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Peter J Haeussler, Ph.D.

Most of my research is related to earthquake and tsunami hazards in Alaska, with a focus on paleoseismology, submarine landslides, and active faulting. I am the Alaska Coordinator for the Earthquake Hazards Program of the USGS. I also study various aspects of the framework geology of Alaska, with a focus on neotectonics and tectonics.  

I use various tools to understand earthquakes and earthquake hazards in Alaska. I’ve studied the tectonic evolution of parts of Alaska, accretionary prisms along Alaska’s margin, forearc and splay faulting, submarine landslides, mountain building and exhumation, landscape evolution, glacial histories, and sedimentary basins. I’ve worked with marine and terrestrial seismic reflection and potential field data. Current work is focused on lacustrine paleoseismology, splay faulting, and various seismic hazards projects.

Professional Experience

  • 1994 - Present  Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Anchorage, AK

  • 1992 - 1994       Postdoctoral Researcher, U.S. Geological Survey, Anchorage, AK

  • 1992                   Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA

  • 1986 - 1991       Research Assistant, University of California Santa Cruz

  • 1985 - 1988       Teaching Assistant, University of California Santa Cruz

  • 1985                   Geologist, Lancer Energy Corporation, Wilmore, KY

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D.   1991   University of California Santa Cruz    Earth Sciences

  • B.S.     1984    Michigan State University       Geology

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • 1985-present, American Geophysical Union

  • 1985-present, Geological Society of America

  • 1992-present, Alaska Geological Society

  • 2010-present, Seismological Society of America

Honors and Awards

  • Fellow, Geological Society of America

Science and Products

*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