Oliver S Boyd, Ph.D.
Research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey studying various aspects of seismic hazard including ground motions and earthquake probabilities
I began with the National Seismic Hazards Modeling Project in Golden, CO in 2004 studying time-dependent seismic hazard in Alaska and producing a seismic hazard analysis of Afghanistan, the latter being done in conjunction with other U.S. Agency for International Development’s reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. I moved to Memphis, TN in 2007 to focus on earthquake hazards in the central and eastern United States (CEUS) and returned to Golden in 2013 to work on issues related to earthquake hazards across the conterminous United States, specifically those related to earthquake ground motions as part of the Ground Motion Project. Much of my past research has centered on several aspects of earthquake hazards including time-dependent earthquake probabilities, declustering of foreshocks and aftershocks, and parameters related to earthquake sources. I helped update the CEUS source models for the 2008 and 2014 updates of the National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) and helped to incorporate basin models in the western United States for the 2018 update of the NSHM. More recently, I have been working on ground motion site amplification along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains and building a geology-based National Crustal Model for earthquake hazard studies. Prior to joining the Survey, I obtained my Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Colorado at Boulder where I performed laboratory experiments of seismic wave attenuation in artificial glass cracks and glass bead cylinders, produced and interpreted tomographic models of seismic wave attenuation and velocity beneath the western United States, and studied receiver functions in New Zealand.
Professional Experience
2004–present—Research Geophysicist, USGS
2004—Research Assistant—University of Colorado at Boulder
2000–2004—Graduate Research Assistant—University of Colorado at Boulder
1998–2000—Geophysicist, Western Geophysical
1996–1997—Technician, Geo-Insight
1995–1997—Graduate Research Assistant—University of Colorado at Boulder
1993–1995—Lab Research Assistant—University of Colorado at Boulder
Education and Certifications
2004—Ph.D. Geophysics, University of Colorado at Boulder
1997—M.S. Geology, University of Colorado at Boulder
1995—B.A. Geology, Emphasis in Geophysics, University of Colorado at Boulder
Affiliations and Memberships*
1995–present—American Geophysical Union, Member
2000–2015—Geological Society of America, Member
2004–present—Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Associate Member
2004–present—Seismological Society of America, Member
2007–present—Eastern Section (ES) of the Seismological Society of America, Member
ES Secretary, 2011–2013
ES Vice President, 2013–2015
ES President, 2015–2017
ES Past President, 2017–2019
Science and Products
Grids in support of the U.S. Geological Survey Thermal Model for Seismic Hazard Studies
An updated stress map of the continental U.S. reveals heterogeneous intraplate stress
Petrologic and Mineral Physics Database for use with the USGS National Crustal Model - Data Release
Thickness of unconsolidated sediments for the USGS National Crustal Model
Depth to Mesozoic basement for the USGS National Crustal Model
Calibration of the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model
The 2018 update of the US National Seismic Hazard Model: Overview of model and implications
3D geologic framework for use with the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model, Phase 1—Western United States
Status of three-dimensional geological mapping and modeling activities in the U.S. Geological Survey
Petrologic and mineral physics database for use with the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model
The USGS National crustal model for seismic hazard studies: 2019 update
Temperature model in support of the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model for seismic hazard Ssudies
Preliminary 2018 national seismic hazard model for the conterminous United States
Depth to basement and thickness of unconsolidated sediments for the western United States—Initial estimates for layers of the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model
An updated stress map of the continental U.S. reveals heterogeneous intraplate stress
Integrate urban‐scale seismic hazard analyses with the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model
Influence of lithostatic stress on earthquake stress drops in North America
Science and Products
- Science
- Data
Filter Total Items: 17
Grids in support of the U.S. Geological Survey Thermal Model for Seismic Hazard Studies
A 3D temperature model is constructed in order to support the estimation of physical parameters within the USGS National Crustal Model. The crustal model is defined by a geological framework consisting of various lithologies with distinct mineral compositions. A temperature model is needed to calculate mineral density and bulk and shear modulus as a function of position within the crust. These proAn updated stress map of the continental U.S. reveals heterogeneous intraplate stress
Earthquake focal mechanisms and stress inversion results for the conterminous United States.Petrologic and Mineral Physics Database for use with the USGS National Crustal Model - Data Release
We present a petrologic and mineral physics database as part of the USGS National Crustal Model (NCM) for the western United States. Each of 209 geologic units, 134 of which are currently part of the geologic framework within the NCM, is assigned a mineralogical composition according to generalized classifications with some refinement for specific geologic formations. The mineral physics databaseThickness of unconsolidated sediments for the USGS National Crustal Model
We present a numeric grid containing estimates of the thickness of unconsolidated sediments for the western United States. Values for these grids were combined and integrated from previous studies or derived directly from gravity analyses. The grids are provided with 1-km grid-node spacing in WGS84 latitude-longitude coordinates. Detailed information regarding the derivation of these estimates isDepth to Mesozoic basement for the USGS National Crustal Model
We present a numeric grid containing estimates of the depth to the pre-Cenozoic basement for the western United States. Values for these grids were combined and integrated from previous studies or derived directly from gravity analyses. The grids are provided with 1-km grid-node spacing in WGS84 latitude-longitude coordinates. Detailed information regarding the derivation of these estimates is pro - Publications
Filter Total Items: 50
Calibration of the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model
The U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model (NCM) is being developed to include spatially varying estimates of site response in seismic hazard assessments. Primary outputs of the NCM are continuous velocity and density profiles from the Earth’s surface to the mantle transition zone at 410-kilometer (km) depth for each location on a 1-km grid across the conterminous United States. Datasets usAuthorsOliver S. BoydThe 2018 update of the US National Seismic Hazard Model: Overview of model and implications
During 2017–2018, the National Seismic Hazard Model for the conterminous United States was updated as follows: (1) an updated seismicity catalog was incorporated, which includes new earthquakes that occurred from 2013 to 2017; (2) in the central and eastern United States (CEUS), new ground motion models were updated that incorporate updated median estimates, modified assessments of the associatedAuthorsMark D. Petersen, Allison Shumway, Peter M. Powers, Charles Mueller, Morgan P. Moschetti, Arthur Frankel, Sanaz Rezaeian, Daniel E. McNamara, Nicolas Luco, Oliver S. Boyd, Kenneth S. Rukstales, Kishor Jaiswal, Eric M. Thompson, Susan M. Hoover, Brandon Clayton, Edward H. Field, Yuehua Zeng3D geologic framework for use with the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model, Phase 1—Western United States
A 3D geologic framework is presented here as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model for the western United States, which will be used to improve seismic hazard assessment. The framework is based on 1:250,000 to 1:1,000,000-scale state geologic maps and depths of multiple subsurface unit boundaries. The geology at or near the Earth’s surface is based on published maps with modifiAuthorsOliver S. BoydStatus of three-dimensional geological mapping and modeling activities in the U.S. Geological Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), created in 1879, is the national geological survey for the United States and the sole science agency within its cabinet-level bureau, the Department of the Interior. The USGS has a broad mission, including: serving the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasterAuthorsDonald S. Sweetkind, Russell Graymer, D. K. Higley, Oliver S. BoydPetrologic and mineral physics database for use with the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model
We present a petrologic and mineral physics database as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model (NCM). Each of 209 geologic units, 134 of which are currently part of the geologic framework within the NCM, was assigned a mineralogical composition according to generalized classifications with some refinement for specific geologic formations. This report is concerned with the petrolAuthorsTheron Sowers, Oliver S. BoydThe USGS National crustal model for seismic hazard studies: 2019 update
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Crustal Model (NCM) is being developed to assist in the modeling of seismic hazards across the conterminous United States, specifically by improving estimates of site response. The NCM is composed of geophysical profiles, extending from the Earth’s surface into the upper mantle, constructed from 5 primary elements: 1) depth to bedrock and basemenAuthorsOliver S. BoydTemperature model in support of the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model for seismic hazard Ssudies
The U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model (NCM) is being developed to assist with earthquake hazard and risk assessment by supporting estimates of ground shaking in response to an earthquake. The period-dependent intensity and duration of shaking depend upon the three-dimensional seismic velocity, seismic attenuation, and density distribution of a region, which in turn is governed to a larAuthorsOliver S. BoydPreliminary 2018 national seismic hazard model for the conterminous United States
The 2014 U.S. Geological Survey national seismic hazard model for the conterminous U.S. will be updated in 2018 and 2020 to coincide with the Building Seismic Safety Council’s Project 17 timeline for development of new building code design criteria. The two closely timed updates are planned to allow more time for the Provisions Update Committee to analyze the consequences of the hazard model changAuthorsMark D. Petersen, Allison Shumway, Peter M. Powers, Charles Mueller, Sanaz Rezaeian, Morgan P. Moschetti, Daniel E. McNamara, Eric M. Thompson, Oliver S. Boyd, Nicolas Luco, Susan M. Hoover, Kenneth S. RukstalesDepth to basement and thickness of unconsolidated sediments for the western United States—Initial estimates for layers of the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model
We present numeric grids containing estimates of the thickness of unconsolidated sediments and depth to the pre-Cenozoicbasement for the western United States. Values for these grids were combined and integrated from previous studies or deriveddirectly from gravity analyses. The grids are provided with 1-kilometer grid-node spacing in ScienceBase (https://www.sciencebase.gov).These layers may be uAuthorsAnjana K. Shah, Oliver S. BoydAn updated stress map of the continental U.S. reveals heterogeneous intraplate stress
Knowledge of the state of stress in the Earth’s crust is key to understanding the forces and processes responsible for earthquakes. Historically, low rates of natural seismicity in the central and eastern United States have complicated efforts to understand intraplate stress, but recent improvements in seismic networks and the spread of human-induced seismicity have greatly improved data coverage.AuthorsWill Levandowski, Robert B Hermann, Richard W. Briggs, Oliver S. Boyd, Ryan D. GoldIntegrate urban‐scale seismic hazard analyses with the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model
For more than 20 yrs, damage patterns and instrumental recordings have highlighted the influence of the local 3D geologic structure on earthquake ground motions (e.g., MM 6.7 Northridge, California, Gao et al., 1996; MM 6.9 Kobe, Japan, Kawase, 1996; MM 6.8 Nisqually, Washington, Frankel, Carver, and Williams, 2002). Although this and other local‐scale features are critical to improving seismic haAuthorsMorgan P. Moschetti, Nicolas Luco, Arthur Frankel, Mark D. Petersen, Brad T. Aagaard, Annemarie S. Baltay, Michael Blanpied, Oliver S. Boyd, Richard W. Briggs, Ryan D. Gold, Robert Graves, Stephen H. Hartzell, Sanaz Rezaeian, William J. Stephenson, David J. Wald, Robert A. Williams, Kyle WithersInfluence of lithostatic stress on earthquake stress drops in North America
We estimate stress drops for earthquakes in and near the continental United States using the method of spectral ratios. The ratio of acceleration spectra between collocated earthquakes recorded at a given station removes the effects of path and recording site and yields source parameters including corner frequency for, and the ratio of seismic moment between, the two earthquakes. We determine streAuthorsOliver S. Boyd, Daniel E. McNamara, Stephen H. Hartzell, George Choy - Software
*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