USGS installed an array of seismometers in a field in Gaziantep, Turkiye in order to record ambient noise and earthquakes, including the aftershocks of the devastating earthquakes of 2023. Robert Sickler of the USGS in the foreground and an AFAD employee in the background.
Rufus D Catchings, PhD
Rufus Catchings is a seismologist working on
• Earthquake hazards
• Hydrogeology
• Regional imaging of resources
• Induced seismicity
Dr. Catchings’ scientific interests include seismic evaluation of the subsurface, particularly as it relates to earthquake and other hazards, groundwater and other resources, and tectonics. Catchings also develops seismic methodologies. He has conducted numerous studies and served as advisor for more than 60 local, state, federal, and international government agencies, and private organizations. He has served as research advisor for 15 M.S. and Ph.D. students. Catchings has more than 430 published works, including journal articles, reports, conference papers, and abstracts.
Dr. Catchings has been a Research Geophysicst at USGS since 1981. He served as Chief Scientist for the Earthquake Hazards Team, 2005–2008.
Awards
- Bromery Award, Geological Society of America, 2018
- Superior Service Award, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2000
- Special Act Award, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1990, 2006
- Fellow, Geological Society of America, 1997
Education
- Stanford University, PhD Geophysics, 1987
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, MS Geophysics, 1983
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Geophysics, 1980
- Appalachian State University, BS Geophysics, 1979
External Research Database
ResearchGate
Science and Products
Crustal Characterization
The geophysical structure of the Earth’s crust, from the surface to the Moho, plays a major role in seismic hazard by influencing earthquake source properties and wave propagation from the earthquake to the Earth’s surface. We make field measurements and create models to better characterize the crust and resulting earthquake ground motions.
Surface nodal seismometer installation in Turkiye
USGS installed an array of seismometers in a field in Gaziantep, Turkiye in order to record ambient noise and earthquakes, including the aftershocks of the devastating earthquakes of 2023. Robert Sickler of the USGS in the foreground and an AFAD employee in the background.
Dr. Rufus Catchings, USGS Geophysicist
USGS geophysicist Dr. Rufus Catchings, brings insights to the importance of diversity and perseverance in the earth science field.
USGS geophysicist Dr. Rufus Catchings, brings insights to the importance of diversity and perseverance in the earth science field.
Science and Products
Crustal Characterization
The geophysical structure of the Earth’s crust, from the surface to the Moho, plays a major role in seismic hazard by influencing earthquake source properties and wave propagation from the earthquake to the Earth’s surface. We make field measurements and create models to better characterize the crust and resulting earthquake ground motions.
Surface nodal seismometer installation in Turkiye
USGS installed an array of seismometers in a field in Gaziantep, Turkiye in order to record ambient noise and earthquakes, including the aftershocks of the devastating earthquakes of 2023. Robert Sickler of the USGS in the foreground and an AFAD employee in the background.
USGS installed an array of seismometers in a field in Gaziantep, Turkiye in order to record ambient noise and earthquakes, including the aftershocks of the devastating earthquakes of 2023. Robert Sickler of the USGS in the foreground and an AFAD employee in the background.
Dr. Rufus Catchings, USGS Geophysicist
USGS geophysicist Dr. Rufus Catchings, brings insights to the importance of diversity and perseverance in the earth science field.
USGS geophysicist Dr. Rufus Catchings, brings insights to the importance of diversity and perseverance in the earth science field.