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Tom Parsons

I conduct research aimed at improving our ability to forecast hazardous events like earthquakes and tsunamis. Specifically, I study how earthquakes trigger others, how crustal movements cause earthquake stresses, and how to convert geologic observations of earthquake and tsunami processes into quantitative forecasts of use to planners, insurers, and builders.

Professional Experience

  • 1994-Present: Research Geophysicist, U. S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA

  • 1992-1994: National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow

Education and Certifications

  • 1992 – Ph.D. in Geophysics, Stanford University

  • 1990 – M.S. in Geophysics, Stanford University

  • 1988 – B.S. in Applied Geophysics, UCLA

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Editor, AGU Advances, 2019-present

  • Editor in Chief, Journal of Geophysical Research, Solid Earth, 2009-2015

  • Editor in Chief, Tectonophysics, 2007-2009

  • Editorial Board, Tectonophysics, 2005-2007

  • Editorial Board, Geology, 1995-2000, 2005-2008

  • Member: Executive Committee, Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities 2005-present

  • Member: SCEC Planning Committee, 2007-2009

Honors and Awards

  • Senior Scientist (ST): 1/15

  • Fellow American Geophysical Union, Elected 1/12

  • Fulbright Mutual Educational Exchange Grant USA-Greece: 2007-2008

  • Alumni Pillar of Achievement: Golden West College Outstanding Alumni Award (10/07)

  • Fellow Geological Society of America, Elected 10/97

  • Shoemaker Communication Award (10/00)

  • National Association of Government Communicators Gold Screen Award (12/00)

  • National Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellow (8/92)

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