Dr. Peterson has been a Professor of Geological Sciences here at San Diego State University since 1963. Gary started his career here as a stratigrapher/sedimentologist providing thousands of geology students with a sound basis in geology. During his career Peterson has published more than 40 articles and advised numerous thesis projects. Over the last 15 years, Peterson has used his extensive knowledge and field experience to develop his early interests in extraterrestrial geology. He teaches the Department's general education planetary geology course and the very popular "Independent Planetologist" lecture service, sharing his passion for the planets throughout the local science community. Dr. Gary Peterson will be taking part in the Faculty Early Retirment Program starting this semester.
Independent Planetologist
Gary enjoys public speaking and consider it a service to the university and community. Planetary Geology has become his passion and he enjoys sharing that passion. Gary offers a public lectures service to meet people with similar interests and exchanging observations and ideas. Planetary Geology Speaker Service
Education B. A. (Geology), University of Colorado, Boulder (1959) M. S. (Geology), University of Washington, Seattle (1961) Ph.D. (Geology), University of Washington, Seattle (1963)
Professional Experience Professor of Geology, San Diego State University (1963 to present) Visiting Scholar, Stanford University (1970-71 academic year) Chairman, Department of Geological Sciences, SDSU (1973-1976) Visiting Professor of Geology, University of Montana, Missoula (1977) Acting Chairman, Department of Geological Sciences, SDSU (Spring 1984)
Awards California Federation of Mineralogical Societies Honorary Award - 2001 All-University Convocation Lecture Southern Utah University - 2001
May 2007
Tyrone Rooney
Postdoctoral Researcher
The driving force behind my current research lies in developing a more comprehensive understanding of large-scale mantle dynamics through the coupled use of geochemistry, petrology and geophysics. Specifically, I am engaged in describing the origin and composition of mantle reservoirs associated with mafic magmatism, including the interaction of mantle plumes and the overlying crust and lithosphere. A second aspect of my research focuses on mapping the spatial and temporal variations of both the continental and oceanic lithosphere during transitions in tectonic regime, such as the progression from subduction to rifting. The application of geochemical and petrologic techniques can elucidate key questions pertaining to lithospheric development from its creation to modification and ultimate destruction. These cycles form the very basis of plate-dynamic theory and require a multi-faceted approach utilising geochemical, petrological, geophysical and geodynamical methods. This work has been possible thanks to support of Dr. Barry Hanan and Dr. Aaron Pietruszka.
Current Projects A. Magmatism and extensional tectonic environments.
My current research in the East African Rift system (an excellent locale for investigating continental breakup and incipient seafloor spreading) concentrates on analysing mafic lavas of the central main Ethiopian Rift, toward a better understanding of the nature and composition of the mantle. B. Application to ancient tectonic environments.
Coupled Hf-Pb-Sr-Nd isotope studies in well-characterised present-day tectonic settings (extensional and compressional) allow for application of modern insights to ancient analogs of such settings. I am extending the use of multi-isotope systems to meta-mafic rocks of Eastern North America that span an age range of more than a billion years to provide an important contribution in understanding the evolution of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle over time and space.
Education B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology, 1999, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin. Ireland M.S. Geosciences, 2002, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park. “Hydrogeological, three dimensional, numerical flow modeling of the Dublin Port Tunnel and region” Ph.D. Geosciences, 2006, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park. “Continental Rifting in Central Ethiopia: Geochemical and Isotopic Constraints from Lavas and Xenoliths”
Select Publications Rooney T., Furman T., Yirgu G. & Ayalew D. (2005) Structure of the Ethiopian Lithosphere: Xenolith Evidence in the Main Ethiopian Rift. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 69, 3889-3910. Rooney T.O., Furman T., Bastow I., Nyblade, A. A., Yirgu G. & Ayalew D. Lithospheric Modification during crustal extension in the Main Ethiopian Rift. Journal of Geophysical Research (Accepted). Rooney T., Marone C. & Arthur M.A. (2006) The Sea Around Us. Thompson, Mason, Ohio. 125 pages. ISBN: 0-759-39056-8.
March 2007
Richard W. Berry,
Professor Emeritus
Dick joined the department in 1961. He retired in 2001 but has remained active, including teaching a graduate course on Geology of Clays this semester. The partial list of publications, shown below, reflects both a diversity of research interests over the course of his career and the publications he likes best. He continues to help out in the department and does some volunteer work for the office of the Dean of the College of Sciences. He is a Senior Member of the Mineralogical Society of America, Senior Fellow of the Geological Society of America and member of Council of The Clay Minerals Society. He most enjoys working with students and helping them with their research, both formally and informally.
Current Projects
Aside from interacting with two departmental colleagues on their research projects, Dick is developing a way to estimate the volume of volcanic ash that fell on Southwestern San Diego during the Eocene and Oligocene using clay minerals that altered from the ash.
Education BS (Mining Engineering): Lafayette College, Easton PA Masters (Geophysics) and PhD (Geochemistry/Clay Mineralogy): Washington University (St. Louis). Post Doctorate: University of Oslo, Norway
Select Publications Berry, R.W., and Johns, W.D., 1966: Mineralogy of the clay-sized fractions of some North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean bottom sediments. Geol. Soc. of Amer. Bull., v 77, p 183-196. Berry, R.W., Brophy, G., and Naquash, A., 1970: Mineralogy of the suspended sediment in the Tigris-Euphrates-Shatt-al-Arab Rivers of Iraq and the recent history of the Mesopotamian Plain. J. of Sed. Pet., v 40, n1, p 131-139. Berry, R.W., and Jorgensen, P., 1971: Grain size, mineralogy and chemistry of a quick clay sample from the Ullensaker Slide, Norway. Internat. J. of Eng. Geol., Elsevier, Amsterdam, v 5, p. 73-84 Berry, R.W., and Nocita, B., 1977: Clay mineralogy of Recent marine sediments found on the Southern California outer continental shelf. California Division of Mines and Geology, Contributions to California Geology, Spec. Report 129, p 101-106. Berry, R.W., 1991: Deposition of Eocene and Oligocene Bentonites and their relationship to Tertiary tectonics, San Diego County. In, Eocene Geologic History – San Diego Region (ed. Abbott and May), Book 68, Pacific Section SEPM, p. 107-113. Berry, R.W., and Torrance, K., 1998: Mineralogy, grain-size distribution and geotechnical behavior of Champlain clay core samples, Quebec, Canada. Canadian Mineralogist, v 36, n 6, 1625-1636. Berry, R.W., 1999 : Eocene and Oligocene Otay-type waxy bentonites of San Diego County and Baja California: Chemistry, mineralogy, petrology and plate tectonic implications. Clays and Clay Minerals, v 47, n 1, 70-83. Berry, R.W., Bergaya, F., and Lagaly, G., 2006: Teaching Clay Science: A Great Perspective. In, Handbook of Clay Science (ed. Bergaya, Theng and Lagaly), Developments in Clay Science #1, Elsevier, p 1183-1195.
February 2007
Steven M. Day
Professor of Geophysics The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology
Steve's research interests include seismic wave source dynamics, earthquake strong motion, and explosion seismology. He is the first appointee to the Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology. The Eckis chair was a gift from Rollin and Caroline Eckis, combined with matching funds from the Atlantic Richfield Company and contributions from SDSU faculty and staff. Steve is a prominent scientist and is considered a leader in his field. In the 19 years that Steve has been with SDSU he has been awarded more then four million dollars in external funding, and published over 50 refereed journal articles.
Current Projects ITR Collaborative Research: Multiresolution High Fidelity Earthquake Modeling: Dynamic Rupture, Basin Response, Blind Deconvolution, Seismic Inversion and Ultrascale Computing A Collaborative Project: 3D Rupture Dynamics, Validation of the Numerical Simulation Method Dynamics of Rupture on Inhomogeneous Faults Joint SCEC/PEER Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) Initiative 3D Ground Motion Simulation in Basins
Education Ph.D., 1977 UC San Diego
Select Publications Day, S. M., L. A. Dalguer, N. Lapusta, and y. Liu, (2005). Comparison of finite difference and boundary integral solutions to three-dimensional spontaneous rupture, J. Geophys. Res., Vol. 110, B12307, doi:10.1029/2005JB003813. Day, S. M., and G. P. Ely (2002). Effect of a shallow weak zone on fault rupture: Numerical simulation of scale-model experiments, Bull. Seism. Soc. Am., Vol 92, 3006-3021. Day, S.M., and Bradley, C. (2001). Memory-efficient simulation of anelastic wave propagation, Bull. Seism. Soc. Am., Vol. 91, 520-531. Day, S.M., G. Yu, and D. Wald (1998). Dynamic stress changes during earthquake rupture, Bull. Seism. Soc. Am, 88, 512-522. Day, S. M. (1996). "RMS response of a one-dimensional halfspace to SH," Bull. Seism. Soc. Am, Vol 86, pp. 363-370.
January 2007
Dave Kimbrough
Professor and Undergraduate Advisor
Daves Research interest include the evolution of continental margin batholiths and development of derivative sedimentary basins. He is currently working in the Peninsular Ranges of southern and Baja California and the Coast Ranges of southern British Columbia is interdisciplinary involving a range of techniques, all rooted in field studies, including U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology of basement rocks, developmental work and application of detrital mineral dating techniques, igneous and metamorphic petrology, as well as stratigraphic analysis of depositional systems. Both undergraduate and graduate students at SDSU conduct research on these topics under Kimbrough’s supervision, and research results feed into the two graduate level courses he teaches. Dave also has an interest in science education and K-8 curriculum development. he has developed new curricula and implemented within the framework of an interactive association between the SDSU Department of Geological Sciences, pre-service teacher training program, and K-8 students and in-service teachers from local school districts. Show Me Geology is the cornerstone of this effort.
Current Projects Non-steady-state continental margin magmatism Gulf of California-San Andreas plate boundary Sediment provenance analysis Science Education Peninsular Ranges batholith teaching suite
Education Ph.D. 1982 University of California, Santa Barbara B.Sc. 1976 University of California, Santa Cruz
Select Publications Shervais, J.W., Murchey, B.L., Kimbrough, D.L., Renne, P.R., and Hanan, B., 2005, Radioisotopic and biostratigraphic age relations in the Coast Range Ophiolite, northern California: Implications for the tectonic evolution of the Western Cordillera: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 117, doi: 10.1130/B25443.1. Kimbrough, D.L.and Moore, T.E., 2003, Ophiolite and volcanic arc assemblages on the Vizcaino Peninsula and Cedros Island, Baja California Sur, Mexico: Mesozoic forearc lithosphere of the Cordilleran magmatic arc, in Johnson, S.E., Paterson, S.R., Fletcher, J., Girty, G.H., Kimbrough, D.L., and Martin-Barajas, A., eds., Tectonic evolution of northwestern Mexico and the southwestern USA: A Volume in Honor of R. Gordon Gastil, Geological Society of America Special Paper 374. Bohnel, H., Delgado-Argote, L.A., and Kimbrough, D.L., 2002, Discordant paleomagnetic data for middle-Cretaceous intrusive rocks from northern Baja California: Latitude distplacement, tilt, or vertical axis rotation?: Tectonics, v. 21, doi:10:10.1029/2001TC001298. Kimbrough, D.L., Smith, D.P., Mahoney, J.B., Moore, T.E., Gastil, R.G., Ortega Rivera, M.A., and Fanning, C.M., 2001, Forearc basin sedimentary response to rapid Late Cretaceous batholith emplacement in the Peninsular Ranges of southern and Baja California: Geology, v. 29, p. 491–494. Lovera, O.M., Grove, M., Kimbrough, D.L., Abbott, P.L., 1999, Magnitude and time scales in the exhumation of arc crust: an approach based upon analysis of detrital closure age distributions: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 104, no. B12, p. 29,419-29,438.
December 2006
Benchun Duan
Researcher
Benchuns' current research interests focus on earthquake source physics, particularly earthquake rupture dynamics on geometrically and materially complex fault systems, and extend to physics-based strong ground motion prediction and physics-based seismic hazard analysis. He studies rupture dynamics within the context of multiple earthquake cycles to better constrain fault stress conditions at the start of dynamic rupture, and to examine the long-term effects of geometrical and material complexities. Benchun has developed and validated a new explicit FEM code (EQDYNA, both 2D and 3D versions) for modeling spontaneous dynamic rupture on geometrically complex fault system. Recently, he has implemented off-fault plastic yielding in EQDYNA2d and have applied it to strikes-slip faults with bends. He has found that limitations on material strength can play an important role in rupture dynamics on complex fault system and in generating strong ground motion.
Current Research Interests Elasto-plastic Dynamics of Non-Planar Faults; Physical Limits on Extreme Ground Motion; Physics-based Strong Ground Motion Prediction; Multi-cycle Dynamics of Geometrically Complex Fault Systems; Finite Element Method and Parallel Computing.
Education Ph.D. University of California, Riverside, Geological Sciences, June 2006 M.A. Ocean University of Qingdao (China), Applied Geophysics, July 1994. Thesis: A study on fast forward modeling and automatic inversion of 2-D electrical sounding with point sources B.A. Ocean University of Qingdao (China), Applied Geophysics, July 1991. Thesis: Reduction to the pole of the magnetic anomaly.
Recent Publications Duan, B., and D. D. Oglebsy (2006). Nonuniform prestress from prior earthquakes and the effect on dynamics of branched fault systems, J. Geophys. Res., under review (paper #: 2006JB004443). Duan, B., and D. D. Oglesby (2006). Heterogeneous fault stresses from previous earthquakes and the effect on dynamics of parallel strike-slip faults, J. Geophys. Res., 111, B05309, doi:10.1029/2005JB004138. Duan, B., and D. D. Oglesby (2005). The dynamics of thrust and normal faults over multiple earthquake cycles: effects of dipping fault geometry, Bull. Seism. Soc. Am., 95 (5), pp. 1623-1636, doi: 10.1785/0120040234. Duan, B., and D. D. Oglesby (2005). Multicycle dynamics of nonplanar strike-slip faults, J. Geophys. Res., 110, B03304, doi:10.1029/2004JB003298.
November 2006
Alyson L. Ponomarenko
Lecturer
Alyson comes to us from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Earth and Environmental Science. She is teaching one of our Geol303 Natural Disaster courses this semester. Her research interests is in Geoscience Education and Volcanology. Alyson is involved in reviewing "The Good Earth: An Introduction to Earth Science", by McConnell et al. for McGraw-Hill publishing. She has organized a session in science education for the Joint Assembly for AGU, and served on the planning committee for 2005 South-central GSA meeting. She has been a coordinator Texas State Science and Engineering Fair and judged science projects for the Alamo Regional Academy of Science and Engineering (ARASE) Junior
Academy of Science Competition. Alyson is married to SDSU's Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Vadim Ponomarenko, she has three children, Sonya, Dmitry, and Lydia (pictured in order below).
Classes Taught The Third Planet Rocks and Minerals Introduction to Earth Systems (Physical Geology) Mineralogy class and lab Earth History(Historical Geology) Petrology lab Environmental Geology Volcanology Field-based Introductory Geology Invertebrate Paleontology class and lab Teaching Environmental Sciences (graduate course)
Education Ph.D. Geology, 2001, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA B.S. Geology, 1992, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA
Recent Publications Ponomarenko, A., and Nelson, S. A., submitted and in revision, Peralkaline volcanisin in the
northeastern Mexican Volcanic Belt: On the geology of Sierra Las Navajas, Hidalgo, Mexico:
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. Ponomarenko, A., accepted, Student empowerment in student evaluations, or how to trick your students
into liking your class: The Journal of College Science Teaching. Ponomarenko, A., 2004, Crystallography in the classroom-modeling silicates without silicate models:
Journal of Geoscience Education, v. 52, p. 3 1-33. Lighthart-Ponomarenko, A., 2004, The Pacliuca obsidian source, Hidalgo, Mexico: a geoarchaeological
perspective: Geoarchaeology, v. 19, p. 7 1-9 1. Lighthart, A,, 2000, Hollywood Geology: Journal of Geoscience Education, v. 48, p. 601.
October 2006
Jared Morrow
Assistant Professor
Jared has just joined us here at SDSU this Fall semester. His research interests include; sedimentology, stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and chemostratigraphy. Some of the projects that Jared is working on include; Devonian to Carboniferous depositional history and sequence stratigraphy, conodont-based event stratigraphic study of the mid-Late Devonian mass extinction interval, and the geologic history of Alamo Impact Event. He has taught a variety of courses including; Sedimentology/Stratigraphy, Paleontology, General Geology (science and non-science majors), Historical Geology, graduate special-topic seminars (e.g., Neo-Catastrophism, Rocky Mountain Geology, Extraterrestrial Impacts and Mass Extinction), summer field courses (e.g., Geology of the Red Rocks Country, Geology of Dinosaur National Monument, Geology of Southern Austria), Earth Materials, Ground-Water Geology, and undergraduate Honors courses.
Research Interest Middle Paleozoic depositional history and event stratigraphy, Great Basin and Western Europe Collaborative research with C.A. Sandberg, F.G. Poole (both USGS Emeritus), E. Schindler, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, and others describing and correlating Middle Devonian to Early Carboniferous depositional history and sequence and event stratigraphy, emphasizing sections in western U.S. and Western Europe. See list of selected publications Geologic record of bolide impacts, emphasizing the Late Devonian Alamo event, central Great Basin Cooperative work with C.A. Sandberg, F.G. Poole, A.G. Harris, (all USGS Emeritus), J.E. Warme, Colorado School of Mines, and others on the impact stratigraphy, sedimentology, and conodont biostratigraphy of the mid-Frasnian (early Late Devonian, ~382 Ma), marine Alamo impact event, south-central Nevada. Recent research has focused on the offshore deep-water, and onshore distal effects of the impact event. See list of selected publications Patterns and processes of the mid-Late Devonian (Frasnian-Famennian, F-F, Kellwasser) mass extinction, utilizing conodont-based event stratigraphy Collaborative research with C.A. Sandberg, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), E. Schindler, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Stephen Hasiotis, University of Kansas, and others on conodont-based event stratigraphic analysis of the mid-Late Devonian (Frasnian-Famennian, Kellwasser, ~372 Ma) biotic crisis interval, emphasizing integration of data from the western U.S. and Western Europe. See list of selected publications
Classes Taught at SDSU GEOL 600; Catastrophies in the Geologic Record GEOL 536 Spring 2006; Sedimentology and Lithostratigraphy
Education B.A., Geology, Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, August, 1983 M.S., Geology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, December, 1989. Advisor: G.D. Webster Ph.D., Geology, University of Colorado-Boulder, May, 1997. Advisors: E.G. Kauffman and D.L. Eicher. Title: ‘Shelf-to-basin event stratigraphy, conodont paleoecology, and geologic history across the Frasnian-Famennian (F-F, mid-Late Devonian) boundary mass extinction, central Great Basin, western U.S.’
Recent Publications Morrow, J.R., and Hasiotis, S.T., 2006, Endobenthic response through mass extinction episodes: Predictive models and observed patterns, in Miller, W., III, ed., Trace Fossils: Concepts, Problems, Prospects, in press. Morrow, J.R., 2006, Impacts and mass extinctions revisited: PALAIOS, v. 21, p. 313-315. Morrow, J.R., Sandberg, C.A., and Harris, A.G., 2005, Late Devonian Alamo Impact, southern Nevada, USA: Evidence of size, marine site, and widespread effects: Geological Society of America Special Paper 384, p. 259-280.
August 2006
Damon DeYoung
Lecturer
Damon is a new addition to the faculty at San Diego State. He is a graduate of the SDSU geology program where he emphasized in marine geology and minored in chemistry. His current research interests revolve around the sedimentology and stratigraphy of the Neoproterozoic succession of southern Death Valley. He has taught a variety of explorations classes and particularly enjoys teaching oceanography courses. Damon plans on pursuing his Ph.D. in marine geology/sedimentology; addressing issues related to coastal processes (e.g., sediment source, transport, and fate).
Classes Taught at SDSU OCEAN 320; The Oceans GEOL 302; Fossils: Life through Time GEOL 303; Natural Disasters
Education B.S., 2002, San Diego State University M.S., 2005, University of California Riverside
Thesis Title: The Neoproterozoic Ibex Formation, eastern California: Stratigraphic and sedimentological constraints on ice age and carbonate precipitation events of southern Death Valley.
May 2006
Michael Walawender
Emeritus Professor
Mike served the Department for over thirty years, during that time he was Chairman and supervised nearly 100 senior and Master's theses. The 2002 graduating class choose Mike as the most influencial faculty. Mike has published numerous articles on the Peninsular Ranges batholith and has led a variety of field trips for both students and professional geologists. He is also the author of the "Peninsular Ranges: A Geological Guide to San Diego BackCountry" a popular book on the geology of the San Diego area. Recently, Mike was a scientific co-leader for the 2006 GeoHostel, "The Tectonic Development of Southern California: from the Beaches of San Diego to the San Andreas Fault."
Professional Career 7/89-7/95 Chair, Dept. of Geological Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182 9/82-5/05 Professor of Geological Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182 9/77-9/82 Associate Professor of Geological Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182 9/72-9/77 Assistant Professor of Geological Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182 6/67-9/72 Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, Department of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 6/70-9/70 Geologist, Bear Creek Mining Co., Englewood, CO. Detailed evaluation of porphyry Mo deposits, central and southwestern Colorado 6/69-9/69 Geologist, Bear Creek Mining Co., Englewood, CO. Reconnaissance mapping and evaluation of potential Precambrian base metal deposits, northern Wisconsin 10/68-12/68 Consultant, Carborundum Company, Niagra Falls, NY. Optical properties of SiC. evaluation of sulfide deposits, Duluth Complex, Minnesota 6/68-9/68 Geologist, United States Steel Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA. Detailed mapping and evaluation of sulphide deposits, Duluth Complex, Minnesota 9/65-9/67 Research Assistant, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD 6/65-9/65 Geologist, Iron Ore Co. of Canada, Sept Isles, Quebec. Detailed mapping and prospect evaluation of Precambrian iron formation
Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 1972
April 2006
Kevin Robinson
Lecturer
Kevin's interest are in Geoscience Education. He is involved in numerous projects including; Visualizing Earth an educational research project funded by the National Science Foundation, College and University Earth System Science Education in the 21st Century, Author of a Companion Website for Essentials of Oceanography, and a member of the editorial board for Journal of Earth System Science Education.
Classes Taught Geol100 Dynamics of the Earth Geol104 Earth Science Geol303 Natural Disaster Geol412 Processes and Inquiry in the Earth Sciences Oceans 320 The Oceans
March 2006
Kathryn Thorbjarnarson
Professor of Hydrogeology
Kathy's research interest revolve around hydrologic studies which incorporate field, laboratory and computer modeling studies. Projects she is involved in are; groundwater and surface water interactions in riparian and estuarine wetlands, nutrient loadings in watersheds, and laboratory/ computer simulations of fate and transport of organic contaminants.
Education 1981 B.S. in Biology-Geology Univ. of Rochester 1983 M.S. in Marine Science N.C. State Univ. 1990 Ph.D. in Civil Engineering UCLA (Water Resources Engineering) Classes Taught Geol100 Dynamics of the Earth Geol305 Water and the Environment Geol551 Hydrogeology Geol552 Field & Lab. Techniques in Hydrogeology Geol651 Numerical Modeling of Groundwater Flow Geol676 Solute Transport in Groundwater Geol676 Environmental Fate of Organic Contaminants
Recent Publications Zedler, P., K. Thorbjarnarson, J. Beedle and K. Venzor, 2003, Riparian Monitoring and Modeling Sewage Effluent Compliance Projects on Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton: 2002 Field Season, Report to U.S. Navy Thorbjarnarson, K. W., J. Inami and G. Girty, 2002, Visual Solute Transport, Journal of Geological Education Thorbjarnarson, K.W., 1999, Tijuana Estuary Hydrologic Evaluation, Final Report to the Southwestern Center for Environmental Research and Policy.
December 2005
Kim Bak Olsen
Associate Professor of Geophysics
Kim's main research interests are in two areas. One is numerical simulation of wave propagation and estimating strong ground motion and site amplification in areas of high seismic hazard. The other is earthquake physics and
rupture dynamics, which may one day bring us closer to understand why earthquakes occur. These research areas are supported by tools from parallel and high-performance computing, 3D visualization, and Information Technology.
Education B.S. University of Aarhus, Denmark, Geophysics, 1984. M.S. University of Aarhus, Denmark, Geophysics, 1987. Ph.D. University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT), Geophysics, 1994.
Thesis title: Simulation of three-dimensional wave propagation in the Salt Lake Basin. Classes Taught Geol600 Numerical Simulation of Wave Propagation Geol600 Inverse Theory Current Projects Earthquake Rupture Dynamics Simulations - Development of codes for forward simulations of spontaneous rupture propagation in realistic models of stress drop, friction and crustal structure, and linear and nonlinear inversion of rupture parameters. The codes are used to obtain rupture models for historical earthquakes around the world. Funded by NSF, University of California, and SCEC. Information Technology Research for Seismology - Projects include development of web-based tools to plot, store, compare, and disseminate synthetics seismograms, slip histories on fault surfaces, and rupture times for dynamic simulations. Simulation codes are ported to high-performance computers and optimized for parallel architecture. Funded by NSF and SCEC. Numerical Simulation of Ground Motion - Projects include ground motion estimation from 3D simulations of ground motion in areas such as Southern California, Wellington (New Zealand), Rome (Italy), and the Bay area (CA) for shallow crustal sources, and the Pacific Northwest for large (M8-9) subduction earthquakes. Funded by SCEC and NEHRP. Visualization - Results of rupture and wave propagation simulations are visualized in three and four dimensions to analyze the interaction between rupture propagation, seismic waves, and crustal structure. Seismograms are correlated with rupture and wave propagation in order to depict the origin of the phases.
Recent Publications Peyrat, S., and K.B. Olsen (2004). Nonlinear dynamic inversion of the 2000 Western Tottori,
Japan, earthquake, Geophys. Res. Lett. 31, doi:10.1029/2003GL019058
Madariaga, R., and K.B. Olsen (2002). International Handbook of Seismology and Physics of the Earth's Interior, Part A: Theoretical Seismology, Chapter 12, 175-194, Academic Press.
Olsen, K.B. (2000). Site Amplification in the Los Angeles Basin from 3D Modeling of Ground Motion, Bull. Seis. Soc. Am. 90, S77-S94.
Olsen, K.B. (2000). Site Amplification in the Los Angeles Basin from 3D Modeling of Ground Motion, Bull. Seis. Soc. Am. 90, S77-S94.
Olsen, K.B., R. Madariaga, and R.J. Archuleta (1997). Three-dimensional dynamic simulation of the 1992 Landers earthquake, Science 278, 834-838.
Olsen, K.B., R.J. Archuleta, and J.R. Matarese (1995). Three-dimensional simulation of a magnitude 7.75 earthquake on the San Andreas fault, Science, 270, 1628-1632.
November 2005
Joan Kimbrough
Instructional Support Technician
Joan Kimbrough has been working for the Department of Geological Sciences since 1985. Joan is the senior technician, manages the analytical facilities oversees the operating budgets, supervises and trains students and faculty on facilities and equipment, and is liaison between the department and the business and financial affairs of the University.
Joan has also has also been a key coordinator and volunteer for the department Show Me Geology program, a Geological Science education program for K-12 students. Her extensive knowledge in chemistry and geology has provided academic richness in every student’s experience here and has help shape the outstanding geology program we have today.
October 2005
Amos Salamon
Visiting Researcher
Geological Survey of Israel
Amos's research concentrates on earthquake hazards evaluation in selected sites, cities and regions in Israel by identifying and mapping the vulnerable areas. He tries to make his work useful and applied for public use, mainly in earthquake prevention and disaster reduction.
He is also interested in the seismotectonics of the Eastern Mediterranean region, on study of natural seismogenic effects of earthquakes and on structural geology.
Education B.Sc., 1984, geology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel M.Sc., 1987, geology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel Ph.D., 1993, geology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Selected Publications Salamon, A., 2004. Seismically induced ground effects of the February 11, 2004, ML=5.2, northeastern Dead Sea earthquake, Geological Survey of Israel, Report GSI/30/04. Salamon, A., Hofstetter, A., Garfunkel, Z. & Ron, H., 2003. Seismotectonics of the Sinai subplate – The eastern Mediterranean region. Geophysical Journal International, 155, 149-173. Salamon, A., Gill, D. and Calvo, R., 2002. The 3-D configuration of the Yarqon-Taninim-Beer Sheva aquifer: Examination of the lithostratigraphic data, proposed hydrostratigraphic scheme and the structure of the database. Geological Survey of Israel, Report GSI/28/02 (in Hebrew).
September 2005
Gary H. Girty
Professor / Department Chairman
Gary's research interests include processes controlling the compositions of sandstones and argillites, and the sedimentological and structural origins of Paleozoic/Mesozoic rocks of the western Cordillera
Education B.A., 1975, summa cum laude, California State University, Fresno, California M.A., 1977, with distinction California State University Fresno, California Master of Philosophy, 1981, Columbia University, New York, New York Ph.D., 1983, Columbia University, New York, New York
Selected Publications Gary H. Girty, Jeffrey Marsh, Aron Meltzner, Jessica R. McConnell, Damon Nygren, JoAnna Nygren, Gail M. Prince, Kesler Randall, Diane Johnson, Brett hitman, and Jennifer Neilsen, 2003, Assessing changes in elemental mass as a result of chemical weathering of granodiorite in a Mediterranean (hot summer) climate, Journal of Sedimentary Research 347. Girty, G.H., and Lawrence, J.L., 2000, Bootstrap technique and the location of the source of siliciclastic detritus in the lower Paleozoic Shoo Fly Complex, northern Sierra terrane, California, in Soreghan, M.J., and Gehrels, G.E., eds., Paleozoic and Triassic Paleogeography and Tectonic Evolution of Western Nevada and Northern California: Boulder, Colorado, Geological Society of America Special Paper 347. Girty, G.H., Thomson, C.N., Carmichael, D.L., Netto, S.L., and Wagemakers, R., 1998, Normal-sense mylonites of the Scove Canyon segment (SCs), Cuyamaca-Laguna Mountains shear zone (CLMSZ), California, in Snoke, A., Tullis, J.A., and Todd, V.R., eds., Atlas of Mylonitic and Fault-Related Rocks, Princeton Press.
August 2005
Richard H. Miller
Professor Emeritus
Over the years Rick has taught Physical Geology, Historical Geology, California Geology, Invertebrate Paleontology, Micropaleontology, Depositional Systems and Biostratigraphy
His research has focused on Paleozoic microfossils (conodont) from the California and Nevada portions of the Great Basin and from Baja California. Published work includes taxonomic studies, biostratigraphy, stratigraphic interpretations, regional correlations, and interpretation of depositional environments. Much of this work was funded by grants from the American Chemical Society and the National Science Foundation. Over 20 masters degree students and numerous senior theses students have completed their studies relating to these areas of study.
Education 1965 BS Degree. San Fernando Valley State College (California State University Northridge) 1967 MS Degree. University of California, Los Angeles 1975 PhD Degree. University of California, Los Angeles
Selected Publications Miller, R.H., and Zilinsky, G.A., Lower Ordovician through Lower Devonian cratonic margin rocks of the southern Great Basin. Geological Society of America, Bulletin 92:255-261. 1978. Miller, R.H., Early Silurian to Early Devonian conodont biostratigraphy and depositional environments of the Hidden Valley Dolomite, southeastern California. Journal of Paleontology 52:323-344. 1976. Miller, R.H., Revision of Upper Ordovician, Silurian, and Lower Devonian stratigraphy, southwestern Great Basin. Geological Society of America, Bulletin 87:961-968. 1966. Barnes, V.E., Boucot, A.J., Cloud, P.E., Jr., Miller, R.H., and Palmer, A.R., Silurian of Central Texas: A first record for the region. Science 145:1107-1108.
June 2005
Marie Grace
Administrative Support Assistant
Marie has been at San Diego State University since 1983. She's started working for the department in 1990. She current serves as the Administrative Support Assistant and the Graduate Program Assistant.
Over the last 15 years in the department Marie has become an integral part of everyone’s lives. She has developed a vast knowledge of the workings of the University and has become a problem solving sleuth. She is admired by students and faculty, and gives much of her time and energy helping students achieve their goals and objectives creating a life long bond as they develop into alumni. Marie has been instrumental in the growth of a better Department of Geological Sciences.
May 2005
Isabelle SacramentoGrilo
Lecturer
I teach a variety of explorations courses such as Physical Geology (lower division course), Geology of National Parks, Oceanography, Natural Disasters, and Natural Sciences (upper division courses). I enjoy very much teaching all these classes, but my great interest, however, is teaching and developing Natural Disasters. This course has historically attracted many students and no wonder! It’s a fascinating subject, one that affects all of humanity one way or another. And for me it is a fun class to teach. It allows me to interact energetically with the students and they get to apply the geologic knowledge that they gain to their everyday experiences.
I’m also particularly interested in the geologic and tectonic evolution of California in specific, and the western Cordillera in general. . I stress this dynamic geology of California in all my classes for I believe that it is imperative for students in California to appreciate the origins of landscapes in which they dwell and which they enjoy.
Education B.Sc., 1995, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California,
Majors: Geology, and Environmental Studies with concentration in Geology. Magna cum laude M.Sc., 1999, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, Geology, GPA 3.96.
Student Evaluations "She was the best instructor. San Diego State University is lucky to have such an outstanding teacher" RateMyProfessors.com
Dr. Barry W. Eakins
Lecturer Geology/Oceanography Photo from a submersible dive in 2002
5000 meters below sea level
Dr. Eakins' research interests are in marine geomorphology and plate tectonics. Projects have included: the structure and formation of oceanic rifted margins, analogues to rifted continental margins; and landslide failure of ocean-island volcanoes, principally in Hawaii. He is currently studying the pattern of faulting on the Gulf of California seafloor, as revealed by multibeam sonar, seismic profiling and rock-dredge sampling, to better understand the development of this young, divergent plate boundary, where Baja California has been detached from mainland Mexico.
Education B.A., 1994, Geology, University of Colorado, Boulder, summa cum laude. Ph.D., 2002, Earth Sciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. Ph.D. Dissertation: Structure and Development of Oceanic Rifted Margins.
Classes Taught Geol 303 - Natural Disasters Geol 104 - Earth Science Special two-week seminar at sea: Marine geophysical tools and techniques while exploring the Pacific seafloor between Hawaii and San Diego.
Clive Dormans research interests are in coastal Marine Meteorology and air-sea interaction. My active projects involve making atmospheric measurements with meteorological buoys, research vessels and aircraft. A principle goal is to figure out what the lower atmosphere over the ocean is doing and why. I am working on observations taken off Bodega Bay California, the Santa Barbara Channel, the Adriatic and Japan Sea.
Education B.A., 1965, Physics, University of California, Riverside.
Basic Weather Officer Course, 1967, New York University. M.Sc., 1972, Physical Oceanography, Oregon State University. Ph.D., 1974, Physical Oceanography, Oregon State University. Ph.D. Thesis: Analysis of meteorological and oceanographic at Ocean Station Vessel N (30 N 140 W)
Classes Taught GEOL 545 - Descriptive Physical Oceanography OC 320 - The Oceans OC 541 - Oceanography RP Oceans – a hands-on oceanography teaching lab in GMCS 110
Selected Publications Dorman, C. E. , R.C. Beardsley and R Limeburner, “Winds in the Strait of Gibraltar”. Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, 121, 1903-1921, 1995. Dorman, C.E., D. P. Rogers, W. Nuss and W. T. Thompson, “Adjustment of the Summer Marine Boundary Layer Around Pt. Sur, California.” Monthly Weather Review,127, 2143 2159, 1999. Dorman, C.E., C.D. Winant, “The Marine Layer In and Around the Santa Barbara Channel”. Monthly Weather Review. 128, 261-282, 2000. Dorman, C. E., T. Holt, D. P. Rogers and K. Edwards, “Large-Scale Structure of the June-July 1996 Marine Boundary Layer Along California and Oregon.”. Monthly Weather Review, 128, 1632-1652, 2000.
January 2005
Robert J. Mellors
Resident Computer Geoscientist
Interest Earthquakes and crustal deformation using both seismology and deformation measurements (especially InSAR). Signal processing and seismic interpretation. Earthquake education and outreach. Education Indiana University 1990-1995 Ph.D., Geophysics, minor in mathematics Title of Dissertation: Two Studies in Central Asian Seismology: a Teleseismic Study of the Pamir/Hindu Kush and Analysis of Data from the Kyrgyzstan Seismic Network Cornell University 1986-1988 MS, Geophysics Ohio State University 1982-1986 BS (with honors), Geology, minor in mathematics Zellers Elementary School 1971 Kindergarten, minor in finger painting. University Classes Taught Geological Sciences 300 - Computer applications in Geology Geological Sciences 303 - Natural Disasters Geological Sciences 600 - Problems in Computational Science Geological Sciences 647 - Seismic Interpretation & 3D visualization Recent Publications Heuze, F., R. Archuleta, F. Bonilla, S. Day, M. Doroudian, A. Elgamal, M. Hoehler, T. Lai, D. Lavallee, B. Lawrence, P-C. Liu, A. Martin, L. Matesic, R. Mellors, B. Minster, D. Oglesby, S. Park, M. Riemer, J. Steidl, F. Vernon, M. Vucetic, J. Wagoner, Z. Yang, 2004, Estimating Site-Specific Strong Earthquake Motions, Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 24, 199-223. Mellors, R. J., H. Magistrale, P. Earle, and A. Cogbill, 2004,Comparison of moderate earthquakes in Southern California using InSAR and seismology, submitted to Bull. Seismo. Soc. of Amer.
December 2004
Dr. Victor Camp
Lecturer
Vic Camp’s primary focus lies in teaching 500-800 students each semester in a variety major, non-major and graduate classes. He maintains an active research program in volcanology and petrology, with a specific current interest in the tectonomagmatic evolution of volcanic terrains in the Pacific Northwest. His most recent publication has been highlighted as November LIP (Large Igneous Province) of the month by the LIP Subcommission of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI). With over one million visitors, his website “How Volcanoes Work” has been selected by Scientific American as one best Sci/Tech sites of 2004.
Education B.S. - 1970 - Marshall University M.S. - 1972 - Miami University Ph.D. - 1976 - Washington State University Classes Taught
B. A. (Geology), University of Colorado, Boulder (1959) 
Middle Paleozoic depositional history and event stratigraphy, Great Basin and Western Europe Collaborative research with C.A. Sandberg, F.G. Poole (both USGS Emeritus), E. Schindler, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, and others describing and correlating Middle Devonian to Early Carboniferous depositional history and sequence and event stratigraphy, emphasizing sections in western U.S. and Western Europe. See list of selected publications 
(Water Resources Engineering)
