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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 scientific research, it is important to promote effective science 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 also the outreach coordinator for the USGS Flagstaff Science Campus.
Map of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Inset commercial satellite images highlight thermal areas that are mentioned below: Sulphur Hills (©2022, Maxar, USG), Turbid Lake (©2022, Maxar, USG), and Lower Geyser Basin (©2015, Maxar, USG). This work utilized data made available through the NASA Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program. We acknowledge th
Map of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Inset commercial satellite images highlight thermal areas that are mentioned below: Sulphur Hills (©2022, Maxar, USG), Turbid Lake (©2022, Maxar, USG), and Lower Geyser Basin (©2015, Maxar, USG). This work utilized data made available through the NASA Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program. We acknowledge th
Map of thermal areas from ground-based mapping and remote-sensing methods compiled by Vaughn et al., 2024 (https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/661d5eb7d34e7eb9eb7e3a41).
Map of thermal areas from ground-based mapping and remote-sensing methods compiled by Vaughn et al., 2024 (https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/661d5eb7d34e7eb9eb7e3a41).
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake (both images cover the same area). In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake from the area circled in yellow. This warm water kept the north
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake (both images cover the same area). In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake from the area circled in yellow. This warm water kept the north
These satellite images, acquired by Planet, show Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, before and after the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion. The before image is from July 21, 2024, and the after image is from July 24, 2024.
These satellite images, acquired by Planet, show Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, before and after the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion. The before image is from July 21, 2024, and the after image is from July 24, 2024.
High-resolution Planet satellite image of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, from July 24, 2024. The image shows changes that occurred as a result of the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion from Black Diamond Pool, including deposition of material in the vicinity of the pool and a plume of discolored water in the Forehole River.
High-resolution Planet satellite image of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, from July 24, 2024. The image shows changes that occurred as a result of the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion from Black Diamond Pool, including deposition of material in the vicinity of the pool and a plume of discolored water in the Forehole River.
High-resolution Planet satellite image of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, from July 21, 2024. This work utilized data made available through the NASA Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program. Data are copyright, Planet Labs Inc. 2024, all rights reserved.
High-resolution Planet satellite image of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, from July 21, 2024. This work utilized data made available through the NASA Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program. Data are copyright, Planet Labs Inc. 2024, all rights reserved.
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024. In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake, keeping the north part of the lake free of ice. Boardwalks in the area appear as w
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024. In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake, keeping the north part of the lake free of ice. Boardwalks in the area appear as w
Plot showing the total geothermal radiant power output from Yellowstone’s thermal areas based on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 thermal infrared images from 2014 to 2024. Only data from clear, nighttime, wintertime (November through March) dates were used. The results indicate that there has been no significant change over the last 10 years.
Plot showing the total geothermal radiant power output from Yellowstone’s thermal areas based on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 thermal infrared images from 2014 to 2024. Only data from clear, nighttime, wintertime (November through March) dates were used. The results indicate that there has been no significant change over the last 10 years.
High-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 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 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
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone National Park from January 31, 2023. Satellite-based thermal infrared data show areas on the surface that are warmer versus cooler, and they can be used to estimate surface temperature and the geothermal radiative heat output from the Yellowstone magmatic and hydrothermal system.
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone National Park from January 31, 2023. Satellite-based thermal infrared data show areas on the surface that are warmer versus cooler, and they can be used to estimate surface temperature and the geothermal radiative heat output from the Yellowstone magmatic and hydrothermal system.
Images 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. 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. 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, 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. 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
Thermal anomaly map of Yellowstone National Park, based on a Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image from 9 January 2021. The color ramp indicates the intensity of the above-background thermal anomaly for each thermal area. Lakes are blue. Yellowstone caldera and resurgent domes are outlined in black.
Thermal anomaly map of Yellowstone National Park, based on a Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image from 9 January 2021. The color ramp indicates the intensity of the above-background thermal anomaly for each thermal area. Lakes are blue. Yellowstone caldera and resurgent domes are outlined in black.
WorldView-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 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.
Top: Thermographic mosaic of Yellowstone acquired by the NASA’s MODIS-ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER), a thermal infrared scanner, in September 2006. Dark shades indicate cool temperatures and bright are warm; this reflects not only hydrothermal activity, but also types of ground cover.
Top: Thermographic mosaic of Yellowstone acquired by the NASA’s MODIS-ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER), a thermal infrared scanner, in September 2006. Dark shades indicate cool temperatures and bright are warm; this reflects not only hydrothermal activity, but also types of ground cover.
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.
Top: the first thermal infrared images of Yellowstone (1961). Warm areas are brighter; cold areas are darker. These images were published in: McLerran, J.H. and Morgan, J.O. (1965) Thermal mapping of Yellowstone National Park.
Top: the first thermal infrared images of Yellowstone (1961). Warm areas are brighter; cold areas are darker. These images were published in: McLerran, J.H. and Morgan, J.O. (1965) Thermal mapping of Yellowstone National Park.
Map of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Inset commercial satellite images highlight thermal areas that are mentioned below: Sulphur Hills (©2022, Maxar, USG), Turbid Lake (©2022, Maxar, USG), and Lower Geyser Basin (©2015, Maxar, USG). This work utilized data made available through the NASA Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program. We acknowledge th
Map of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Inset commercial satellite images highlight thermal areas that are mentioned below: Sulphur Hills (©2022, Maxar, USG), Turbid Lake (©2022, Maxar, USG), and Lower Geyser Basin (©2015, Maxar, USG). This work utilized data made available through the NASA Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program. We acknowledge th
Map of thermal areas from ground-based mapping and remote-sensing methods compiled by Vaughn et al., 2024 (https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/661d5eb7d34e7eb9eb7e3a41).
Map of thermal areas from ground-based mapping and remote-sensing methods compiled by Vaughn et al., 2024 (https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/661d5eb7d34e7eb9eb7e3a41).
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake (both images cover the same area). In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake from the area circled in yellow. This warm water kept the north
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake (both images cover the same area). In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake from the area circled in yellow. This warm water kept the north
These satellite images, acquired by Planet, show Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, before and after the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion. The before image is from July 21, 2024, and the after image is from July 24, 2024.
These satellite images, acquired by Planet, show Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, before and after the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion. The before image is from July 21, 2024, and the after image is from July 24, 2024.
High-resolution Planet satellite image of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, from July 24, 2024. The image shows changes that occurred as a result of the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion from Black Diamond Pool, including deposition of material in the vicinity of the pool and a plume of discolored water in the Forehole River.
High-resolution Planet satellite image of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, from July 24, 2024. The image shows changes that occurred as a result of the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion from Black Diamond Pool, including deposition of material in the vicinity of the pool and a plume of discolored water in the Forehole River.
High-resolution Planet satellite image of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, from July 21, 2024. This work utilized data made available through the NASA Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program. Data are copyright, Planet Labs Inc. 2024, all rights reserved.
High-resolution Planet satellite image of Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park, from July 21, 2024. This work utilized data made available through the NASA Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program. Data are copyright, Planet Labs Inc. 2024, all rights reserved.
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024. In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake, keeping the north part of the lake free of ice. Boardwalks in the area appear as w
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024. In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake, keeping the north part of the lake free of ice. Boardwalks in the area appear as w
Plot showing the total geothermal radiant power output from Yellowstone’s thermal areas based on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 thermal infrared images from 2014 to 2024. Only data from clear, nighttime, wintertime (November through March) dates were used. The results indicate that there has been no significant change over the last 10 years.
Plot showing the total geothermal radiant power output from Yellowstone’s thermal areas based on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 thermal infrared images from 2014 to 2024. Only data from clear, nighttime, wintertime (November through March) dates were used. The results indicate that there has been no significant change over the last 10 years.
High-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 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 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
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone National Park from January 31, 2023. Satellite-based thermal infrared data show areas on the surface that are warmer versus cooler, and they can be used to estimate surface temperature and the geothermal radiative heat output from the Yellowstone magmatic and hydrothermal system.
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone National Park from January 31, 2023. Satellite-based thermal infrared data show areas on the surface that are warmer versus cooler, and they can be used to estimate surface temperature and the geothermal radiative heat output from the Yellowstone magmatic and hydrothermal system.
Images 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. 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. 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, 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. 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
Thermal anomaly map of Yellowstone National Park, based on a Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image from 9 January 2021. The color ramp indicates the intensity of the above-background thermal anomaly for each thermal area. Lakes are blue. Yellowstone caldera and resurgent domes are outlined in black.
Thermal anomaly map of Yellowstone National Park, based on a Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image from 9 January 2021. The color ramp indicates the intensity of the above-background thermal anomaly for each thermal area. Lakes are blue. Yellowstone caldera and resurgent domes are outlined in black.
WorldView-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 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.
Top: Thermographic mosaic of Yellowstone acquired by the NASA’s MODIS-ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER), a thermal infrared scanner, in September 2006. Dark shades indicate cool temperatures and bright are warm; this reflects not only hydrothermal activity, but also types of ground cover.
Top: Thermographic mosaic of Yellowstone acquired by the NASA’s MODIS-ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER), a thermal infrared scanner, in September 2006. Dark shades indicate cool temperatures and bright are warm; this reflects not only hydrothermal activity, but also types of ground cover.
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.
Top: the first thermal infrared images of Yellowstone (1961). Warm areas are brighter; cold areas are darker. These images were published in: McLerran, J.H. and Morgan, J.O. (1965) Thermal mapping of Yellowstone National Park.
Top: the first thermal infrared images of Yellowstone (1961). Warm areas are brighter; cold areas are darker. These images were published in: McLerran, J.H. and Morgan, J.O. (1965) Thermal mapping of Yellowstone National Park.