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Patrick Muffler, Ph.D.

I am a volunteer Scientist Emeritus with the California Volcano Observatory, a unit of the USGS Volcano Science Center. My two decades of emeritus research has focused on the volcanic geology of northeastern California, in particular Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Cascades Volcanic Arc extending north towards Mount Shasta and Medicine Lake volcano.  

Prior to formal retirement from the USGS in 2001, most of my scientific research was on hot springs and geothermal energy, including studies of volcanic geology and geothermal phenomena in the Lassen region of northeastern California, the geologic mapping of the southernmost Cascade Range of the western United States, studies of active hydrothermal metamorphism in the Salton Sea geothermal system in southern California, research drilling and mapping of geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park, investigation of the Larderello geothermal region of Italy, and studies of geothermal areas in the Taupo volcanic belt of New Zealand.  Much of my scientific contribution involved estimation of geothermal resources, including developing a uniform methodology subsequently applied world-wide. I participated in the 1976 geothermal resource assessment of central and southern Tuscany in Italy, and I led the 1968 geothermal resource assessment of the United States. 

I also served in various USGS managerial roles, including Coordinator of the USGS Geothermal Research Program (1971–1976 and 1983–1987), Coordinator of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program (1983–1987), Chief, Branch of Igneous and Geothermal Processes, 1982–1987 and Western Regional Geologist (1997–2000; a position in the Senior Executive Service responsible for all Geologic Division activities west of the Rocky Mountains). 

Professional Experience

  • 1954–1956:  Employed by USGS on Purchase Order (Form 44) and then as GS-1 to collect vertebrate fossils in Mojave Desert on weekends from college.

  • 1956–1958:  Summer field assistant for USGS in Montana., Idaho and Nevada.

  • 1959–1961: Summer employment as USGS geologist, mapping Frenchie Creek quadrangle, Nevada.

  • 1962–1963:  Full-time USGS employment as geologist mapping on Baranof Island and Keku Straits in SE Alaska.

  • 1964–1969:  Studies of active hydrothermal metamorphism in the Salton Sea geothermal field of Southern California; geologic mapping and research drilling in geyser basins of Yellowstone National Park.

  • 1970:  Detail to Geophysics Division, New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to  study geophysical techniques for geothermal exploration

  • 1971–1976:  Coordinator, USGS Geothermal Research Program.

  • 1976–2022:  Geothermal and volcanic studies in Lassen segment of the Cascades Volcanic Arc.

  • 1976–1977:  Developed techniques of geothermal resource assessment at the National Electrical Agency of Italy (ENEL), under a cooperative agreement between the USGS Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) and ENEL. 

  • 1977–1978:  Leadership of revised geothermal resource assessment of the United States.

  • 1983–1987:  Chief, Branch of Igneous and Geothermal Processes and Coordinator of USGS Geothermal Research and Volcano Hazards Programs.

  • 1997–2000:  Western Regional Geologist, responsible for Geologic Division activities west of the Rocky Mountains.

  • 2001–2022:  Volunteer Scientist Emeritus, Volcano Science Center, focusing on studies in the Lassen segment of the Cascades Volcanic Arc

Education and Certifications

  • 1954:  Graduate, Webb School of California (valedictorian)

  • 1958:  B.A. in geology, Pomona College (Magna Cum Laude)

  • 1962:  Ph.D. in geology, Princeton University

  • 1997:  Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville VA

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Geothermal Resources Council

  • Board of Directors, 1978–1983, 1992–1997

  • Second Vice-President, 1982

  • Education Committee Chair, 1980–1981

  • Publications Committee, 1992–present; responsible for GRC on-line library

  • Honors and Awards Committee, 1992–1995; Chair 1994–1995

  • Annual Meeting Advisory Committee, 1992–1993

  • Inspectors Committee, 1994

  • Technical Standards Committee, 1997

  • International Geothermal Association

  • Organizational Working Group, 1987–1989

  • Board of Directors, 1989–1995

  • Audit Committee Chair, 1989–1990

  • Information Committee, 1990–1997; Chair 1990–1992

  • Bylaws Committee, 1990

  • Program Committee, 1989–1994

  • Editor, IGA News, 1992–1993

  • American Geophysical Union

  • Chair of the Board of Associate Editors of the Geophysical Monograph Series, 1985–1986

  • Macelwane Medal Subcommittee 1989–1992; Chair 1990–1992

  • Meetings Committee, 1992–1996; Acting Chair 1993; Chair 1994–1996

  • Planning Committee, 1994–1996

  • Information Technology Committee, 1996-present

  • Geological Society of America, Fellow

  • Committee on Promotion of the Science of Geology, 1968

  • Society of Economic Geologists

  • Committee on Committees, 1983

  • Admissions Committee, 1984–1986

  • Sigma Xi

  • Phi Beta Kappa

Honors and Awards

  • Phi Beta Kappa scholar, Pomona College, 1958

  • Woodrow Wilson Fellowship for study at Princeton University 1958–1959

  • National Science Foundation Fellowships for study at Princeton University, 1959–1961

  • Meritorious Service Award, Department of the Interior

  • Distinguished Service Award, Department of the Interior, 1990

  • Joseph Aidlin Award, Geothermal Resources Council, 1988

  • Best Guidebook Award for Lassen guidebook, Geoscience Information Society, 2016

  • Dallas Peck award for Emeritus service, 2021

Abstracts and Presentations

  • Muffler, L.J.P., 1963, Forcible emplacement of epizonal plutons in the Cortez Mountains, north-central Nevada (abs.):  Geological Society of America, Special Paper 73, p. 208.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., and White, D.E., 1965, Recent metamorphism of Pliocene and Quaternary sediments of the Salton Sea geothermal field, California, USA (abs.):  Abstracts of the International Symposium on Volcanology, New Zealand, p. 119–120.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., White, D.E., Truesdell, A.H., and Fournier, R.O., 1967, Violent late Pleistocene hydrothermal explosions in Yellowstone National Park (abs.):  Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, New Orleans, p. 158.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., and White, D.E., 1968, Origin of CO2 in the Salton Sea geothermal system, southeastern California, U.S.A. (abs.):  International Geological Congress, 23d Session, Prague, Czechoslovakia, p. 385.

  • White, D.E., Muffler, L.J.P., Truesdell, A.H., and Fournier, R.O., 1968, Preliminary results of research drilling in Yellowstone thermal areas (abs.):  American Geophysical Union Transactions, v. 49, no. 1, p. 358.

  • Honda, Sakuro, and Muffler, L.J.P., 1969, Hydrothermal alteration in Yellowstone drill hole Y-1, Upper Geyser Basin (abs.):  American Geophysical Union, Transactions, v. 50, no. 4, p. 348.

  • White, D.E., Truesdell, A.H., and Muffler, L.J.P., 1970, Vapor-dominated hydrothermal systems (abs.):  American Geophysical Union, Transactions, v. 51, p. 453.

  • Griscom, A., and Muffler, L.J.P., 1971, Aeromagnetic survey of the Salton Sea geothermal field, southeastern California (abs.):  Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, v. 3, no. 2, p. 129.

  • Hamilton, R.M., and Muffler, L.J.P., 1971, Microearthquakes at The Geysers, California, geothermal area (abs.):  American Geophysical Union, Transactions, v. 52, p. 862.

  • Zohdy, A.A.R., Anderson, L.A., and Muffler, L.J.P., 1972, Resistivity, induced polarization and self-potential surveys of a vapor-dominated geothermal system (abs.):  Symposium on the Electrical Parameters of Rocks, Salt Lake City, March 15–16, 1972.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., 1973, Current world-wide utilization and ultimate potential of geothermal energy systems (abs.):  Symposium on Energy Delta--Supply vs. Demand, Science, and Technology, American Association for the Advancement of Science Meeting, San Francisco, Feb., 1974.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., and Bargar, K.E., 1973, Hydrothermal alteration of rhyolitic ash-flow tuff in the vapor-dominated geothermal system at Mud Volcano, Yellowstone National Park, USA (abs.):  International Symposium on Water-Rock Interaction, Prague, Czechoslovakia, Abstract Vol., p. 52.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., 1975, Tectonic and hydrologic control of the nature and distribution of geothermal resources (abs.):  Second United Nations Symposium on the Development and Use of Geothermal Resources, San Francisco, May 20–29, 1975, Abstract II-33.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., 1983, Scientific drilling to study the roots of active hydrothermal systems related to young magmatic intrusions (abs.):  Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, v. 15, no. 5, p. 434.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., 1986, Volcanic processes influencing development of geothermal resources (abs.):  American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, v. 70, no. 7, p. 931-932 [Fourth Circum-Pacific Energy and Mineral Resources Conference, Singapore, 18–22 August, 1986].

  • Muffler, L.J.P., and Clynne, M.A., 1989, Geologic map of the Lassen region, Cascade Range, USA (abs.):  Continental Magmatism, Abstracts, General Assembly of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 25 June to 01 July, 1989:  New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, Bulletin 131, p. 199.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., Clynne, M.A., and Holcomb, R.T., 1989, Late Quaternary faulting of the Hat Creek Basalt (abs.):  Eos (Transactions of the American Geophysical Union), v. 70, no. 43, p. 1310.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., Hedenquist, J.W., Kesler, S.E., and Izawa, E., 1992, Japan-U.S. Seminar on Magmatic Contributions to Hydrothermal Systems (abs.):  Eos (Transactions of the American Geophysical Union), v. 73, no. 14, Spring Meeting Supplement, p. 353.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., and Nathenson, Manuel, 1992, The importance of careful attention to terminology, uncertainties, and assumptions in the assessment of geothermal resources (abs.):  29th International Geological Congress, Abstracts, v. 3, p. 843.

  • Clynne, M.A., Muffler, L.J.P., and Christiansen, R.L., 2004, Late Quaternary volcanic units in the Lassen region of the Cascade Range:  recurrence intervals and intercalation with glacial deposits (abs.):  IAVCEI General Assembly, Pucón, Chile, Symposium 12b, abstract 12b_o_04.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., and Clynne, M.A., 2005, Overlapping calc-alkaline and tholeiitic magmatism in the southernmost Cascade Range (abs.):  Geochemical Society, 15th Goldschmidt Conference, Moscow, ID, Symposium S30, Geochemistry and geochronology of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, p. A268.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., Clynne, M.A., Calvert, A.T., and Champion, D.E., 2008, Eruption of discrete magma batches along a normal fault zone: The Poison Lake chain, Caribou Volcanic Field, southernmost Cascades (abs.):  Abstracts of Goldschmidt 2008, in Geochimica et Cosmochemica Acta, v. 72, no. 12S, p. A660. 

  • Muffler, L.J.P.,  Blakely, R.J., and Clynne, M.A., 2008, Interaction of the Walker Lane and the Cascade Volcanic Arc, Northern California (abs.): American Geophysical Union, Eos Trans. AGU, 89(53), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract T23B-2032.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., Blakely, R.J., and Clynne, M.A., 2009, Cascade Arc and Walker Lane interaction in the Lassen volcanic region, California (abs.):  Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, v. 41, no. 7, p. 64.6

  • Muffler, L.J.P., and M.A. Clynne, 2010, Derivative products based on the Geologic Map of Lassen Volcanic National Park and Vicinity, northern California (abs.):  Abstract V11C-2298 presented at 2010 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, Calif., 13–17 Dec.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., Champion, D.E., Calvert, A.T., and Clynne, M.A., 2012, Paleomagnetic, geochronologic, and petrologic data discriminate tholeiitic basalts of the northern Hat Creek graben, northeastern California (abs): Abstract V33B-2868 presented at 2012 Fall Meeting, AGU, San Francisco, Calif., 03–07 Dec. 

  • Muffler, L.J.P., Calvert, A.T., Champion, D.E., Clynne, M.A., Downs, D.T., and Christiansen, R.L., 2017. The Cascades volcanic arc between the Lassen Volcanic Center and Mount Shasta, northern California (abs.):  Proceedings of IAVCEI International Scientific Assembly, Portland, Oregon, August 14–18, 2017, abstract VH13B-190, p. 731.

  • Champion, D.E., Downs, D.T., Muffler, L.J.P., Clynne, M.A., and Calvert, A.T., 2017, Geologic mapping of the Burney-Pit River area, California, using a multidisciplinary approach (abs): Proceedings of IAVCEI International Scientific Assembly, Portland, Oregon, August 14–18, 2017, abstract VH13B-189, p. 187.

  • Muffler, L.J.P., Clynne, M.A., Champion, D.E., Downs, D.T., and Calvert, A.T., 2021, Volcanic and tectonic gap between the Lassen and Shasta segments of the Cascades Volcanic Arc (abs.),  Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 53, No. 4, doi: 10.1130/abs/2021CD-363084

Science and Products

Dataset Establishing Temporal Duration of Two Shield Volcanoes in Northern California

This dataset contains paleomagnetic data from 30 sites at two locations in northern California (16 sites at Ash Creek Butte and 14 sites at Crater Mountain), magnetic susceptibility-temperature curves for selected samples at Ash Creek Butte, and geochemical data for map units at Crater Mountain.
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Database for the Geologic Map of Pocket Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

This digital publication describes completely the hydrothermal, sedimentary, and volcanic deposits, as well as thermal features as a basis for understanding the hydrothermal processes and explosions in Pocket Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming at 1:2,400 scale.
By
Volcano Science Center, Yellowstone

Hazard zone boundaries for the volcano hazards assessment for the Lassen region, Northern California

This report evaluates the volcano-related hazards, including regional mafic lava flows, silicic lava domes, pyroclastic flows, lahars, and volcanic ash, of the Lassen region, California, which is here defined as an area between the Pit River on the north and the southern limit of active Cascade volcanism, approximately 5-10 km south of the southern boundary of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Most a
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Lassen Volcanic Center

Database for the Geologic Map of the Lassen Peak, Chaos Crags, and Upper Hat Creek Area, California

This is a database of the geologic map of the Lassen Peak, Chaos Crags, and Upper Hat Creek volcanic area as described in the original abstract: The Lassen Peak, Chaos Crags, and Upper Hat Creek map area lies near the southern end of the Cascade Range in northern California. The map area includes parts of the three elements that together form the Lassen volcanic center: the Lassen dacitic do
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Lassen Volcanic Center

Geologic map of the Lassen Peak, Chaos Crags, and Upper Hat Creek area, California

This digital publication contains all the information used to publish U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Investigations Series I-2723 (Christiansen and others, 2002). The map shows the distribution and relationships of volcanic and surficial-sedimentary deposits in an area of Lassen Volcanic National Park and vicinity. Emphasis is on products of the 1914-1917 eruptions of Lassen Peak and the approxim

Maps showing thermal features and topography of Devils Kitchen and Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

No abstract available.

Geologic map of lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

No abstract available.
By
Yellowstone

Geologic map of upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

No abstract available.
By
Yellowstone

Geologic map of the travertine deposits, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

No abstract available.
By
Yellowstone

Aeromagnetic map and interpretation of the Salton Sea geothermal area, California

No abstract available.
By
Salton Sea

Reconnaissance geologic map of Baranof and Kruzof Islands, Alaska

No abstract available.
Filter Total Items: 20

Cosmogenic 21Ne exposure ages on late Pleistocene moraines in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA

We report new cosmogenic 21Ne in quartz exposure ages from 18 samples on three distinct moraines deposited in the Lost Creek drainage, approximately 3–7 km down-valley from Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Although measuring 21Ne in quartz is generally straightforward, accurate 21Ne exposure dating of deposits of late Pleistocene is rarely possible due to the significant quantities of
Authors
Joseph P. Tulenko, Greg Balco, Michael A. Clynne, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Paleomagnetically defined brief lifespans for two large shield volcanoes in the Cascades Arc

Mafic to intermediate shield volcanoes with multi-cubic-kilometer eruptive volumes are common in the Cascades Volcanic Arc, but little is known about their eruptive histories as either singular or sustained episodes, or the total time required for their construction. Paleomagnetic data were collected from the lava flows of Ash Creek Butte (17 sites) and Crater Mountain (14 sites) in northern Calif
Authors
Anthony Francis Pivarunas, Dawnika Blatter, L.J. Patrick Muffler, Michael A. Clynne, Andrew T. Calvert, Lauren N Harrison, R.L. Christiansen
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Effects of structure and volcanic stratigraphy on groundwater and surface water flow: Hat Creek basin, California, USA

Hydrogeologic systems in the southern Cascade Range in California (USA) develop in volcanic rocks where morphology, stratigraphy, extensional structures, and attendant basin geometry play a central role in groundwater flow paths, groundwater/surface-water interactions, and spring discharge locations. High-volume springs (greater than 3 m3/s) flow from basin-filling (<800 ka) volcanic rocks in the
Authors
Marina Francesca Marcelli, Erick R. Burns, L.J. Patrick Muffler, Andrew J Meigs, Jennifer A. Curtis, Christian E. Torgersen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Volcano Hazards Program, California Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Science Center

A multidisciplinary investigation into the eruptive style, processes, and duration of a Cascades back-arc tholeiitic basalt: A case study of the Brushy Butte flow field, northern California, United States

The Cascades back-arc in northern California is dominated by monogenetic tholeiitic basalts that erupted throughout the Pleistocene. Elucidating their eruptive history and processes is important for understanding potential future eruptions here. We focus on the well-exposed monogenetic volcano that emplaced the Brushy Butte flow field, which constructed a ∼150 m tall edifice, has flow lobes up to
Authors
Drew T. Downs, Duane E. Champion, Michael A. Clynne, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Simultaneous Middle Pleistocene eruption of three widespread tholeiitic basalts in northern California (USA): Insights into crustal magma transport in an actively extending back arc

Mapping and chronology are central to understanding spatiotemporal volcanic trends in diverse tectonic settings. The Cascades back arc in northern California (USA) hosts abundant lava flows and normal faults, but tholeiitic basalts older than 200 ka are difficult to discriminate by classic mapping methods. Paleomagnetism and chemistry offer independent means of correlating basalts, including the T
Authors
Drew T. Downs, Duane E. Champion, L.J. Patrick Muffler, Robert L. Christiansen, Michael A. Clynne, Andrew T. Calvert
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Eruption age and duration of the ~9 km3 Burney Mountain dacite dome complex, northern California

At ~9 km3, the six dacite domes of Burney Mountain (db1–db6) constitute the most voluminous Quaternary dome complex in the Cascades volcanic arc. Whole-rock geochemistry, electron microprobe, and petrographic data indicate that the domes are magmatically related, which, when integrated with geomorphology and stratigraphy, indicate early (db1, db2, db3) and late (db4, db5, db6) erupted groups. We
Authors
Drew T. Downs, Michael A. Clynne, Duane E. Champion, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Pleistocene hydrothermal activity on Brokeoff volcano and in the Maidu volcanic center, Lassen Peak area, northeast California: Evolution of magmatic-hydrothermal systems on stratovolcanoes

Partially eroded stratovolcanoes worldwide, notably Mounts Rainier and Adams in the Cascades and several volcanoes in Japan, record episodic periods of eruption and geothermal activity that produce zones of hydrothermal alteration. The partly eroded core of late Pleistocene Brokeoff volcano on the south side of Lassen Peak exposes the upper 1 km of multiple ancient (ca. 410–300 ka) magmatic-hydrot
Authors
David A. John, Robert G. Lee, George N. Breit, John H. Dilles, Andrew T. Calvert, L.J. Patrick Muffler, Michael A. Clynne
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Geologic field-trip guide to the Lassen segment of the Cascades Arc, northern California

This field-trip guide provides an overview of Quaternary volcanism in and around Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, emphasizing the stratigraphy of the Lassen Volcanic Center. The guide is designed to be self-guided and to focus on geologic features and stratigraphy that can be seen easily from the road network.
Authors
Michael A. Clynne, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Overview for geologic field-trip guides to volcanoes of the Cascades Arc in northern California

The California Cascades field trip is a loop beginning and ending in Portland, Oregon. The route of day 1 goes eastward across the Cascades just south of Mount Hood, travels south along the east side of the Cascades for an overview of the central Oregon volcanoes (including Three Sisters and Newberry Volcano), and ends at Klamath Falls, Oregon. Day 2 and much of day 3 focus on Medicine Lake Volcan
Authors
L.J. Patrick Muffler, Julie M. Donnelly-Nolan, Timothy L. Grove, Michael A. Clynne, Robert L. Christiansen, Andrew T. Calvert, Juliet Ryan-Davis
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

A biographical memoir of Donald Edward White

Donald E. White was a leading scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey, where his career was devoted almost entirely to the study of hydrothermal processes in the Earth’s crust, from the dual perspectives of active geothermal systems and of extinct hydrothermal systems now represented only by ore deposits and alteration patterns. White was devoted to analyzing the mechanisms by which ore-forming m
Authors
L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Salton Sea

Structure of the Hat Creek graben region: Implications for the structure of the Hat Creek graben and transfer of right-lateral shear from the Walker Lane north of Lassen Peak, northern California, from gravity and magnetic anomalies

Interpretation of magnetic and new gravity data provides constraints on the geometry of the Hat Creek Fault, the amount of right-lateral offset in the area between Mt. Shasta and Lassen Peak, and confirmation of the influence of pre-existing structure on Quaternary faulting. Neogene volcanic rocks coincide with short-wavelength magnetic anomalies of both normal and reversed polarity, whereas a mar
Authors
Victoria E. Langenheim, Robert C. Jachens, Michael A. Clynne, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Geologic field-trip guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park and vicinity, California

This geologic field-trip guide provides an overview of Quaternary volcanism in and around Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California. The guide begins with a comprehensive overview of the geologic framework and the stratigraphic terminology of the Lassen region, based primarily on the “Geologic map of Lassen Volcanic National Park and vicinity” (Clynne and Muffler, 2010). The geologic ov
Authors
L.J. Patrick Muffler, Michael A. Clynne
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

**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.

A better understanding of Yellowstone hot springs and hydrothermal systems thanks to the outstanding achievements of Robert O. Fournier

A better understanding of Yellowstone hot springs and hydrothermal systems thanks to the outstanding achievements of Robert O. Fournier

Robert Fournier, who passed away in January 2023, was a pioneer in studying the hydrothermal system of Yellowstone National Park, laying the...

Read Article
Volcanism in Yellowstone: The outstanding legacy of Bob Christiansen

Volcanism in Yellowstone: The outstanding legacy of Bob Christiansen

Today we celebrate the life and career of Robert Christiansen (1935-2022), the first Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, a...

Read Article
Hydrothermal Research in Yellowstone—the lasting legacy of Donald E. White

Hydrothermal Research in Yellowstone—the lasting legacy of Donald E. White

One of the most distinguished researchers and staunchest supporters of Yellowstone was Don White (1914-2002) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Don...

Read Article

Science and Products

Dataset Establishing Temporal Duration of Two Shield Volcanoes in Northern California

This dataset contains paleomagnetic data from 30 sites at two locations in northern California (16 sites at Ash Creek Butte and 14 sites at Crater Mountain), magnetic susceptibility-temperature curves for selected samples at Ash Creek Butte, and geochemical data for map units at Crater Mountain.
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Database for the Geologic Map of Pocket Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

This digital publication describes completely the hydrothermal, sedimentary, and volcanic deposits, as well as thermal features as a basis for understanding the hydrothermal processes and explosions in Pocket Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming at 1:2,400 scale.
By
Volcano Science Center, Yellowstone

Hazard zone boundaries for the volcano hazards assessment for the Lassen region, Northern California

This report evaluates the volcano-related hazards, including regional mafic lava flows, silicic lava domes, pyroclastic flows, lahars, and volcanic ash, of the Lassen region, California, which is here defined as an area between the Pit River on the north and the southern limit of active Cascade volcanism, approximately 5-10 km south of the southern boundary of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Most a
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Lassen Volcanic Center

Database for the Geologic Map of the Lassen Peak, Chaos Crags, and Upper Hat Creek Area, California

This is a database of the geologic map of the Lassen Peak, Chaos Crags, and Upper Hat Creek volcanic area as described in the original abstract: The Lassen Peak, Chaos Crags, and Upper Hat Creek map area lies near the southern end of the Cascade Range in northern California. The map area includes parts of the three elements that together form the Lassen volcanic center: the Lassen dacitic do
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Lassen Volcanic Center

Geologic map of the Lassen Peak, Chaos Crags, and Upper Hat Creek area, California

This digital publication contains all the information used to publish U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Investigations Series I-2723 (Christiansen and others, 2002). The map shows the distribution and relationships of volcanic and surficial-sedimentary deposits in an area of Lassen Volcanic National Park and vicinity. Emphasis is on products of the 1914-1917 eruptions of Lassen Peak and the approxim

Maps showing thermal features and topography of Devils Kitchen and Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

No abstract available.

Geologic map of lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

No abstract available.
By
Yellowstone

Geologic map of upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

No abstract available.
By
Yellowstone

Geologic map of the travertine deposits, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

No abstract available.
By
Yellowstone

Aeromagnetic map and interpretation of the Salton Sea geothermal area, California

No abstract available.
By
Salton Sea

Reconnaissance geologic map of Baranof and Kruzof Islands, Alaska

No abstract available.
Filter Total Items: 20

Cosmogenic 21Ne exposure ages on late Pleistocene moraines in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA

We report new cosmogenic 21Ne in quartz exposure ages from 18 samples on three distinct moraines deposited in the Lost Creek drainage, approximately 3–7 km down-valley from Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Although measuring 21Ne in quartz is generally straightforward, accurate 21Ne exposure dating of deposits of late Pleistocene is rarely possible due to the significant quantities of
Authors
Joseph P. Tulenko, Greg Balco, Michael A. Clynne, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Paleomagnetically defined brief lifespans for two large shield volcanoes in the Cascades Arc

Mafic to intermediate shield volcanoes with multi-cubic-kilometer eruptive volumes are common in the Cascades Volcanic Arc, but little is known about their eruptive histories as either singular or sustained episodes, or the total time required for their construction. Paleomagnetic data were collected from the lava flows of Ash Creek Butte (17 sites) and Crater Mountain (14 sites) in northern Calif
Authors
Anthony Francis Pivarunas, Dawnika Blatter, L.J. Patrick Muffler, Michael A. Clynne, Andrew T. Calvert, Lauren N Harrison, R.L. Christiansen
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Effects of structure and volcanic stratigraphy on groundwater and surface water flow: Hat Creek basin, California, USA

Hydrogeologic systems in the southern Cascade Range in California (USA) develop in volcanic rocks where morphology, stratigraphy, extensional structures, and attendant basin geometry play a central role in groundwater flow paths, groundwater/surface-water interactions, and spring discharge locations. High-volume springs (greater than 3 m3/s) flow from basin-filling (<800 ka) volcanic rocks in the
Authors
Marina Francesca Marcelli, Erick R. Burns, L.J. Patrick Muffler, Andrew J Meigs, Jennifer A. Curtis, Christian E. Torgersen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Volcano Hazards Program, California Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Science Center

A multidisciplinary investigation into the eruptive style, processes, and duration of a Cascades back-arc tholeiitic basalt: A case study of the Brushy Butte flow field, northern California, United States

The Cascades back-arc in northern California is dominated by monogenetic tholeiitic basalts that erupted throughout the Pleistocene. Elucidating their eruptive history and processes is important for understanding potential future eruptions here. We focus on the well-exposed monogenetic volcano that emplaced the Brushy Butte flow field, which constructed a ∼150 m tall edifice, has flow lobes up to
Authors
Drew T. Downs, Duane E. Champion, Michael A. Clynne, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Simultaneous Middle Pleistocene eruption of three widespread tholeiitic basalts in northern California (USA): Insights into crustal magma transport in an actively extending back arc

Mapping and chronology are central to understanding spatiotemporal volcanic trends in diverse tectonic settings. The Cascades back arc in northern California (USA) hosts abundant lava flows and normal faults, but tholeiitic basalts older than 200 ka are difficult to discriminate by classic mapping methods. Paleomagnetism and chemistry offer independent means of correlating basalts, including the T
Authors
Drew T. Downs, Duane E. Champion, L.J. Patrick Muffler, Robert L. Christiansen, Michael A. Clynne, Andrew T. Calvert
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Eruption age and duration of the ~9 km3 Burney Mountain dacite dome complex, northern California

At ~9 km3, the six dacite domes of Burney Mountain (db1–db6) constitute the most voluminous Quaternary dome complex in the Cascades volcanic arc. Whole-rock geochemistry, electron microprobe, and petrographic data indicate that the domes are magmatically related, which, when integrated with geomorphology and stratigraphy, indicate early (db1, db2, db3) and late (db4, db5, db6) erupted groups. We
Authors
Drew T. Downs, Michael A. Clynne, Duane E. Champion, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Pleistocene hydrothermal activity on Brokeoff volcano and in the Maidu volcanic center, Lassen Peak area, northeast California: Evolution of magmatic-hydrothermal systems on stratovolcanoes

Partially eroded stratovolcanoes worldwide, notably Mounts Rainier and Adams in the Cascades and several volcanoes in Japan, record episodic periods of eruption and geothermal activity that produce zones of hydrothermal alteration. The partly eroded core of late Pleistocene Brokeoff volcano on the south side of Lassen Peak exposes the upper 1 km of multiple ancient (ca. 410–300 ka) magmatic-hydrot
Authors
David A. John, Robert G. Lee, George N. Breit, John H. Dilles, Andrew T. Calvert, L.J. Patrick Muffler, Michael A. Clynne
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Geologic field-trip guide to the Lassen segment of the Cascades Arc, northern California

This field-trip guide provides an overview of Quaternary volcanism in and around Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, emphasizing the stratigraphy of the Lassen Volcanic Center. The guide is designed to be self-guided and to focus on geologic features and stratigraphy that can be seen easily from the road network.
Authors
Michael A. Clynne, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Overview for geologic field-trip guides to volcanoes of the Cascades Arc in northern California

The California Cascades field trip is a loop beginning and ending in Portland, Oregon. The route of day 1 goes eastward across the Cascades just south of Mount Hood, travels south along the east side of the Cascades for an overview of the central Oregon volcanoes (including Three Sisters and Newberry Volcano), and ends at Klamath Falls, Oregon. Day 2 and much of day 3 focus on Medicine Lake Volcan
Authors
L.J. Patrick Muffler, Julie M. Donnelly-Nolan, Timothy L. Grove, Michael A. Clynne, Robert L. Christiansen, Andrew T. Calvert, Juliet Ryan-Davis
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

A biographical memoir of Donald Edward White

Donald E. White was a leading scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey, where his career was devoted almost entirely to the study of hydrothermal processes in the Earth’s crust, from the dual perspectives of active geothermal systems and of extinct hydrothermal systems now represented only by ore deposits and alteration patterns. White was devoted to analyzing the mechanisms by which ore-forming m
Authors
L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Salton Sea

Structure of the Hat Creek graben region: Implications for the structure of the Hat Creek graben and transfer of right-lateral shear from the Walker Lane north of Lassen Peak, northern California, from gravity and magnetic anomalies

Interpretation of magnetic and new gravity data provides constraints on the geometry of the Hat Creek Fault, the amount of right-lateral offset in the area between Mt. Shasta and Lassen Peak, and confirmation of the influence of pre-existing structure on Quaternary faulting. Neogene volcanic rocks coincide with short-wavelength magnetic anomalies of both normal and reversed polarity, whereas a mar
Authors
Victoria E. Langenheim, Robert C. Jachens, Michael A. Clynne, L.J. Patrick Muffler
By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Geologic field-trip guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park and vicinity, California

This geologic field-trip guide provides an overview of Quaternary volcanism in and around Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California. The guide begins with a comprehensive overview of the geologic framework and the stratigraphic terminology of the Lassen region, based primarily on the “Geologic map of Lassen Volcanic National Park and vicinity” (Clynne and Muffler, 2010). The geologic ov
Authors
L.J. Patrick Muffler, Michael A. Clynne
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Volcano Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

**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.

A better understanding of Yellowstone hot springs and hydrothermal systems thanks to the outstanding achievements of Robert O. Fournier

A better understanding of Yellowstone hot springs and hydrothermal systems thanks to the outstanding achievements of Robert O. Fournier

Robert Fournier, who passed away in January 2023, was a pioneer in studying the hydrothermal system of Yellowstone National Park, laying the...

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Volcanism in Yellowstone: The outstanding legacy of Bob Christiansen

Volcanism in Yellowstone: The outstanding legacy of Bob Christiansen

Today we celebrate the life and career of Robert Christiansen (1935-2022), the first Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, a...

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Hydrothermal Research in Yellowstone—the lasting legacy of Donald E. White

Hydrothermal Research in Yellowstone—the lasting legacy of Donald E. White

One of the most distinguished researchers and staunchest supporters of Yellowstone was Don White (1914-2002) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Don...

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*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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