Sean Lahusen is a Research Geologist at the Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. He received his B.S. in Geology from Western Washington University and his PhD from the University of Washington. Since joining the USGS in 2020, his research has focused on the geologic properties and geomorphologic processes that control landslide susceptibility in Cascadia and coastal Alaska.
Sean works to better understand how landslides affect landscapes and people. He uses field observations, lidar and optical imagery analysis, and numerical modeling to study landslide susceptibility, frequency, and triggering mechanisms. His current research projects include examining geologic and structural controls on deep-seated landslide density in the Oregon Coast Range, using 3-D slope stability models to estimate shaking intensity during past great earthquakes along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and constraining hazard from large bedrock landslides following rapid glacial retreat in coastal Alaska.
Professional Experience
2020 - Present, Mendenhall Research Geologist, Geology Minerals Energy and Geophysics Science Center, Moffett Field, CA.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, 2019
B.S. Geology, Western Washington University, 2013
Professional Geology License, National Association of Boards of Geology, 2021
Affiliations and Memberships*
2018 - Present, American Geophysical Union
2012 - Present, Geological Society of America
Honors and Awards
2015, Parke D. Snavely, Jr., Cascadia Research Award, Geological Society of America
Science and Products
*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