Paul A Bedrosian
Paul is an expert in the development and application of electromagnetic geophysical methods to framework tectonics, resource assessment, natural hazards and fundamental Earth processes. His work has investigated seismic variability along the San Andreas Fault, tectonics of the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest, and the structure of Mount St. Helens. His current research is on regional-scale mine
Research Interests
- Structure and evolution of active and fossil tectonic margins
- Geophysical imaging of hydrothermal and magmatic systems
- Joint interpretation of coincident geophysical data sets
- Advanced processing and modeling techniques for imaging earth structure
Professional Experience
2008-present, Research Geophysicist, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado
2005-2007, Mendenhall Fellow, U.S Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado
2002-2004, Humboldt Fellow, GeoForschungsZentrum, Potsdam Germany
1998-2002, Research Assistant, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Physics, University of Washington, 2002
M.S. Physics, University of Washington, 1998
B.S. Physics, University Of Minnesota, 1996
B.S. Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 1996
Affiliations and Memberships*
2010-present, Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience (faculty)
2018-present, Earth, Planets and Space Journal (editor)
American Geophysical Union
Geological Society of America
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Estimated peak geoelectric field strengths during a Carrington-class magnetic storm Estimated peak geoelectric field strengths during a Carrington-class magnetic storm
This dataset presents modeled estimates of peak one-minute-resolution geoelectric-field strengths at 1,616 survey sites across the contiguous United States during a hypothetical Carrington-class magnetic storm. The values are derived using magnetometer time series and magnetotelluric impedance tensors. Each entry includes a most-likely value and a 68% confidence interval.
Filter Total Items: 93
Importance of understanding bottom-up control when characterizing geothermal systems Importance of understanding bottom-up control when characterizing geothermal systems
Methods designed to identify favorable areas for geothermal resources have traditionally been focused on near-surface information, namely data that can be compiled into a 2D map. However, these methods fail to account for the third dimension: depth. As a result, they do not incorporate deep crustal and mantle features like heat sources. Geophysical methods with multi-scale capabilities...
Authors
Jared R. Peacock, Paul A. Bedrosian
The March 1940 superstorm: Geoelectromagnetic hazards and impacts on American communication and power systems The March 1940 superstorm: Geoelectromagnetic hazards and impacts on American communication and power systems
An analysis is made of geophysical records of the 24 March 1940, magnetic storm and related reports of interference on long-line communication and power systems across the contiguous United States and, to a lesser extent, Canada. Most long-line system interference occurred during local daytime, after the second of two storm sudden commencements and during the early part of the storm's...
Authors
Jeffrey J. Love, E. Joshua Rigler, Michael D Hartinger, Greg M. Lucas, Anna Kelbert, Paul A. Bedrosian
Subsurface characterization of the Duluth Complex and related intrusions from 3D modeling of gravity and magnetotelluric data Subsurface characterization of the Duluth Complex and related intrusions from 3D modeling of gravity and magnetotelluric data
No abstract available.
Authors
Dana E. Peterson, Paul A. Bedrosian, Carol A. Finn
Geoelectric constraints on the Precambrian assembly and architecture of southern Laurentia Geoelectric constraints on the Precambrian assembly and architecture of southern Laurentia
Using images from an updated and expanded three-dimensional electrical conductivity synthesis model for the contiguous United States (CONUS), we highlight the key continent-scale geoelectric structures that are associated with the Precambrian assembly of southern Laurentia. Conductivity anomalies are associated with the Trans-Hudson orogen, the Penokean suture, the ca. 1.8–1.7 Ga...
Authors
Benjamin Scott Murphy, Paul A. Bedrosian, Anna Kelbert
The nature of active magma reservoirs and storage underneath Cascade volcanoes The nature of active magma reservoirs and storage underneath Cascade volcanoes
Volcanic activity is dictated by crustal pathways and reservoirs through which magma ascends and collects. The Cascades are a natural laboratory to study the variable influence of the crust on erupted magmas and subterranean reservoirs. The interaction of ascending magmas with the variable subduction geometry and tectonics of the overriding North American plate have given rise to a...
Authors
Josef Dufek, Kathy Cashman, Emily Hooft, Paul A. Bedrosian
Graphite as an electrically conductive indicator of ancient crustal-scale fluid flow within mineral systems Graphite as an electrically conductive indicator of ancient crustal-scale fluid flow within mineral systems
Magnetotelluric (MT) imaging results from mineral provinces in Australia and in the United States show an apparent spatial relationship between crustal-scale electrical conductivity anomalies and major magmatic-hydrothermal iron oxide-apatite/iron oxide-copper-gold (IOA-IOCG) deposits. Although these observations have driven substantial interest in the use of MT data to image ancient...
Authors
Benjamin Scott Murphy, Jan Marten Huizenga, Paul A. Bedrosian
Fluid transport and storage in the Cascadia forearc influenced by overriding plate lithology Fluid transport and storage in the Cascadia forearc influenced by overriding plate lithology
Subduction of hydrated oceanic lithosphere can carry water deep into the Earth, with consequences for a range of tectonic and magmatic processes. Most of the fluid is released in the forearc where it plays a critical role in controlling the mechanical properties and seismic behaviour of the subduction megathrust. Here we present results from three-dimensional inversions of data from...
Authors
Gary D. Egbert, Bo Yang, Paul A. Bedrosian, Kerry Key, Dean Livelybrooks, Adam Schultz, Anna Kelbert, Blake Parris
Geophysical extent of the Wyoming Province, western USA: Insights into ancient subduction and craton stability Geophysical extent of the Wyoming Province, western USA: Insights into ancient subduction and craton stability
A new 3-D resistivity model, estimated from inversion of magnetotelluric data, images crustal and upper-mantle structure of the Wyoming Province and adjacent areas. The Archean province is imaged as a coherent resistive domain, in sharp contrast to active tectonic domains of the western U.S. Prominent high-conductivity belts define the northern, eastern, and southern margins of the...
Authors
Paul A. Bedrosian, Carol D. Frost
Mapping a magnetic superstorm: March 1989 geoelectric hazards and impacts on United States power systems Mapping a magnetic superstorm: March 1989 geoelectric hazards and impacts on United States power systems
A study is made of the relationships between geomagnetic and geoelectric field variation, Earth-surface impedance, and operational interference (anomalies) experienced on electric-power systems across the contiguous United States during the March 13-14, 1989 magnetic storm. For this, a 1-minute-resolution sequence of geomagnetic field maps is constructed from magnetometer time series...
Authors
Jeffrey J. Love, Greg M. Lucas, E. Joshua Rigler, Benjamin Scott Murphy, Anna Kelbert, Paul A. Bedrosian
Trans-crustal structural control of CO2-rich extensional magmatic systems revealed at Mount Erebus Antarctica Trans-crustal structural control of CO2-rich extensional magmatic systems revealed at Mount Erebus Antarctica
Erebus volcano, Antarctica, with its persistent phonolite lava lake, is a classic example of an evolved, CO2-rich rift volcano. Seismic studies provide limited images of the magmatic system. Here we show using magnetotelluric data that a steep, melt-related conduit of low electrical resistivity originating in the upper mantle undergoes pronounced lateral re-orientation in the deep crust...
Authors
Graham J Hill, Phil E Wannamaker, Virginie Maris, J. A. Stodt, Michael Kordy, Martyn J. Unsworth, Paul A. Bedrosian, Erin L. Wallin, Danny F. Uhlmann, Yasuo Ogawa, Philip R. Kyle
Lithospheric conductors reveal source regions of convergent margin mineral systems Lithospheric conductors reveal source regions of convergent margin mineral systems
The clean energy transition will require a vast increase in metal supply, yet new mineral deposit discoveries are declining, due in part to challenges associated with exploring under sedimentary and volcanic cover. Recently, several case studies have demonstrated links between lithospheric electrical conductors imaged using magnetotelluric (MT) data and mineral deposits, notably Iron...
Authors
Alison Kirkby, Karol Czarnota, David L. Huston, David C. Champion, Michael P. Doublier, Paul A. Bedrosian, Jinming Duan, Graham Heinson
Geophysical imaging of the Yellowstone hydrothermal plumbing system Geophysical imaging of the Yellowstone hydrothermal plumbing system
The nature of Yellowstone National Park’s plumbing system linking deep thermal fluids to its legendary thermal features is virtually unknown. The prevailing concepts of Yellowstone hydrology and chemistry are that fluids reside in reservoirs with unknown geometries, flow laterally from distal sources and emerge at the edges of lava flows. Here we present a high-resolution synoptic view...
Authors
Carol A. Finn, Paul A. Bedrosian, W. Steven Holbrook, Esben Auken, Benjamin R. Bloss, Kayla J Crosbie
Non-USGS Publications**
P.A. Bedrosian, M.J. Unsworth, G.D. Egbert and C.H. Thurber. 2004. Geophysical images of the creeping San Andreas Fault: Implications for the role of crustal fluids in the earthquake process, Tectonophys., 385(1-4), doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2004.02.010.
M.J. Unsworth and P.A. Bedrosian. 2004. Electrical resistivity structure at the SAFOD site from magnetotelluric exploration, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31(12), doi:10.1029/2003GL019045.
M.J. Unsworth and P.A. Bedrosian. 2004. On the geoelectric structure of major strike-slip faults and shear zones., Earth, Planets and Space, 56, 1177–1184, doi:10.1186/BF03353337.
M.J. Unsworth, W. Wenbo, A. G. Jones, S. Li, P.A. Bedrosian, J. Booker, J. Sheng, D. Ming and T. Handong. 2004. Crustal and upper mantle structure of Northern Tibet imaged with magnetotelluric data, J. Geophys. Res., 109, doi:10.1029/2002JB002305.
P.A. Bedrosian, M.J. Unsworth and G.D. Egbert. 2002. Magnetotelluric imaging of the creeping segment of the San Andreas Fault near Hollister, Geophys. Res. Lett., 29(11), 1506, doi:10.1029/2001GL014119.
M. Unsworth, O.C. Enriquez, S. Belmonte, J. Arzate and P.A. Bedrosian. 2002. Crustal structure of the Chicxulub Impact Crater imaged with magnetotelluric exploration, Geophys. Res. Lett., 29(16), 1788, doi:10.1029/2002GL014998.
P.A. Bedrosian, M.J. Unsworth and F. Wang. 2001. Structure of the Altyn Tagh Fault and Daxue Shan from magnetotelluric surveys: Implications for faulting associated with the rise of the Tibetan Plateau, Tectonics, 20, 474-486, doi:10.1029/2000TC001215.
W. Wenbo, M. Unsworth, A. Jones, J. Booker, H. Tan, D. Nelson, L. Chen, S. Li, K. Solon, P.A. Bedrosian, S. Jin, M. Deng, J. Ledo, D. Kay and B. Roberts. 2001. Widespread fluids in the Tibetan Crust, Science, 292(5517), 716-718, doi:10.1126/science.1010580.
M. Unsworth, P.A. Bedrosian, M. Eisel, G. Egbert and W. Siripunvaraporn. 2000. Along-strike variations in the electrical structure of the San Andreas Fault at Parkfield, California, Geophys. Res. Lett., 27(18), 3021-3024, doi:10.1029/2000GL011476.
**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.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Estimated peak geoelectric field strengths during a Carrington-class magnetic storm Estimated peak geoelectric field strengths during a Carrington-class magnetic storm
This dataset presents modeled estimates of peak one-minute-resolution geoelectric-field strengths at 1,616 survey sites across the contiguous United States during a hypothetical Carrington-class magnetic storm. The values are derived using magnetometer time series and magnetotelluric impedance tensors. Each entry includes a most-likely value and a 68% confidence interval.
Filter Total Items: 93
Importance of understanding bottom-up control when characterizing geothermal systems Importance of understanding bottom-up control when characterizing geothermal systems
Methods designed to identify favorable areas for geothermal resources have traditionally been focused on near-surface information, namely data that can be compiled into a 2D map. However, these methods fail to account for the third dimension: depth. As a result, they do not incorporate deep crustal and mantle features like heat sources. Geophysical methods with multi-scale capabilities...
Authors
Jared R. Peacock, Paul A. Bedrosian
The March 1940 superstorm: Geoelectromagnetic hazards and impacts on American communication and power systems The March 1940 superstorm: Geoelectromagnetic hazards and impacts on American communication and power systems
An analysis is made of geophysical records of the 24 March 1940, magnetic storm and related reports of interference on long-line communication and power systems across the contiguous United States and, to a lesser extent, Canada. Most long-line system interference occurred during local daytime, after the second of two storm sudden commencements and during the early part of the storm's...
Authors
Jeffrey J. Love, E. Joshua Rigler, Michael D Hartinger, Greg M. Lucas, Anna Kelbert, Paul A. Bedrosian
Subsurface characterization of the Duluth Complex and related intrusions from 3D modeling of gravity and magnetotelluric data Subsurface characterization of the Duluth Complex and related intrusions from 3D modeling of gravity and magnetotelluric data
No abstract available.
Authors
Dana E. Peterson, Paul A. Bedrosian, Carol A. Finn
Geoelectric constraints on the Precambrian assembly and architecture of southern Laurentia Geoelectric constraints on the Precambrian assembly and architecture of southern Laurentia
Using images from an updated and expanded three-dimensional electrical conductivity synthesis model for the contiguous United States (CONUS), we highlight the key continent-scale geoelectric structures that are associated with the Precambrian assembly of southern Laurentia. Conductivity anomalies are associated with the Trans-Hudson orogen, the Penokean suture, the ca. 1.8–1.7 Ga...
Authors
Benjamin Scott Murphy, Paul A. Bedrosian, Anna Kelbert
The nature of active magma reservoirs and storage underneath Cascade volcanoes The nature of active magma reservoirs and storage underneath Cascade volcanoes
Volcanic activity is dictated by crustal pathways and reservoirs through which magma ascends and collects. The Cascades are a natural laboratory to study the variable influence of the crust on erupted magmas and subterranean reservoirs. The interaction of ascending magmas with the variable subduction geometry and tectonics of the overriding North American plate have given rise to a...
Authors
Josef Dufek, Kathy Cashman, Emily Hooft, Paul A. Bedrosian
Graphite as an electrically conductive indicator of ancient crustal-scale fluid flow within mineral systems Graphite as an electrically conductive indicator of ancient crustal-scale fluid flow within mineral systems
Magnetotelluric (MT) imaging results from mineral provinces in Australia and in the United States show an apparent spatial relationship between crustal-scale electrical conductivity anomalies and major magmatic-hydrothermal iron oxide-apatite/iron oxide-copper-gold (IOA-IOCG) deposits. Although these observations have driven substantial interest in the use of MT data to image ancient...
Authors
Benjamin Scott Murphy, Jan Marten Huizenga, Paul A. Bedrosian
Fluid transport and storage in the Cascadia forearc influenced by overriding plate lithology Fluid transport and storage in the Cascadia forearc influenced by overriding plate lithology
Subduction of hydrated oceanic lithosphere can carry water deep into the Earth, with consequences for a range of tectonic and magmatic processes. Most of the fluid is released in the forearc where it plays a critical role in controlling the mechanical properties and seismic behaviour of the subduction megathrust. Here we present results from three-dimensional inversions of data from...
Authors
Gary D. Egbert, Bo Yang, Paul A. Bedrosian, Kerry Key, Dean Livelybrooks, Adam Schultz, Anna Kelbert, Blake Parris
Geophysical extent of the Wyoming Province, western USA: Insights into ancient subduction and craton stability Geophysical extent of the Wyoming Province, western USA: Insights into ancient subduction and craton stability
A new 3-D resistivity model, estimated from inversion of magnetotelluric data, images crustal and upper-mantle structure of the Wyoming Province and adjacent areas. The Archean province is imaged as a coherent resistive domain, in sharp contrast to active tectonic domains of the western U.S. Prominent high-conductivity belts define the northern, eastern, and southern margins of the...
Authors
Paul A. Bedrosian, Carol D. Frost
Mapping a magnetic superstorm: March 1989 geoelectric hazards and impacts on United States power systems Mapping a magnetic superstorm: March 1989 geoelectric hazards and impacts on United States power systems
A study is made of the relationships between geomagnetic and geoelectric field variation, Earth-surface impedance, and operational interference (anomalies) experienced on electric-power systems across the contiguous United States during the March 13-14, 1989 magnetic storm. For this, a 1-minute-resolution sequence of geomagnetic field maps is constructed from magnetometer time series...
Authors
Jeffrey J. Love, Greg M. Lucas, E. Joshua Rigler, Benjamin Scott Murphy, Anna Kelbert, Paul A. Bedrosian
Trans-crustal structural control of CO2-rich extensional magmatic systems revealed at Mount Erebus Antarctica Trans-crustal structural control of CO2-rich extensional magmatic systems revealed at Mount Erebus Antarctica
Erebus volcano, Antarctica, with its persistent phonolite lava lake, is a classic example of an evolved, CO2-rich rift volcano. Seismic studies provide limited images of the magmatic system. Here we show using magnetotelluric data that a steep, melt-related conduit of low electrical resistivity originating in the upper mantle undergoes pronounced lateral re-orientation in the deep crust...
Authors
Graham J Hill, Phil E Wannamaker, Virginie Maris, J. A. Stodt, Michael Kordy, Martyn J. Unsworth, Paul A. Bedrosian, Erin L. Wallin, Danny F. Uhlmann, Yasuo Ogawa, Philip R. Kyle
Lithospheric conductors reveal source regions of convergent margin mineral systems Lithospheric conductors reveal source regions of convergent margin mineral systems
The clean energy transition will require a vast increase in metal supply, yet new mineral deposit discoveries are declining, due in part to challenges associated with exploring under sedimentary and volcanic cover. Recently, several case studies have demonstrated links between lithospheric electrical conductors imaged using magnetotelluric (MT) data and mineral deposits, notably Iron...
Authors
Alison Kirkby, Karol Czarnota, David L. Huston, David C. Champion, Michael P. Doublier, Paul A. Bedrosian, Jinming Duan, Graham Heinson
Geophysical imaging of the Yellowstone hydrothermal plumbing system Geophysical imaging of the Yellowstone hydrothermal plumbing system
The nature of Yellowstone National Park’s plumbing system linking deep thermal fluids to its legendary thermal features is virtually unknown. The prevailing concepts of Yellowstone hydrology and chemistry are that fluids reside in reservoirs with unknown geometries, flow laterally from distal sources and emerge at the edges of lava flows. Here we present a high-resolution synoptic view...
Authors
Carol A. Finn, Paul A. Bedrosian, W. Steven Holbrook, Esben Auken, Benjamin R. Bloss, Kayla J Crosbie
Non-USGS Publications**
P.A. Bedrosian, M.J. Unsworth, G.D. Egbert and C.H. Thurber. 2004. Geophysical images of the creeping San Andreas Fault: Implications for the role of crustal fluids in the earthquake process, Tectonophys., 385(1-4), doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2004.02.010.
M.J. Unsworth and P.A. Bedrosian. 2004. Electrical resistivity structure at the SAFOD site from magnetotelluric exploration, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31(12), doi:10.1029/2003GL019045.
M.J. Unsworth and P.A. Bedrosian. 2004. On the geoelectric structure of major strike-slip faults and shear zones., Earth, Planets and Space, 56, 1177–1184, doi:10.1186/BF03353337.
M.J. Unsworth, W. Wenbo, A. G. Jones, S. Li, P.A. Bedrosian, J. Booker, J. Sheng, D. Ming and T. Handong. 2004. Crustal and upper mantle structure of Northern Tibet imaged with magnetotelluric data, J. Geophys. Res., 109, doi:10.1029/2002JB002305.
P.A. Bedrosian, M.J. Unsworth and G.D. Egbert. 2002. Magnetotelluric imaging of the creeping segment of the San Andreas Fault near Hollister, Geophys. Res. Lett., 29(11), 1506, doi:10.1029/2001GL014119.
M. Unsworth, O.C. Enriquez, S. Belmonte, J. Arzate and P.A. Bedrosian. 2002. Crustal structure of the Chicxulub Impact Crater imaged with magnetotelluric exploration, Geophys. Res. Lett., 29(16), 1788, doi:10.1029/2002GL014998.
P.A. Bedrosian, M.J. Unsworth and F. Wang. 2001. Structure of the Altyn Tagh Fault and Daxue Shan from magnetotelluric surveys: Implications for faulting associated with the rise of the Tibetan Plateau, Tectonics, 20, 474-486, doi:10.1029/2000TC001215.
W. Wenbo, M. Unsworth, A. Jones, J. Booker, H. Tan, D. Nelson, L. Chen, S. Li, K. Solon, P.A. Bedrosian, S. Jin, M. Deng, J. Ledo, D. Kay and B. Roberts. 2001. Widespread fluids in the Tibetan Crust, Science, 292(5517), 716-718, doi:10.1126/science.1010580.
M. Unsworth, P.A. Bedrosian, M. Eisel, G. Egbert and W. Siripunvaraporn. 2000. Along-strike variations in the electrical structure of the San Andreas Fault at Parkfield, California, Geophys. Res. Lett., 27(18), 3021-3024, doi:10.1029/2000GL011476.
**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.
*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