Richard Blakely
Richard is a Scientist Emeritus with the Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. He focuses on the application of gravity, magnetic, and other geophysical methods to address a variety of earth science issues in the Western United States.
After graduation from Stanford, he served as Assistant Professor in the School of Oceanography at OSU. He joined the USGS in 1975, becoming Senior Scientist six years before retiring from the USGS in 2016. As an Emeritus Research Geophysicist, Richard uses potential-field (gravity and magnetic) and other geophysical methods to help address national earth science issues in the Western United States. His recent research focuses on mapping and characterizing hazardous faults in the Cascadia subduction zone, assessing mineral resources in the Basin and Range, and estimating ground-water resources of the arid southwest US.
Professional Experience
2016-present, Research Geophysicist Emeritus, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA
2010-2016, Senior Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA
1975-2010, Research Geophysicist, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA
2005-2006, Chief, Geophysical Unit of Menlo Park (GUMP), U.S. Geological Survey
1990-1993, Adjunct Professor, School of Oceanography, Oregon State University
1988-1991, Chief, Crustal Dynamics Section, Branch of Geophysics, U.S. Geological Survey
1978-1979, 1986-1987, Consulting Professor, Department of Geophysics, Stanford University
1973-1975, Assistant Professor, School of Oceanography, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
1972-1973, Research Associate, School of Oceanography, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
1972, Research Associate, Stanford University
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Geophysics, Stanford University, 1972
M.S., Geophysics, Stanford University, 1971
B.S., General Science, Oregon State University, 1968
Affiliations and Memberships*
USGS Innovation Center Advisory Group (ICAG), 2016-present
CSIRO (Australia) Deep Earth Imaging Advisory Panel, 2016-2020
President and President-Elect, Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Section, AGU, 2008-2012
AGU Council, 2008-2012
Assoc. Editor, Journal of Geophysical Research, 1987-1990
Assoc. Editor, Reviews of Geophysics and Space Physics, 1985-1988
Assoc. Editor, U.S. National Report (GP Section) to the IUGG, 1985-1987
Honors and Awards
Fellow, American Geophysical Union, 2003
Fellow, Geological Society of America, 1987
Meritorious Service Award, Dept. of Interior, 1994
Shoemaker Award for Communications Product Excellence
Science and Products
Pacific Northwest Geologic Mapping: Northern Pacific Border, Cascades and Columbia
The Pacific Northwest is an area created by active and complex geological processes. On its path to the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River slices through a chain of active volcanoes located along the western margin of the U.S. in Washington, Oregon, and northern California. These volcanoes rest above the active Cascadia subduction zone, which is the boundary where the oceanic tectonic plate dives...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Packwood, Washington, and Surrounding Areas High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Packwood, Washington, and Surrounding Areas
This data release provides access to a low-altitude aeromagnetic survey flown over a part of the Cascade Range of the US Pacific Northwest, approximately centered over the town of Packwood, Washington. The Packwood magnetic survey surrounds but does not include the edifice of Mount Rainier, the highest (4392 m; 14,410 ft) volcano of the conterminous United States. Data were acquired...
High-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey of the Republic Graben, Okanogan and Kettle metamorphic core complexes, Kootenay Arc and surrounding regions, Northeastern Washington High-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey of the Republic Graben, Okanogan and Kettle metamorphic core complexes, Kootenay Arc and surrounding regions, Northeastern Washington
The Republic survey consists of high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric data designed to image the subsurface geology and structure of a large portion of northeastern Washington. These data are intended for rigorous modeling and interpretation of the geology and structure in this region and will be used to evaluate the potential for undiscovered resources and will contribute to USGS...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas
This data release provides access to a low-altitude aeromagnetic survey flown over a part of the Cascade Range of the US Pacific Northwest, approximately centered over the town of Cascade Locks, Oregon. The Cascade Locks magnetic survey encompasses two large stratovolcanoes of the Cascade Range: Mt. Hood (3426 m) in Oregon and Mt. Adams (3742 m) in Washington. Data were acquired between...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey of the Cle Elum Area, Washington High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey of the Cle Elum Area, Washington
This data release provides access to a low-altitude, aeromagnetic survey of a part of central Washington centered approximately 22 km west-southwest of Ellensburg. The survey includes the cities of Ellensburg, Cle Elum, and Yakima and is referred to as the Cle Elum aeromagnetic survey. The Cle Elum aeromagnetic survey extends from the Columbia Plateau westward to the eastern Cascade...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over the New Madrid Seismic Zone, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over the New Madrid Seismic Zone, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee
This data release provides access to a low-altitude, aeromagnetic survey over parts of Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee, an area centered about 100 km north of Memphis, Tennessee. The survey covers parts of the southern arm of the New Madrid seismic zone, the northwestern margin of the Reelfoot rift, the Blytheville arch, and the Commerce geophysical lineament (reference: Langenheim, V...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Pendleton, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Pendleton, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas
This data release provides access to a low-altitude, aeromagnetic survey over a part of northeastern Oregon, an area centered approximately over the city of La Grande. The survey is underlain by pre-Tertiary intrusive and metamorphic rocks exposed in the Wallowa Mountains and southern Blue Mountains, and basalts of the Miocene Columbia River Basalt Group exposed or shallowly buried...
Filter Total Items: 20
A tunnel runs through it — An inside view of the Tualatin Mountains, Oregon A tunnel runs through it — An inside view of the Tualatin Mountains, Oregon
The Tualatin Mountains form a northwest-striking ridge about 350 m high that separates Portland, Oregon, from the cities of the Tualatin Valley to the west. Known informally as the Portland Hills, the ridge is a late Cenozoic anticline, bounded by reverse faults that dip toward the anticlinal axis. The anticline is a broad, open fold consisting chiefly of Miocene Columbia River Basalt...
Earthquake hazards and lifelines in the Interstate 5 urban corridor: Cottage Grove to Woodburn, Oregon Earthquake hazards and lifelines in the Interstate 5 urban corridor: Cottage Grove to Woodburn, Oregon
The Interstate 5 highway (I-5) corridor, which stretches from Mexico to Canada, is both the main economic artery of the Pacific Northwest and home to the majority of Oregonians and Washingtonians. Accordingly, most regional utility and transportation systems have major components located within the I-5 corridor. For the purposes of this map, we refer to these essential systems as...
Earthquake hazards and lifelines in the Interstate 5 urban corridor: Woodburn, Oregon, to Centralia, Washington Earthquake hazards and lifelines in the Interstate 5 urban corridor: Woodburn, Oregon, to Centralia, Washington
The Interstate 5 highway (I-5) corridor, which stretches from Mexico to Canada, is both the main economic artery of the Pacific Northwest and home to the majority of Oregonians and Washingtonians. Accordingly, most regional utility and transportation systems have major components located within the I-5 corridor. For the purposes of this map, we refer to these essential systems as...
Geologic map of the Hidden Hills Ranch Quadrangle, Clark County, Nevada Geologic map of the Hidden Hills Ranch Quadrangle, Clark County, Nevada
The prominent structural feature in the Pahrump Valley is the right-lateral Pahrump-Stewart Valley fault system (PSV) (Anderson and others, 1995b), which is the central segment of the State Line fault system as defined by Blakely and others (1998). The main trace of this fault system, as shown in figure 1A, strikes northwest along the California-Nevada state line through Pahrump and...
Geologic map of the Mound Spring quadrangle, Nye and Clark Counties, Nevada, and Inyo County, California Geologic map of the Mound Spring quadrangle, Nye and Clark Counties, Nevada, and Inyo County, California
The Mound Spring quadrangle, the southwestern-most 7.5' quadrangle of the area of the Las Vegas 1:100,000-scale quadrangle, is entirely within the Pahrump Valley, spanning the Nevada/California State line. New geologic mapping of the predominantly Quaternary materials is combined with new studies of gravity and geochronology in this quadrangle. Eleven predominantly fine-grained units are
Isostatic gravity map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California Isostatic gravity map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California
An isostatic gravity map of the Death Valley groundwater model area was prepared from over 40,0000 gravity stations as part of an interagency effort by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Energy to help characterize the geology and hydrology of southwest Nevada and parts of California.
Filter Total Items: 121
Latest Pleistocene to 19th-century earthquakes on bending-moment reverse faults of the Seattle fault zone, Washington Latest Pleistocene to 19th-century earthquakes on bending-moment reverse faults of the Seattle fault zone, Washington
Fault-related folds and their associated secondary faults play a critical yet often underrecognized role in accommodating strain and generating earthquakes in active fold-and-thrust belts. In the Seattle fault zone (SFZ), Washington, USA, we present new paleoseismic, geomorphic, and geophysical evidence for late Pleistocene and Holocene earthquakes on shallow, south-dipping secondary...
Authors
Stephen J. Angster, Brian L. Sherrod, Jessie K. Pearl, Lydia M. Staisch, Wes Johns, Richard J. Blakely
Deep structure of Siletzia in the Puget Lowland: Imaging an obducted plateau and accretionary thrust belt with potential fields Deep structure of Siletzia in the Puget Lowland: Imaging an obducted plateau and accretionary thrust belt with potential fields
Detailed understanding of crustal components and tectonic history of forearcs is important due to their geological complexity and high seismic hazard. The principal component of the Cascadia forearc is Siletzia, a composite basaltic terrane of oceanic origin. Much is known about the lithology and age of the province. However, glacial sediments blanketing the Puget Lowland obscure its...
Authors
Megan L. Anderson, Richard J. Blakely, Ray Wells, Joseph D. Dragovich
Arc versus river: The geology of the Columbia River Gorge Arc versus river: The geology of the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is the Columbia River’s long-held yet evolving passage through the volcanic arc of the Cascade Range. The globally unique setting of a continental-scale river bisecting an active volcanic arc at the leading edge of a major plate boundary creates a remarkable setting where dynamic volcanic and tectonic processes interact with diverse and energetic fluvial...
Authors
Jim E. O'Connor, Ray Wells, Scott E.K. Bennett, Charles M. Cannon, Lydia M. Staisch, James L Anderson, Anthony Francis Pivarunas, Gabriel Wells Gordon, Richard J. Blakely, Mark E. Stelten, Russell C. Evarts
Northward migration of the Oregon forearc on the Gales Creek fault Northward migration of the Oregon forearc on the Gales Creek fault
The Gales Creek fault (GCF) is a 60-km-long, northwest-striking dextral fault system (west of Portland, Oregon) that accommodates northward motion and uplift of the Oregon Coast Range. New geologic mapping and geophysical models confirm inferred offsets from earlier geophysical surveys and document ∼12 km of right-lateral offset of a basement high in Eocene Siletz River Volcanics since...
Authors
Ray Wells, Richard J. Blakely, Sean Bemis
Geothermal potential of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon: Evidence from detailed geophysical investigations Geothermal potential of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon: Evidence from detailed geophysical investigations
Recent geologic and geophysical investigations were undertaken in northeastern Oregon to better assess earthquake hazards in the region and determine relative favorability for geothermal energy development on lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). This work was funded in part by a Bureau of Indian Affairs grant awarded to the CTUIR to identify areas...
Authors
Brent Ritzinger, Jonathan M.G. Glen, Jared R. Peacock, Richard J. Blakely, Patrick Mills, Lydia M. Staisch, Scott E.K. Bennett, Brian L. Sherrod
Descriptive models for epithermal gold-silver deposits Descriptive models for epithermal gold-silver deposits
Epithermal gold-silver deposits are vein, stockwork, disseminated, and replacement deposits that are mined primarily for their gold and silver contents; some deposits also contain substantial resources of lead, zinc, copper, and (or) mercury. These deposits form in the uppermost parts of the crust, at depths less than about 1,500 meters below the water table, and at temperatures below...
Authors
David A. John, Peter G. Vikre, Edward A. du Bray, Richard J. Blakely, David L. Fey, Barnaby W. Rockwell, Jeffrey L. Mauk, Eric D. Anderson, Frederick Graybeal
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center
Science and Products
Pacific Northwest Geologic Mapping: Northern Pacific Border, Cascades and Columbia
The Pacific Northwest is an area created by active and complex geological processes. On its path to the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River slices through a chain of active volcanoes located along the western margin of the U.S. in Washington, Oregon, and northern California. These volcanoes rest above the active Cascadia subduction zone, which is the boundary where the oceanic tectonic plate dives...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Packwood, Washington, and Surrounding Areas High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Packwood, Washington, and Surrounding Areas
This data release provides access to a low-altitude aeromagnetic survey flown over a part of the Cascade Range of the US Pacific Northwest, approximately centered over the town of Packwood, Washington. The Packwood magnetic survey surrounds but does not include the edifice of Mount Rainier, the highest (4392 m; 14,410 ft) volcano of the conterminous United States. Data were acquired...
High-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey of the Republic Graben, Okanogan and Kettle metamorphic core complexes, Kootenay Arc and surrounding regions, Northeastern Washington High-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey of the Republic Graben, Okanogan and Kettle metamorphic core complexes, Kootenay Arc and surrounding regions, Northeastern Washington
The Republic survey consists of high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric data designed to image the subsurface geology and structure of a large portion of northeastern Washington. These data are intended for rigorous modeling and interpretation of the geology and structure in this region and will be used to evaluate the potential for undiscovered resources and will contribute to USGS...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas
This data release provides access to a low-altitude aeromagnetic survey flown over a part of the Cascade Range of the US Pacific Northwest, approximately centered over the town of Cascade Locks, Oregon. The Cascade Locks magnetic survey encompasses two large stratovolcanoes of the Cascade Range: Mt. Hood (3426 m) in Oregon and Mt. Adams (3742 m) in Washington. Data were acquired between...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey of the Cle Elum Area, Washington High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey of the Cle Elum Area, Washington
This data release provides access to a low-altitude, aeromagnetic survey of a part of central Washington centered approximately 22 km west-southwest of Ellensburg. The survey includes the cities of Ellensburg, Cle Elum, and Yakima and is referred to as the Cle Elum aeromagnetic survey. The Cle Elum aeromagnetic survey extends from the Columbia Plateau westward to the eastern Cascade...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over the New Madrid Seismic Zone, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over the New Madrid Seismic Zone, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee
This data release provides access to a low-altitude, aeromagnetic survey over parts of Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee, an area centered about 100 km north of Memphis, Tennessee. The survey covers parts of the southern arm of the New Madrid seismic zone, the northwestern margin of the Reelfoot rift, the Blytheville arch, and the Commerce geophysical lineament (reference: Langenheim, V...
High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Pendleton, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Pendleton, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas
This data release provides access to a low-altitude, aeromagnetic survey over a part of northeastern Oregon, an area centered approximately over the city of La Grande. The survey is underlain by pre-Tertiary intrusive and metamorphic rocks exposed in the Wallowa Mountains and southern Blue Mountains, and basalts of the Miocene Columbia River Basalt Group exposed or shallowly buried...
Filter Total Items: 20
A tunnel runs through it — An inside view of the Tualatin Mountains, Oregon A tunnel runs through it — An inside view of the Tualatin Mountains, Oregon
The Tualatin Mountains form a northwest-striking ridge about 350 m high that separates Portland, Oregon, from the cities of the Tualatin Valley to the west. Known informally as the Portland Hills, the ridge is a late Cenozoic anticline, bounded by reverse faults that dip toward the anticlinal axis. The anticline is a broad, open fold consisting chiefly of Miocene Columbia River Basalt...
Earthquake hazards and lifelines in the Interstate 5 urban corridor: Cottage Grove to Woodburn, Oregon Earthquake hazards and lifelines in the Interstate 5 urban corridor: Cottage Grove to Woodburn, Oregon
The Interstate 5 highway (I-5) corridor, which stretches from Mexico to Canada, is both the main economic artery of the Pacific Northwest and home to the majority of Oregonians and Washingtonians. Accordingly, most regional utility and transportation systems have major components located within the I-5 corridor. For the purposes of this map, we refer to these essential systems as...
Earthquake hazards and lifelines in the Interstate 5 urban corridor: Woodburn, Oregon, to Centralia, Washington Earthquake hazards and lifelines in the Interstate 5 urban corridor: Woodburn, Oregon, to Centralia, Washington
The Interstate 5 highway (I-5) corridor, which stretches from Mexico to Canada, is both the main economic artery of the Pacific Northwest and home to the majority of Oregonians and Washingtonians. Accordingly, most regional utility and transportation systems have major components located within the I-5 corridor. For the purposes of this map, we refer to these essential systems as...
Geologic map of the Hidden Hills Ranch Quadrangle, Clark County, Nevada Geologic map of the Hidden Hills Ranch Quadrangle, Clark County, Nevada
The prominent structural feature in the Pahrump Valley is the right-lateral Pahrump-Stewart Valley fault system (PSV) (Anderson and others, 1995b), which is the central segment of the State Line fault system as defined by Blakely and others (1998). The main trace of this fault system, as shown in figure 1A, strikes northwest along the California-Nevada state line through Pahrump and...
Geologic map of the Mound Spring quadrangle, Nye and Clark Counties, Nevada, and Inyo County, California Geologic map of the Mound Spring quadrangle, Nye and Clark Counties, Nevada, and Inyo County, California
The Mound Spring quadrangle, the southwestern-most 7.5' quadrangle of the area of the Las Vegas 1:100,000-scale quadrangle, is entirely within the Pahrump Valley, spanning the Nevada/California State line. New geologic mapping of the predominantly Quaternary materials is combined with new studies of gravity and geochronology in this quadrangle. Eleven predominantly fine-grained units are
Isostatic gravity map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California Isostatic gravity map of the Death Valley ground-water model area, Nevada and California
An isostatic gravity map of the Death Valley groundwater model area was prepared from over 40,0000 gravity stations as part of an interagency effort by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Energy to help characterize the geology and hydrology of southwest Nevada and parts of California.
Filter Total Items: 121
Latest Pleistocene to 19th-century earthquakes on bending-moment reverse faults of the Seattle fault zone, Washington Latest Pleistocene to 19th-century earthquakes on bending-moment reverse faults of the Seattle fault zone, Washington
Fault-related folds and their associated secondary faults play a critical yet often underrecognized role in accommodating strain and generating earthquakes in active fold-and-thrust belts. In the Seattle fault zone (SFZ), Washington, USA, we present new paleoseismic, geomorphic, and geophysical evidence for late Pleistocene and Holocene earthquakes on shallow, south-dipping secondary...
Authors
Stephen J. Angster, Brian L. Sherrod, Jessie K. Pearl, Lydia M. Staisch, Wes Johns, Richard J. Blakely
Deep structure of Siletzia in the Puget Lowland: Imaging an obducted plateau and accretionary thrust belt with potential fields Deep structure of Siletzia in the Puget Lowland: Imaging an obducted plateau and accretionary thrust belt with potential fields
Detailed understanding of crustal components and tectonic history of forearcs is important due to their geological complexity and high seismic hazard. The principal component of the Cascadia forearc is Siletzia, a composite basaltic terrane of oceanic origin. Much is known about the lithology and age of the province. However, glacial sediments blanketing the Puget Lowland obscure its...
Authors
Megan L. Anderson, Richard J. Blakely, Ray Wells, Joseph D. Dragovich
Arc versus river: The geology of the Columbia River Gorge Arc versus river: The geology of the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is the Columbia River’s long-held yet evolving passage through the volcanic arc of the Cascade Range. The globally unique setting of a continental-scale river bisecting an active volcanic arc at the leading edge of a major plate boundary creates a remarkable setting where dynamic volcanic and tectonic processes interact with diverse and energetic fluvial...
Authors
Jim E. O'Connor, Ray Wells, Scott E.K. Bennett, Charles M. Cannon, Lydia M. Staisch, James L Anderson, Anthony Francis Pivarunas, Gabriel Wells Gordon, Richard J. Blakely, Mark E. Stelten, Russell C. Evarts
Northward migration of the Oregon forearc on the Gales Creek fault Northward migration of the Oregon forearc on the Gales Creek fault
The Gales Creek fault (GCF) is a 60-km-long, northwest-striking dextral fault system (west of Portland, Oregon) that accommodates northward motion and uplift of the Oregon Coast Range. New geologic mapping and geophysical models confirm inferred offsets from earlier geophysical surveys and document ∼12 km of right-lateral offset of a basement high in Eocene Siletz River Volcanics since...
Authors
Ray Wells, Richard J. Blakely, Sean Bemis
Geothermal potential of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon: Evidence from detailed geophysical investigations Geothermal potential of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Oregon: Evidence from detailed geophysical investigations
Recent geologic and geophysical investigations were undertaken in northeastern Oregon to better assess earthquake hazards in the region and determine relative favorability for geothermal energy development on lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). This work was funded in part by a Bureau of Indian Affairs grant awarded to the CTUIR to identify areas...
Authors
Brent Ritzinger, Jonathan M.G. Glen, Jared R. Peacock, Richard J. Blakely, Patrick Mills, Lydia M. Staisch, Scott E.K. Bennett, Brian L. Sherrod
Descriptive models for epithermal gold-silver deposits Descriptive models for epithermal gold-silver deposits
Epithermal gold-silver deposits are vein, stockwork, disseminated, and replacement deposits that are mined primarily for their gold and silver contents; some deposits also contain substantial resources of lead, zinc, copper, and (or) mercury. These deposits form in the uppermost parts of the crust, at depths less than about 1,500 meters below the water table, and at temperatures below...
Authors
David A. John, Peter G. Vikre, Edward A. du Bray, Richard J. Blakely, David L. Fey, Barnaby W. Rockwell, Jeffrey L. Mauk, Eric D. Anderson, Frederick Graybeal
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, National Laboratories Program, Science and Decisions Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center
*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