exploration in Alaska: A study over porphyry Cu deposits in the eastern Alaska Range
The U.S. Geological Survey tested the utility of imaging spectroscopy (also referred to as hyperspectral remote sensing) as an aid to regional mineral exploration efforts in remote parts of Alaska. Airborne imaging spectrometer data were collected in 2014 over unmined porphyry Cu deposits in the eastern Alaska Range using the HyMap™ sensor. Maps of the distributions of predominant minerals, made bAuthorsGarth E. Graham, Raymond F. Kokaly, Karen D. Kelley, Todd M. Hoefen, Michaela Johnson, Bernard E. HubbardMultiscale hyperspectral imaging of the Orange Hill Porphyry Copper Deposit, Alaska, USA, with laboratory-, field-, and aircraft-based imaging spectrometers
In the past decade, use of hyperspectral imaging (imaging spectroscopy) for mineral exploration and mining operations has been increasing at different spatial scales. In this paper, we focus on recent trends in applying imaging spectrometer data to: 1) airborne imaging of high latitude deposits, 2) field-based imaging of outcrops, and 3) laboratory-level imaging of geologic samples. Comparing mineAuthorsRaymond F. Kokaly, Garth E. Graham, Todd M. Hoefen, Karen D. Kelley, Michaela R. Johnson, Bernard E. Hubbard, M. Buchhorn, A. PrakashHyperspectral surveying for mineral resources in Alaska
Alaska is a major producer of base and precious metals and has a high potential for additional undiscovered mineral resources. However, discovery is hindered by Alaska’s vast size, remoteness, and rugged terrain. New methods are needed to overcome these obstacles in order to fully evaluate Alaska’s geology and mineral resource potential. Hyperspectral surveying is one method that can be used to raAuthorsRaymond F. Kokaly, Garth E. Graham, Todd M. Hoefen, Karen D. Kelley, Michaela R. Johnson, Bernard E. HubbardMapping surficial minerals at high latitudes: The USGS 2014 imaging spectrometer data collection in Alaska
Passive optical remote sensing of high latitude regions faces many challenges including a short acquisition season and poor illumination due to low solar elevation. Additional complications are encountered in the identification of surface minerals for mineral resource characterization because minerals of interest commonly are exposed on steep terrain, further challenging reflectance retrieval andAuthorsRaymond F. Kokaly, Todd M. Hoefen, Garth Graham, Karen Kelly, Michaela Johnson, Bernard Hubbard, Richard GoldfarbGeospatial compilation of results from field sample collection in support of mineral resource investigations, Western Alaska Range, Alaska, July 2013
This Data Series summarizes results from July 2013 sampling in the western Alaska Range near Mount Estelle, Alaska. The fieldwork combined in situ and camp-based spectral measurements of talus/soil and rock samples. Five rock and 48 soil samples were submitted for quantitative geochemical analysis (for 55 major and trace elements), and the 48 soils samples were also analyzed by x-ray diffractionAuthorsMichaela R. Johnson, Garth E. Graham, Bernard E. Hubbard, William BenzelGeospatial compilation of historical water-level changes in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers 1977-2013 and Jasper aquifer 2000-13, Gulf Coast aquifer system, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, City of Houston, Fort Bend Subsidence District, Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District, and Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District has produced an annual series of reports that depict water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers of the Gulf Coast aquifer system in tAuthorsMichaela R. Johnson, Joshua I. LinardCharacterization of potential mineralization in Afghanistan: four permissive areas identified using imaging spectroscopy data
As part of the U.S. Geological Survey and Department of Defense Task Force for Business and Stability Operations natural resources revitalization activities in Afghanistan, four permissive areas for mineralization, Bamyan 1, Farah 1, Ghazni 1, and Ghazni 2, have been identified using imaging spectroscopy data. To support economic development, the areas of potential mineralization were selected onAuthorsTrude V.V. King, Byron R. Berger, Michaela R. JohnsonGeospatial compilation of historical water-level altitudes in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers 1977-2013 and Jasper aquifer 2000-13 in the Gulf Coast aquifer system, Houston-Galveston Region, Texas
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, City of Houston, Fort Bend Subsidence District, Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District, and Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District has produced a series of annual reports depicting groundwater-level altitudes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers of the Gulf Coast aquifer systemAuthorsMichaela R. Johnson, Robert H.H. EllisGroundwater withdrawals 1976, 1990, and 2000--10 and land-surface-elevation changes 2000--10 in Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria Counties, Texas
The study area comprising Harris County and parts of Galveston, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria Counties in southeastern Texas forms part of one of the largest areas of land-surface-elevation change in the United States. Land-surface-elevation change in the study area primarily is caused by the withdrawal of groundwater. Groundwater withdrawn from the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers has been thAuthorsMark C. Kasmarek, Michaela R. JohnsonHyperspectral surface materials map of quadrangle 3562, Khawja-Jir (403) and Murghab (404) quadrangles, Afghanistan, showing iron-bearing minerals and other materials
This map shows the spatial distribution of selected iron-bearing minerals and other materials derived from analysis of airborne HyMap™ imaging spectrometer (hyperspectral) data of Afghanistan collected in late 2007. This map is one in a series of U.S. Geological Survey/Afghanistan Geological Survey quadrangle maps covering Afghanistan. Flown at an altitude of 50,000 feet (15,240 meters (m)), theAuthorsTrude V.V. King, Todd M. Hoefen, Raymond F. Kokaly, Keith E. Livo, Michaela R. Johnson, Stuart A. Giles - Science
Mineral Resource Assessment Training
The USGS Mineral Resources Program conducts mineral resource assessments and is training USGS scientists in how to conduct these assessments for future work. As a practical exercise, the scientists will conduct an assessment for tungsten in the U.S. - Data
Filter Total Items: 17
Magnetotelluric Data from the San Andreas Fault, Loma Prieta CA, 1989-1990
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center (GGGSC) collaborated with the USGS Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) team to preserve and release a subset of magnetotelluric data from the San Andreas Fault in Loma Prieta, California. The San Andreas Fault data were collected by the Branch of Geophysics, a precursor to the now GGGSC, between 1989 and 1994.Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data and inverted resistivity models, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, May 2017
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) and magnetic survey data were collected in collaboration with the Iowa Water Science Center for the City of Cedar Rapids to the west of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The survey was flown between May 4 and May 5, 2017 along 347 line kilometers. Electromagnetic data were acquired using RESOLVE frequency-domain helicopter-borne electromagnetic system. Magnetic data were collectedAirborne Geophysical Survey Inventory of the Conterminous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico (ver. 4.0, April 2023)
This data release is a compilation of the locations of airborne geophysical surveys in the United States. The inventory documents public airborne geophysical surveys primarily flown by or contracted by the USGS from 1943 to present. In addition, surveys from the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS): Airborne GeophysWeb, the BureauDirectory of Public Repositories of Geological Materials
Overview This directory was developed to provide discovery information for anyone looking for publicly accessible repositories that house geological materials in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, this resource is intended to be a tool to facilitate a community of practice. The need for the directory was identified during planning for and follow-up from a drill core repository webinar series in SpGeochemical analyses of surface water, groundwater and springs surrounding Mount Emmons near Crested Butte, Colorado (ver. 2.0, September 2020)
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS), and Coal Creek Watershed Coalition (CCWC) working independently, have intermittently collected samples of surface- and groundwater and springs around Mount Emmons, near Crested Butte, Colorado. This data release is a compilation of the comprehensive inorganic chemical analyses conducted as a result of thCorescan Hyperspectral Core Imager, Mark III system data collected for the characterization of mineral resources near Nabesna, Alaska, 2014-2016
Corescan Hyperspectral Core Imager Mark III (HCI-III) system data were acquired for hand samples, and subsequent billets made from the hand samples, collected during the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 2014, 2015, and 2016 field seasons in the Nabesna area of the eastern Alaska Range. This area contains exposed porphyry deposits and hand samples were collected throughout the region in support of theAirborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Stillwater Complex, Montana, May 2000 (ver. 2.0, June 2020)
A helicopter-borne electromagnetic/magnetic survey was flown over the Stillwater area, southwest Montana from May 5 to May 16, 2000. The survey was conducted over the Stillwater Igneous Complex, a Precambrian layered mafic-ultramafic intrusion which is characterized by igneous layering. Electromagnetic data were acquired using DIGHEM helicopter-borne electromagnetic system. Magnetic data were collReanalysis of Selected Archived NURE-HSSR Sediment and Soil Samples from Alaska
Selected archived sample splits collected as part of the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance (HSSR) program, were reanalyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as part of a NURE-HSSR Reanalysis project (Smith and others, 2018). A small amount (approximately 0.25 grams [g]) of sieved less than 75-micron sample material was retrieved fromAirborne magnetic and radiometric survey, southeast Missouri and western Illinois, 2018-2019
This publication provides digital flight line data for a high-resolution horizontal magnetic gradient and radiometric survey over an area of southeast Missouri and western Illinois. The survey represents the first airborne geophysical survey conducted as part of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Mapping Resource Initiative (Earth MRI) effort (Day, 2019). Earth MRI is a cooperative effort betAirborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data, Stillwater Complex, Montana, May 2000
A helicopter-borne electromagnetic/magnetic survey was flown over the Stillwater area, southwest Montana from May 5 to May 16, 2000. The survey was conducted over the Stillwater Igneous Complex, a Precambrian layered mafic-ultramafic intrusion which is characterized by igneous layering. Electromagnetic data were acquired using DIGHEM helicopter-borne electromagnetic system. Magnetic data were collAirborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey Inventory
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been engaged in airborne electromagnetics (AEM) since the 1970s, playing a role in the development of early acquisition systems, developing calibration methods, refining standards for data acquisition, improving data processing, modeling, and interpretation methods, and expanding the range of AEM applications. However, USGS AEM survey visibility and data accesAirborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey data in Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, 2001
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) and magnetic survey data, a total of 3065 line-kilometers, were collected during October 2001 in two survey blocks and four repeated lines from an earlier survey. The largest area, Block 1 totaling 2692.2 line-kilometers was flown over Big Cypress Preserve, smaller Block 2 along 277.1 line-kilometers was flown near the town of Homestead, and four lines totaling 95.2 - Maps
Water-level altitudes 2016 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973–2015 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Most of the land-surface subsidence in the Houston-Galveston region, Texas, has occurred as a direct result of groundwater withdrawals for municipal supply, commercial and industrial use, and irrigation that depressured and dewatered the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, thereby causing compaction of the aquifer sediments, mostly in the fine-grained silt and clay layers. This report, prepared by theWater-level altitudes 2015 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2014 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Most of the land-surface subsidence in the Houston-Galveston region, Texas, has occurred as a direct result of groundwater withdrawals for municipal supply, commercial and industrial use, and irrigation that depressured and dewatered the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, thereby causing compaction of the aquifer sediments, mostly in the fine-grained silt and clay layers. This report, prepared by theAdvanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array Type L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) mosaic for the Kahiltna terrane, Alaska, 2007-2010
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has initiated a multi-disciplinary study investigating the applicability of remote sensing technologies for geologic mapping and identification of prospective areas for base and precious metal deposits in remote parts of Alaska. The Kahiltna terrane in southwestern Alaska was selected for investigation because of its known mineral deposits and potential for additiWater-level altitudes 2014 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2013 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Most of the land-surface subsidence in the Houston-Galveston region, Texas, has occurred as a direct result of groundwater withdrawals for municipal supply, commercial and industrial use, and irrigation that depressured and dewatered the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, thereby causing compaction of the aquifer sediments, mostly in the fine-grained clay and silt layers. This report, prepared by theBase of principal aquifer for parts of the North Platte, South Platte, and Twin Platte Natural Resources Districts, western Nebraska
Water resources in the North and South Platte River valleys of Nebraska, including the valley of Lodgepole Creek, are critical to the social and economic health of the area, and for the recovery of threatened and endangered species in the Platte River Basin. Groundwater and surface water are heavily used resources, and uses are regulated in the study area. Irrigation is the dominant water use and,Water-level altitudes 2013 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973--2012 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Most of the subsidence in the Houston-Galveston region, Texas, has occurred as a direct result of groundwater withdrawals for municipal supply, commercial and industrial use, and irrigation that depressured and dewatered the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, thereby causing compaction mostly in the clay and silt layers of the aquifer sediments. This report, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey inWater-level altitudes 2012 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2011 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Most of the subsidence in the Houston–Galveston region, Texas, has occurred as a direct result of groundwater withdrawals for municipal supply, commercial and industrial use, and irrigation that depressured and dewatered the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers and caused compaction of the clay layers of the aquifer sediments. This report—prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the HaWater-level altitudes 2011 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2010 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Most of the subsidence in the Houston–Galveston region has occurred as a direct result of groundwater withdrawals for municipal supply, industrial use, and irrigation that depressured and dewatered the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers causing compaction of the clay layers of the aquifer sediments. This report, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Harris–Galveston SubsidencWater-level altitudes 2010 and water-level changes in the Chicot, Evangeline, and Jasper aquifers and compaction 1973-2009 in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, Houston-Galveston region, Texas
Most of the subsidence in the Houston-Galveston region has occurred as a direct result of groundwater withdrawals for municipal supply, industrial use, and irrigation that depressured and dewatered the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers causing compaction of the clay layers of the aquifer sediments. This report, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Harris-Galveston SubsidencEstimated land-surface subsidence in Harris County, Texas, 1915-17 to 2001
Land-surface subsidence, or land subsidence, in Harris County, Texas, which encompasses much of the Houston area, has been occurring for decades. Land subsidence has increased the frequency and extent of flooding, damaged buildings and transportation infrastructure, and caused adverse environmental effects. The primary cause of land subsidence in the Houston area is withdrawal of groundwater, alth
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Software to Process and Preserve Legacy Magnetotelluric Data
The USGS Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center (CGGSC) collaborated with the USGS Data at Risk (DaR) team to preserve and release a subset of magnetotelluric data from the San Andreas Fault in Parkfield, California. The San Andreas Fault data were collected by the Branch of Geophysics, a precursor to the now CGGSC, between 1989 and 1994. The magnetotelluric data selected for this pres - News