Carol A Finn, Ph.D.
Carol Finn is a research geophysicist with the Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver, CO.
Carol specializes in the application of magnetic, gravity and electromagnetic data, to develop framework geological models in support of resource and volcano hazards assessments and fundamental Earth Processes. She has worked all over the world. Her current research is on imagining Yellowstone's iconic thermal features, 3D modeling of layered mafic intrusions and their platinum group element potential and Cascades and Alaska landslide hazards.
Research Interests
Carol is an expert on the application of magnetic, gravity and electromagnetic data, along with other geophysical techniques, to identify the subsurface distribution of
- hydrothermal alteration and causative sub-volcanic intrusions as well as ground water as they relate to both landslide hazard assessment and systematics of hydrothermal systems
- layered mafic intrusions, including the Bushveld, Stillwater and Duluth complexes, in support of assessments of platinum group element potential
- crystalline basement related to global mineral resource assessments (Algeria, Mauritania, Afghanistan, South Africa, Uzbekistan, United States)
Professional Experience
1978-present, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Geophysics, University of Colorado, 1988
M.S. Geophysics, University of Colorado, 1984
B.S. Geology, Wellesley College, 1978
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Geophysical Union: Thriving Earth Exchange Board Member (2016-present), Past President (2015-2016), President (2013-2014), President-Elect (2011-2012), General Secretary (2006-2010)
Geological Society of America
2000-2005 Adjunct faculty member, Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
Honors and Awards
2011 - DOI Meritorious Service Award
2007 - DOI Superior Service Award
2004 - Elected Geological Society of America Fellow
2003 - US Board of Geographic Names named Finn Spur in Antarctica (79° 17' S, 156° 37' E) after me in recognition of my management of Antarctic aerogeophysical field projects.
2001-2002 - Awarded senior Gledden Research Fellowship, Centre for Global Metallogeny, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
1990-1992 - Awarded Science and Technology Fellowship, Geological Survey of Japan, Tsukuba, Japan
Science and Products
Merged aeromagnetic data for Washington: A web site for distribution of gridded data and plot files
Influence of subglacial geology on the onset of a West Antarctic ice stream from aerogeophysical observations
A report of field surveys for the Transantarctic Mountains Aerogeophysical Research Activities (TAMARA) Program
Aeromagnetic evidence for a volcanic caldera(?) complex beneath the divide of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue: A new perspective on seismic hazards in Washington using aeromagnetic data
Preliminary merged aeromagnetic map of Oregon
Seismic reflection images beneath Puget Sound, western Washington State: The Puget Lowland thrust sheet hypothesis
Geodynamic Evolution of the Transantarctic Mountains and the West Antarctica Rift System: Proceedings of a workshop
Aeromagnetic map of the Longview area, southwest Washington and northwest Oregon
Patterns of late Cenozoic volcanic and tectonic activity in the West Antarctic rift system revealed by aeromagnetic surveys
The southern Whidbey Island fault: An active structure in the Puget Lowland, Washington
Preliminary merged aeromagnetic map of Northwest Washington
Science and Products
Merged aeromagnetic data for Washington: A web site for distribution of gridded data and plot files
Influence of subglacial geology on the onset of a West Antarctic ice stream from aerogeophysical observations
A report of field surveys for the Transantarctic Mountains Aerogeophysical Research Activities (TAMARA) Program
Aeromagnetic evidence for a volcanic caldera(?) complex beneath the divide of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue: A new perspective on seismic hazards in Washington using aeromagnetic data
Preliminary merged aeromagnetic map of Oregon
Seismic reflection images beneath Puget Sound, western Washington State: The Puget Lowland thrust sheet hypothesis
Geodynamic Evolution of the Transantarctic Mountains and the West Antarctica Rift System: Proceedings of a workshop
Aeromagnetic map of the Longview area, southwest Washington and northwest Oregon
Patterns of late Cenozoic volcanic and tectonic activity in the West Antarctic rift system revealed by aeromagnetic surveys
The southern Whidbey Island fault: An active structure in the Puget Lowland, Washington
Preliminary merged aeromagnetic map of Northwest Washington
*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