High-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin acquired by Quickbird-2 on September 11, 2006 and WorldView-3 on March 30, 2022. Note the change in color of Nuphar lake, from deep green to light blue, over time, as well as the increased evidence of flow from thermal features on the east side of Porcelain Bas
Richard Gregory Vaughan, PhD
I am a research scientist who specializes in using remote sensing tools and techniques to study dynamic geologic and environmental processes, with an emphasis on volcanic and geothermal phenomena.
I am originally from Charlottesville, VA. I attended Virginia Tech (BS Geology, 1992); then went to grad school at the University of Georgia, where I studied the sulfur isotope geochemistry of seafloor hydrothermal sulfide deposits (black smoker chimneys) and got to go on a research cruise to the East Pacific Rise and dive in the Alvin submersible (MS 1995). I then spent a few years working as a field geologist in the mineral exploration / mining industry in Nevada. I returned to academia at the University of Nevada Reno (PhD 2004). My PhD project, funded by NASA, was focused on using infrared imaging spectroscopy to identify and map surface minerals associated with active geothermal systems, hydrothermal alteration, and acid mine drainage.
In October 2004, I started a Caltech postdoc at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, CA. Coincident with my first day on the job, Mount St Helens began a renewed lava dome eruption that lasted until 2008. Quite fortuitously, there was a NASA remote sensing aircraft in the region, already scheduled to acquire some high-resolution visible, thermal infrared, and LiDAR data in the Cascades. So, I hit the ground running, applying remote sensing expertise to study something that had long been an interest: active volcanism. Ever since, my research has focused on the remote characterization of thermal emission from active volcanic and geothermal areas.
I started my career at the USGS in 2008 as a Mendenhall postdoc, studying thermal activity in Yellowstone using satellite thermal infrared data. I am the remote sensing team lead for the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory and work closely with the National Park Service to use a combination of aerospace remote sensing observations and field work to map, measure, and monitor Yellowstone’s dynamic thermal areas. My goal is to better understand how thermal and gas emissions are related to (1) other signs of volcanic unrest (e.g., ground deformation and earthquakes), and (2) potentially hazardous volcanic / geothermal processes (e.g., eruptions, hydrothermal explosions, and vegetation kills). I also work on various projects with the USGS Geothermal Energy Program, Alaska Volcano Observatory, and the Volcano Disaster Assistance Program.
In addition to my scientific research, I am passionate about science education and communication to public audiences. When I was in Pasadena, I taught Earth Science classes at Pasadena City College and Cal State Northridge. I have also taught geology classes for the Geology Department at Northern Arizona University (affiliate faculty). I am the education and public outreach coordinator for the USGS Flagstaff Science Campus and serve as a liaison to the Board of Directors for the Flagstaff Festival of Science. Lastly, I am a co-Investigator on a NASA-funded education project called PLANETS, which is a collaborative partnership among education experts, curriculum developers, subject matter experts, and K-12 teachers across the cou
Science and Products
Planetary Volcanology
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on planetary volcanology. Volcanism is a key part of the chemical and thermal evolution of planetary bodies, and volcanic eruptions are one of the fundamental processes that create and alter the surface of planetary bodies. We often study volcanoes on Earth in order to better understand eruptions across the Solar System, but we also bring...
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with...
Animated GIF of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin
High-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin acquired by Quickbird-2 on September 11, 2006 and WorldView-3 on March 30, 2022. Note the change in color of Nuphar lake, from deep green to light blue, over time, as well as the increased evidence of flow from thermal features on the east side of Porcelain Bas
High-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin
linkHigh-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin acquired by Quickbird-2 on September 11, 2006 (left), WorldView-3 on July 7, 2016 (middle), and WorldView-3 on March 30, 2022 (right). Note the change in color of Nuphar lake, from deep green to light blue, over time, as well as the increased evidence of flow f
High-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin
linkHigh-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin acquired by Quickbird-2 on September 11, 2006 (left), WorldView-3 on July 7, 2016 (middle), and WorldView-3 on March 30, 2022 (right). Note the change in color of Nuphar lake, from deep green to light blue, over time, as well as the increased evidence of flow f
Images of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park
linkImages of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park. A, WorldView-3 satellite image from September 2014. B, National Park Service (NPS) aerial photograph from 2017. Images A and B were acquired before the feature went largely dry in late 2019 or 2020. C, WorldView-3 satellite image from June 2020.
Images of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park
linkImages of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park. A, WorldView-3 satellite image from September 2014. B, National Park Service (NPS) aerial photograph from 2017. Images A and B were acquired before the feature went largely dry in late 2019 or 2020. C, WorldView-3 satellite image from June 2020.
Landsat 8 thermal infrared images of Yellowstone showing daily and seasonal differences.
Landsat 8 thermal infrared images of Yellowstone showing daily and seasonal differences. In these greyscale images, bright pixels are warmer and dark pixels are cooler. In the daytime images (A and C), you can see the effects of topography, with darker (cooler) pixels like shadows on north-facing slopes and brighter (warmer) pixels on sun-facing slopes.&
Landsat 8 thermal infrared images of Yellowstone showing daily and seasonal differences. In these greyscale images, bright pixels are warmer and dark pixels are cooler. In the daytime images (A and C), you can see the effects of topography, with darker (cooler) pixels like shadows on north-facing slopes and brighter (warmer) pixels on sun-facing slopes.&
Map of Yellowstone National Park showing geologic structures and thermal areas
Map of Yellowstone National Park showing geologic structures, including the caldera, inner ring fault, and resurgent domes, and and thermal areas (colored red).
Map of Yellowstone National Park showing geologic structures, including the caldera, inner ring fault, and resurgent domes, and and thermal areas (colored red).
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone from 28 January 2022
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone from 28 January 2022. Inset images are zoomed in on the area outlined by the white square. Inset image (A) has the raw data values, which range from 9070 to 21284. Inset image (B) shows the same image converted to spectral radiance, where values range from 3.13 to 7.21 W/m2/micron
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone from 28 January 2022. Inset images are zoomed in on the area outlined by the white square. Inset image (A) has the raw data values, which range from 9070 to 21284. Inset image (B) shows the same image converted to spectral radiance, where values range from 3.13 to 7.21 W/m2/micron
WorldView-2 satellite image showing thermal areas on the north side of Mallard Lake resurgent dome in Yellowstone National Park.
linkWorldView-2 natural-color satellite image from December 9, 2017, showing thermal areas as snow-free zones on the north side of Mallard Lake resurgent dome in Yellowstone National Park.
WorldView-2 satellite image showing thermal areas on the north side of Mallard Lake resurgent dome in Yellowstone National Park.
linkWorldView-2 natural-color satellite image from December 9, 2017, showing thermal areas as snow-free zones on the north side of Mallard Lake resurgent dome in Yellowstone National Park.
Air photo showing newly thermal areas on Mallard Lake resurgent dome
National Agriculture Imagery Program natural-color image from September 9, 2006, showing newly mapped thermal areas (outlined in yellow) on the north side of the Mallard Lake resurgent dome.
National Agriculture Imagery Program natural-color image from September 9, 2006, showing newly mapped thermal areas (outlined in yellow) on the north side of the Mallard Lake resurgent dome.
Science and Products
- Science
Planetary Volcanology
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on planetary volcanology. Volcanism is a key part of the chemical and thermal evolution of planetary bodies, and volcanic eruptions are one of the fundamental processes that create and alter the surface of planetary bodies. We often study volcanoes on Earth in order to better understand eruptions across the Solar System, but we also bring...Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with... - Data
- Multimedia
Animated GIF of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin
High-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin acquired by Quickbird-2 on September 11, 2006 and WorldView-3 on March 30, 2022. Note the change in color of Nuphar lake, from deep green to light blue, over time, as well as the increased evidence of flow from thermal features on the east side of Porcelain Bas
High-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin acquired by Quickbird-2 on September 11, 2006 and WorldView-3 on March 30, 2022. Note the change in color of Nuphar lake, from deep green to light blue, over time, as well as the increased evidence of flow from thermal features on the east side of Porcelain Bas
High-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser BasinHigh-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin
linkHigh-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin acquired by Quickbird-2 on September 11, 2006 (left), WorldView-3 on July 7, 2016 (middle), and WorldView-3 on March 30, 2022 (right). Note the change in color of Nuphar lake, from deep green to light blue, over time, as well as the increased evidence of flow f
High-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin
linkHigh-resolution satellite images of the Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake areas of Norris Geyser Basin acquired by Quickbird-2 on September 11, 2006 (left), WorldView-3 on July 7, 2016 (middle), and WorldView-3 on March 30, 2022 (right). Note the change in color of Nuphar lake, from deep green to light blue, over time, as well as the increased evidence of flow f
Images of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National ParkImages of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park
linkImages of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park. A, WorldView-3 satellite image from September 2014. B, National Park Service (NPS) aerial photograph from 2017. Images A and B were acquired before the feature went largely dry in late 2019 or 2020. C, WorldView-3 satellite image from June 2020.
Images of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park
linkImages of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park. A, WorldView-3 satellite image from September 2014. B, National Park Service (NPS) aerial photograph from 2017. Images A and B were acquired before the feature went largely dry in late 2019 or 2020. C, WorldView-3 satellite image from June 2020.
Landsat 8 thermal infrared images of Yellowstone showing daily and seasonal differences.Landsat 8 thermal infrared images of Yellowstone showing daily and seasonal differences. In these greyscale images, bright pixels are warmer and dark pixels are cooler. In the daytime images (A and C), you can see the effects of topography, with darker (cooler) pixels like shadows on north-facing slopes and brighter (warmer) pixels on sun-facing slopes.&
Landsat 8 thermal infrared images of Yellowstone showing daily and seasonal differences. In these greyscale images, bright pixels are warmer and dark pixels are cooler. In the daytime images (A and C), you can see the effects of topography, with darker (cooler) pixels like shadows on north-facing slopes and brighter (warmer) pixels on sun-facing slopes.&
Map of Yellowstone National Park showing geologic structures and thermal areasMap of Yellowstone National Park showing geologic structures, including the caldera, inner ring fault, and resurgent domes, and and thermal areas (colored red).
Map of Yellowstone National Park showing geologic structures, including the caldera, inner ring fault, and resurgent domes, and and thermal areas (colored red).
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone from 28 January 2022Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone from 28 January 2022. Inset images are zoomed in on the area outlined by the white square. Inset image (A) has the raw data values, which range from 9070 to 21284. Inset image (B) shows the same image converted to spectral radiance, where values range from 3.13 to 7.21 W/m2/micron
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone from 28 January 2022. Inset images are zoomed in on the area outlined by the white square. Inset image (A) has the raw data values, which range from 9070 to 21284. Inset image (B) shows the same image converted to spectral radiance, where values range from 3.13 to 7.21 W/m2/micron
WorldView-2 satellite image showing thermal areas on the north side of Mallard Lake resurgent dome in Yellowstone National Park.WorldView-2 satellite image showing thermal areas on the north side of Mallard Lake resurgent dome in Yellowstone National Park.
linkWorldView-2 natural-color satellite image from December 9, 2017, showing thermal areas as snow-free zones on the north side of Mallard Lake resurgent dome in Yellowstone National Park.
WorldView-2 satellite image showing thermal areas on the north side of Mallard Lake resurgent dome in Yellowstone National Park.
linkWorldView-2 natural-color satellite image from December 9, 2017, showing thermal areas as snow-free zones on the north side of Mallard Lake resurgent dome in Yellowstone National Park.
Air photo showing newly thermal areas on Mallard Lake resurgent domeNational Agriculture Imagery Program natural-color image from September 9, 2006, showing newly mapped thermal areas (outlined in yellow) on the north side of the Mallard Lake resurgent dome.
National Agriculture Imagery Program natural-color image from September 9, 2006, showing newly mapped thermal areas (outlined in yellow) on the north side of the Mallard Lake resurgent dome.
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