Rufus D Catchings, PhD
Rufus Catchings is a seismologist working on
• Earthquake hazards
• Hydrogeology
• Regional imaging of resources
• Induced seismicity
Dr. Catchings’ scientific interests include seismic evaluation of the subsurface, particularly as it relates to earthquake and other hazards, groundwater and other resources, and tectonics. Catchings also develops seismic methodologies. He has conducted numerous studies and served as advisor for more than 60 local, state, federal, and international government agencies, and private organizations. He has served as research advisor for 15 M.S. and Ph.D. students. Catchings has more than 430 published works, including journal articles, reports, conference papers, and abstracts.
Dr. Catchings has been a Research Geophysicst at USGS since 1981. He served as Chief Scientist for the Earthquake Hazards Team, 2005–2008.
Awards
- Bromery Award, Geological Society of America, 2018
- Superior Service Award, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2000
- Special Act Award, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1990, 2006
- Fellow, Geological Society of America, 1997
Education
- Stanford University, PhD Geophysics, 1987
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, MS Geophysics, 1983
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Geophysics, 1980
- Appalachian State University, BS Geophysics, 1979
External Research Database
ResearchGate
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 24
Data Report for Nodal Seismograph Recording at the Byerly Seismographic Vault, University of California, Berkeley, California Data Report for Nodal Seismograph Recording at the Byerly Seismographic Vault, University of California, Berkeley, California
In September and October 2019, the USGS and UC Berkeley (UCB) deployed two nodal seismographs at the Byerly Seismographic Vault (station BRK), east of the UCB campus. One of the nodes was located immediately outside the vault, and the other was located within the vault, adjacent to a broadband seismometer. The objective of this deployment was to compare recordings of local earthquakes...
2017b high resolution seismic imaging of the West Napa Fault Zone, St. Helena, California 2017b high resolution seismic imaging of the West Napa Fault Zone, St. Helena, California
In September 2017, the U.S. Geological Survey acquired high resolution P- and S-wave seismic data across the suspected trace of the West Napa Fault zone in St. Helena, California, approximately 70 m north of the previous seismic survey conducted in April 2017 (Chan et al., 2018). We acquired seismic reflection, refraction, and guided-wave data along a 75-m-long profile across the...
2017 U.S. Geological Survey/BC Hydro seismic data recorded at three dam sites on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada 2017 U.S. Geological Survey/BC Hydro seismic data recorded at three dam sites on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
In May 2017, we acquired high-resolution seismic profiles near three dam sites (Strathcona, Laodre and John Hart dams) located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Our goal was to measure seismic velocities (particularly Vs) at each dam site using body and surface waves. The data were analyzed using refraction tomography and multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW)...
2015 high resolution seismic acquisition at Dos Palmas Preserve, Mecca, California 2015 high resolution seismic acquisition at Dos Palmas Preserve, Mecca, California
In March 2015, the U.S. Geological Survey acquired seismic reflection and refraction data along an approximately 2.8-km-long profile across northwest-trending San Andreas Fault splays located at the Dos Palmas Preserve east of Salton Sea. To acquire the reflection and refraction data, we collocated shots and geophones, spaced every 3 m along the profile. We used 933 SercelTM L40A P-wave...
2017 seismic imaging of the West Napa Fault Zone, St. Helena, California 2017 seismic imaging of the West Napa Fault Zone, St. Helena, California
In April 2017, the U.S. Geological Survey acquired high resolution P- and S-wave seismic data across the suspected trace of the West Napa Fault zone in St. Helena, California. We acquired seismic reflection, refraction, and guided-wave data along a 215-m-long profile across the expected trend of the West Napa Fault zone. To acquire the reflection and refraction data, we co-located shots...
2015 High Resolution Seismic Data Recorded at Six Strong Motion Seismograph Sites in Napa and Solano Counties, California 2015 High Resolution Seismic Data Recorded at Six Strong Motion Seismograph Sites in Napa and Solano Counties, California
In May 2015, we acquired high-resolution seismic profiles near six strong motion instruments located in Napa and Solano Counties, California. These strong motion instruments recorded horizontal peak accelerations (PGAs) from 0.329g to 0.611g, which were among the highest recorded in the Napa area during the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa Earthquake. Our goal is to measure the seismic...
Filter Total Items: 82
Continuity of the West Napa–Franklin fault zone inferred from guided waves generated by earthquakes following the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa Earthquake Continuity of the West Napa–Franklin fault zone inferred from guided waves generated by earthquakes following the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa Earthquake
We measure peak ground velocities from fault‐zone guided waves (FZGWs), generated by on‐fault earthquakes associated with the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa earthquake. The data were recorded on three arrays deployed across north and south of the 2014 surface rupture. The observed FZGWs indicate that the West Napa fault zone (WNFZ) and the Franklin fault (FF) are continuous in the...
Authors
Rufus D. Catchings, Mark R. Goldman, Y.-G. Li, Joanne H. Chan
Structure of the 1906 near-surface rupture zone of the San Andreas Fault, San Francisco Peninsula segment, near Woodside, California Structure of the 1906 near-surface rupture zone of the San Andreas Fault, San Francisco Peninsula segment, near Woodside, California
High-resolution seismic-reflection and refraction images of the 1906 surface rupture zone of the San Andreas Fault near Woodside, California reveal evidence for one or more additional near-surface (within about 3 meters [m] depth) fault strands within about 25 m of the 1906 surface rupture. The 1906 surface rupture above the groundwater table (vadose zone) has been observed in...
Authors
C.M. Rosa, R. D. Catchings, M. J. Rymer, Karen Grove, M. R. Goldman
High-resolution gravity and seismic-refraction surveys of the Smoke Tree Wash area, Joshua Tree National Park, California High-resolution gravity and seismic-refraction surveys of the Smoke Tree Wash area, Joshua Tree National Park, California
We describe high-resolution gravity and seismic refraction surveys acquired to determine the thickness of valley-fill deposits and to delineate geologic structures that might influence groundwater flow beneath the Smoke Tree Wash area in Joshua Tree National Park. These surveys identified a sedimentary basin that is fault-controlled. A profile across the Smoke Tree Wash fault zone...
Authors
Victoria E. Langenheim, Michael J. Rymer, Rufus D. Catchings, Mark R. Goldman, Janet Watt, Robert E. Powell, Jonathan C. Matti
Subsurface fault damage zone of the 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa, California, earthquake viewed from fault‐zone trapped waves Subsurface fault damage zone of the 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa, California, earthquake viewed from fault‐zone trapped waves
The aftershocks of the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa earthquake generated prominent fault‐zone trapped waves (FZTWs) that were recorded on two 1.9‐km‐long seismic arrays deployed across the northern projection (array 1, A1) and the southern part (A2) of the surface rupture of the West Napa fault zone (WNFZ). We also observed FZTWs on an array (A3) deployed across the intersection of...
Authors
Yong-Gang Li, Rufus D. Catchings, Mark R. Goldman
Feasibility and potential effects of the proposed Amargosa Creek Recharge Project, Palmdale, California Feasibility and potential effects of the proposed Amargosa Creek Recharge Project, Palmdale, California
Historically, the city of Palmdale and vicinity have relied on groundwater as the primary source of water, owing, in large part, to the scarcity of surface water in the region. Despite recent importing of surface water, groundwater withdrawal for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use has resulted in groundwater-level declines near the city of Palmdale in excess of 200 feet since...
Authors
Allen H. Christensen, Adam J. Siade, Peter Martin, Victoria E. Langenheim, Rufus D. Catchings, Matthew K. Burgess
Structure of the Koyna-Warna Seismic Zone, Maharashtra, India: A possible model for large induced earthquakes elsewhere Structure of the Koyna-Warna Seismic Zone, Maharashtra, India: A possible model for large induced earthquakes elsewhere
The Koyna-Warna area of India is one of the best worldwide examples of reservoir-induced seismicity, with the distinction of having generated the largest known induced earthquake (M6.3 on 10 December 1967) and persistent moderate-magnitude (>M5) events for nearly 50 years. Yet, the fault structure and tectonic setting that has accommodated the induced seismicity is poorly known, in part...
Authors
Rufus D. Catchings, M.M. Dixit, Mark R. Goldman, S. Kumar
Non-USGS Publications**
Catchings, R.D., and Mooney, W.D., 1988, Crustal structure of the Columbia Plateau: Evidence for continental rifting: Journal of Geophysical Research , v. 93, p. 459–474, doi.org/10.1029/JB093iB01p00459.
Catchings, R., Jarchow, C., Holbrook, S., Benz, H., Hawman, R., Thompson, G., Mooney, W., Smith, R., Priestley, K., Cipar, J., Borcherdt, R., Whitman, D., Smithson, S., Walker, D., Johnson, R., Karl, J., Jefferson, T., Clement, B., Dietel, C., Wu, F., and Harder, S., 1988, The 1986 PASSCAL Basin and Range Lithospheric Seismic Experiment, Eos Trans. AGU, 69( 20), 593– 598, doi:10.1029/88EO00174.
Zucca, J.J., Fuis, G.S., Milkereit, B., Mooney, W.D., and Catchings, R.D., 1986, Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 91, p. 7859-7382, doi.org/10.1029/JB091iB07p07359.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 24
Data Report for Nodal Seismograph Recording at the Byerly Seismographic Vault, University of California, Berkeley, California Data Report for Nodal Seismograph Recording at the Byerly Seismographic Vault, University of California, Berkeley, California
In September and October 2019, the USGS and UC Berkeley (UCB) deployed two nodal seismographs at the Byerly Seismographic Vault (station BRK), east of the UCB campus. One of the nodes was located immediately outside the vault, and the other was located within the vault, adjacent to a broadband seismometer. The objective of this deployment was to compare recordings of local earthquakes...
2017b high resolution seismic imaging of the West Napa Fault Zone, St. Helena, California 2017b high resolution seismic imaging of the West Napa Fault Zone, St. Helena, California
In September 2017, the U.S. Geological Survey acquired high resolution P- and S-wave seismic data across the suspected trace of the West Napa Fault zone in St. Helena, California, approximately 70 m north of the previous seismic survey conducted in April 2017 (Chan et al., 2018). We acquired seismic reflection, refraction, and guided-wave data along a 75-m-long profile across the...
2017 U.S. Geological Survey/BC Hydro seismic data recorded at three dam sites on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada 2017 U.S. Geological Survey/BC Hydro seismic data recorded at three dam sites on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
In May 2017, we acquired high-resolution seismic profiles near three dam sites (Strathcona, Laodre and John Hart dams) located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Our goal was to measure seismic velocities (particularly Vs) at each dam site using body and surface waves. The data were analyzed using refraction tomography and multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW)...
2015 high resolution seismic acquisition at Dos Palmas Preserve, Mecca, California 2015 high resolution seismic acquisition at Dos Palmas Preserve, Mecca, California
In March 2015, the U.S. Geological Survey acquired seismic reflection and refraction data along an approximately 2.8-km-long profile across northwest-trending San Andreas Fault splays located at the Dos Palmas Preserve east of Salton Sea. To acquire the reflection and refraction data, we collocated shots and geophones, spaced every 3 m along the profile. We used 933 SercelTM L40A P-wave...
2017 seismic imaging of the West Napa Fault Zone, St. Helena, California 2017 seismic imaging of the West Napa Fault Zone, St. Helena, California
In April 2017, the U.S. Geological Survey acquired high resolution P- and S-wave seismic data across the suspected trace of the West Napa Fault zone in St. Helena, California. We acquired seismic reflection, refraction, and guided-wave data along a 215-m-long profile across the expected trend of the West Napa Fault zone. To acquire the reflection and refraction data, we co-located shots...
2015 High Resolution Seismic Data Recorded at Six Strong Motion Seismograph Sites in Napa and Solano Counties, California 2015 High Resolution Seismic Data Recorded at Six Strong Motion Seismograph Sites in Napa and Solano Counties, California
In May 2015, we acquired high-resolution seismic profiles near six strong motion instruments located in Napa and Solano Counties, California. These strong motion instruments recorded horizontal peak accelerations (PGAs) from 0.329g to 0.611g, which were among the highest recorded in the Napa area during the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa Earthquake. Our goal is to measure the seismic...
Filter Total Items: 82
Continuity of the West Napa–Franklin fault zone inferred from guided waves generated by earthquakes following the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa Earthquake Continuity of the West Napa–Franklin fault zone inferred from guided waves generated by earthquakes following the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa Earthquake
We measure peak ground velocities from fault‐zone guided waves (FZGWs), generated by on‐fault earthquakes associated with the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa earthquake. The data were recorded on three arrays deployed across north and south of the 2014 surface rupture. The observed FZGWs indicate that the West Napa fault zone (WNFZ) and the Franklin fault (FF) are continuous in the...
Authors
Rufus D. Catchings, Mark R. Goldman, Y.-G. Li, Joanne H. Chan
Structure of the 1906 near-surface rupture zone of the San Andreas Fault, San Francisco Peninsula segment, near Woodside, California Structure of the 1906 near-surface rupture zone of the San Andreas Fault, San Francisco Peninsula segment, near Woodside, California
High-resolution seismic-reflection and refraction images of the 1906 surface rupture zone of the San Andreas Fault near Woodside, California reveal evidence for one or more additional near-surface (within about 3 meters [m] depth) fault strands within about 25 m of the 1906 surface rupture. The 1906 surface rupture above the groundwater table (vadose zone) has been observed in...
Authors
C.M. Rosa, R. D. Catchings, M. J. Rymer, Karen Grove, M. R. Goldman
High-resolution gravity and seismic-refraction surveys of the Smoke Tree Wash area, Joshua Tree National Park, California High-resolution gravity and seismic-refraction surveys of the Smoke Tree Wash area, Joshua Tree National Park, California
We describe high-resolution gravity and seismic refraction surveys acquired to determine the thickness of valley-fill deposits and to delineate geologic structures that might influence groundwater flow beneath the Smoke Tree Wash area in Joshua Tree National Park. These surveys identified a sedimentary basin that is fault-controlled. A profile across the Smoke Tree Wash fault zone...
Authors
Victoria E. Langenheim, Michael J. Rymer, Rufus D. Catchings, Mark R. Goldman, Janet Watt, Robert E. Powell, Jonathan C. Matti
Subsurface fault damage zone of the 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa, California, earthquake viewed from fault‐zone trapped waves Subsurface fault damage zone of the 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa, California, earthquake viewed from fault‐zone trapped waves
The aftershocks of the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa earthquake generated prominent fault‐zone trapped waves (FZTWs) that were recorded on two 1.9‐km‐long seismic arrays deployed across the northern projection (array 1, A1) and the southern part (A2) of the surface rupture of the West Napa fault zone (WNFZ). We also observed FZTWs on an array (A3) deployed across the intersection of...
Authors
Yong-Gang Li, Rufus D. Catchings, Mark R. Goldman
Feasibility and potential effects of the proposed Amargosa Creek Recharge Project, Palmdale, California Feasibility and potential effects of the proposed Amargosa Creek Recharge Project, Palmdale, California
Historically, the city of Palmdale and vicinity have relied on groundwater as the primary source of water, owing, in large part, to the scarcity of surface water in the region. Despite recent importing of surface water, groundwater withdrawal for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use has resulted in groundwater-level declines near the city of Palmdale in excess of 200 feet since...
Authors
Allen H. Christensen, Adam J. Siade, Peter Martin, Victoria E. Langenheim, Rufus D. Catchings, Matthew K. Burgess
Structure of the Koyna-Warna Seismic Zone, Maharashtra, India: A possible model for large induced earthquakes elsewhere Structure of the Koyna-Warna Seismic Zone, Maharashtra, India: A possible model for large induced earthquakes elsewhere
The Koyna-Warna area of India is one of the best worldwide examples of reservoir-induced seismicity, with the distinction of having generated the largest known induced earthquake (M6.3 on 10 December 1967) and persistent moderate-magnitude (>M5) events for nearly 50 years. Yet, the fault structure and tectonic setting that has accommodated the induced seismicity is poorly known, in part...
Authors
Rufus D. Catchings, M.M. Dixit, Mark R. Goldman, S. Kumar
Non-USGS Publications**
Catchings, R.D., and Mooney, W.D., 1988, Crustal structure of the Columbia Plateau: Evidence for continental rifting: Journal of Geophysical Research , v. 93, p. 459–474, doi.org/10.1029/JB093iB01p00459.
Catchings, R., Jarchow, C., Holbrook, S., Benz, H., Hawman, R., Thompson, G., Mooney, W., Smith, R., Priestley, K., Cipar, J., Borcherdt, R., Whitman, D., Smithson, S., Walker, D., Johnson, R., Karl, J., Jefferson, T., Clement, B., Dietel, C., Wu, F., and Harder, S., 1988, The 1986 PASSCAL Basin and Range Lithospheric Seismic Experiment, Eos Trans. AGU, 69( 20), 593– 598, doi:10.1029/88EO00174.
Zucca, J.J., Fuis, G.S., Milkereit, B., Mooney, W.D., and Catchings, R.D., 1986, Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 91, p. 7859-7382, doi.org/10.1029/JB091iB07p07359.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.