Stephen J. Angster, Ph.D.
(He/Him)I am a field-based and analytical research geologist with the Earthquake Science Center who specializes in earthquake geology. My research aims to understand spatial and temporal distribution of earthquakes and active fault systems. My work is primary focused in the Pacific Northwest and informs seismic hazard models and future risk.
I have conducted geologic and geophysical based studies of complex fault systems in various tectonic settings throughout the U.S and internationally. I currently lead the Pacific Northwest paleoseismic studies task group for the Earthquake Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey. My group focuses on assessing and characterizing Quaternary active faults within the upper continental plate of the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
Professional Experience
Research Geologist, USGS ESC, 2018 - Present
Geologist, USGS GHSC, 2010 - 2013
Intern Geologist, USGS GHSC, 2008 - 2010
Education and Certifications
PhD: University of Nevada, Reno, 2018
MS: Colorado School of Mines, 2013
BS: Western Illinois University, 2006
Science and Products
Earthquake geology inputs for the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) 2023 (western U.S.) (ver. 3.0, December 2023)
Data Release for Luminescence: Paleoseismic liquefaction associated with Holocene earthquakes on the Wallula Fault zone, Southeast Washington, USA
Earthquake geology inputs for the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) 2023 (western US) (ver. 2.0, February 2022)
Earthquake geology inputs for the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) 2023, version 1.0
2020 Update to the Quaternary Fault and Fold Database for Washington State
Field observations and logs from the Rose Hip trench exposure across a north-facing scarp within the Seattle Fault Zone, southern Bainbridge Island, Washington
Logs and data from the Starthistle trench across a scarp within the Wallula Fault Zone, southeastern Washington
Debris avalanches in the northern California Coast Range triggered by plate boundary earthquakes
Simplifying complex fault data for systems-level analysis: Earthquake geology inputs for U.S. NSHM 2023
Characterizing strain between rigid crustal blocks in the southern Cascadia forearc: Quaternary faults and folds of the northern Sacramento Valley, California
Post-glacial Mw 7.0-7.5 earthquakes on the North Olympic fault zone, Washington
Documentation of Surface Fault Rupture and Ground‐Deformation Features Produced by the 4 and 5 July 2019 Mw 6.4 and Mw 7.1 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence
Surface displacement distributions for the July 2019 Ridgecrest, California earthquake ruptures
P- and S-wave velocity models incorporating the Cascadia subduction zone for 3D earthquake ground motion simulations, Version 1.6—Update for Open-File Report 2007–1348
3D ground‐motion simulations of Mw 7 earthquakes on the Salt Lake City segment of the Wasatch fault zone: Variability of long‐period (T≥1 s) ground motions and sensitivity to kinematic rupture parameters
A paleoseismic transect across the northwestern Basin and Range Province, northwestern Nevada and northeastern California, USA
Uplift and subsidence reveal a nonpersistent megathrust rupture boundary (Sitkinak Island, Alaska)
Modeling of wave driven circulation and water quality in nearshore environments
Non-USGS Publications**
**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
Earthquake geology inputs for the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) 2023 (western U.S.) (ver. 3.0, December 2023)
Data Release for Luminescence: Paleoseismic liquefaction associated with Holocene earthquakes on the Wallula Fault zone, Southeast Washington, USA
Earthquake geology inputs for the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) 2023 (western US) (ver. 2.0, February 2022)
Earthquake geology inputs for the U.S. National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) 2023, version 1.0
2020 Update to the Quaternary Fault and Fold Database for Washington State
Field observations and logs from the Rose Hip trench exposure across a north-facing scarp within the Seattle Fault Zone, southern Bainbridge Island, Washington
Logs and data from the Starthistle trench across a scarp within the Wallula Fault Zone, southeastern Washington
Debris avalanches in the northern California Coast Range triggered by plate boundary earthquakes
Simplifying complex fault data for systems-level analysis: Earthquake geology inputs for U.S. NSHM 2023
Characterizing strain between rigid crustal blocks in the southern Cascadia forearc: Quaternary faults and folds of the northern Sacramento Valley, California
Post-glacial Mw 7.0-7.5 earthquakes on the North Olympic fault zone, Washington
Documentation of Surface Fault Rupture and Ground‐Deformation Features Produced by the 4 and 5 July 2019 Mw 6.4 and Mw 7.1 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence
Surface displacement distributions for the July 2019 Ridgecrest, California earthquake ruptures
P- and S-wave velocity models incorporating the Cascadia subduction zone for 3D earthquake ground motion simulations, Version 1.6—Update for Open-File Report 2007–1348
3D ground‐motion simulations of Mw 7 earthquakes on the Salt Lake City segment of the Wasatch fault zone: Variability of long‐period (T≥1 s) ground motions and sensitivity to kinematic rupture parameters
A paleoseismic transect across the northwestern Basin and Range Province, northwestern Nevada and northeastern California, USA
Uplift and subsidence reveal a nonpersistent megathrust rupture boundary (Sitkinak Island, Alaska)
Modeling of wave driven circulation and water quality in nearshore environments
Non-USGS Publications**
**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.