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
Editorial: Exploring new frontiers with JGR–Solid Earth
Earth science: lasting earthquake legacy
Three‐dimensional model of Hellenic Arc deformation and origin of the Cretan uplift
Is there a basis for preferring characteristic earthquakes over a Gutenberg–Richter distribution in probabilistic earthquake forecasting?
Assessment of source probabilities for potential tsunamis affecting the U.S. Atlantic coast
Probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment at Seaside, Oregon, for near-and far-field seismic sources
On near-source earthquake triggering
Can footwall unloading explain late Cenozoic uplift of the Sierra Nevada crest?
Comments on potential geologic and seismic hazards affecting proposed liquefied natural gas site in Santa Monica Bay, California
A global search for stress shadows
Global ubiquity of dynamic earthquake triggering
Development of final a-fault rupture models for WGCEP/ NSHMP Earthquake Rate Model 2
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
Editorial: Exploring new frontiers with JGR–Solid Earth
Earth science: lasting earthquake legacy
Three‐dimensional model of Hellenic Arc deformation and origin of the Cretan uplift
Is there a basis for preferring characteristic earthquakes over a Gutenberg–Richter distribution in probabilistic earthquake forecasting?
Assessment of source probabilities for potential tsunamis affecting the U.S. Atlantic coast
Probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment at Seaside, Oregon, for near-and far-field seismic sources
On near-source earthquake triggering
Can footwall unloading explain late Cenozoic uplift of the Sierra Nevada crest?
Comments on potential geologic and seismic hazards affecting proposed liquefied natural gas site in Santa Monica Bay, California
A global search for stress shadows
Global ubiquity of dynamic earthquake triggering
Development of final a-fault rupture models for WGCEP/ NSHMP Earthquake Rate Model 2
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.
*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