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I conduct geological detective work that uncovers clues about the location, size, and frequency of ancient earthquakes and tsunamis. If we prepare for these hazards we can prevent future earthquakes and tsunamis from becoming future disasters.
I study prehistoric earthquakes along the Pacific-North American plate boundary. I apply aspects of geomorphology, paleoseismology, geodesy, and sea-level studies to decipher the geologic record of ancient earthquakes. Most of my work focuses on great subduction earthquakes capable of generating tsunamis. What I find out contributes to seismic and tsunami hazards assessments used to strengthen building codes and reduce tsunami risk.
Three geologists scramble down a hillside on Sedanka Island that overlooks Stardust Bay. The geologists documented driftlogs stranded at elevations up to 60 ft above sea level and over 0.5 mile inland.
Three geologists scramble down a hillside on Sedanka Island that overlooks Stardust Bay. The geologists documented driftlogs stranded at elevations up to 60 ft above sea level and over 0.5 mile inland.
On a ridge behind Stardust Bay at an elevation of 46 feet above sea level, a shallow pit reveals five sand sheets deposited by tsunamis in the past 1700 years.
Location: Stardust Bay, Sendanka Island, Alaska
On a ridge behind Stardust Bay at an elevation of 46 feet above sea level, a shallow pit reveals five sand sheets deposited by tsunamis in the past 1700 years.
Location: Stardust Bay, Sendanka Island, Alaska
Scientists from the USGS and the University of Rhode Island examine coastal sediment on Simeonof Island for evidence of sudden land-level change caused by earthquakes on the Aleutian megathrust.
Scientists from the USGS and the University of Rhode Island examine coastal sediment on Simeonof Island for evidence of sudden land-level change caused by earthquakes on the Aleutian megathrust.
Scientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys dig into coastal bluffs of Simeonof Island in search of evidence for ancient beach deposits and tectonically uplifted shorelines.
Scientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys dig into coastal bluffs of Simeonof Island in search of evidence for ancient beach deposits and tectonically uplifted shorelines.
Scientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys use a hand-driven corer to sample soils and marsh sediment on Simeonof Island as part of an investigation to investigate evidence for earthquakes and tsunamis in the Shumagin Islands.
Scientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys use a hand-driven corer to sample soils and marsh sediment on Simeonof Island as part of an investigation to investigate evidence for earthquakes and tsunamis in the Shumagin Islands.
Three geologists scramble down a hillside on Sedanka Island that overlooks Stardust Bay. The geologists documented driftlogs stranded at elevations up to 60 ft above sea level and over 0.5 mile inland.
Three geologists scramble down a hillside on Sedanka Island that overlooks Stardust Bay. The geologists documented driftlogs stranded at elevations up to 60 ft above sea level and over 0.5 mile inland.
On a ridge behind Stardust Bay at an elevation of 46 feet above sea level, a shallow pit reveals five sand sheets deposited by tsunamis in the past 1700 years.
Location: Stardust Bay, Sendanka Island, Alaska
On a ridge behind Stardust Bay at an elevation of 46 feet above sea level, a shallow pit reveals five sand sheets deposited by tsunamis in the past 1700 years.
Location: Stardust Bay, Sendanka Island, Alaska
Scientists from the USGS and the University of Rhode Island examine coastal sediment on Simeonof Island for evidence of sudden land-level change caused by earthquakes on the Aleutian megathrust.
Scientists from the USGS and the University of Rhode Island examine coastal sediment on Simeonof Island for evidence of sudden land-level change caused by earthquakes on the Aleutian megathrust.
Scientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys dig into coastal bluffs of Simeonof Island in search of evidence for ancient beach deposits and tectonically uplifted shorelines.
Scientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys dig into coastal bluffs of Simeonof Island in search of evidence for ancient beach deposits and tectonically uplifted shorelines.
Scientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys use a hand-driven corer to sample soils and marsh sediment on Simeonof Island as part of an investigation to investigate evidence for earthquakes and tsunamis in the Shumagin Islands.
Scientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys use a hand-driven corer to sample soils and marsh sediment on Simeonof Island as part of an investigation to investigate evidence for earthquakes and tsunamis in the Shumagin Islands.