David M. Miller, Ph.D
David is an Emeritus at Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. He received a Ph.D from UCLA in 1978 and a BS from Binghamton University in 1973 in Geology. He began by studying metamorphic rocks of core complexes in the Intermountain West and is now focusing on evaluating earthquake hazards by studying Cenozoic materials.
David is currently an Emeritus at Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. He worked on metamorphic rocks of core complexes and Cenozoic igneous and sedimentary rocks of basins in the Intermountain West for two decades, pursuing structural origins of mineral resources and hydrocarbon resources. He shifted to study of late Cenozoic materials, mainly for evaluating earthquake hazards, during the last two decades.
David is now working on the neotectonics of the Northern Mojave Desert. Through surficial geologic mapping and surface process studies, he is improving understanding of earthquake risks by evaluating recently active faults, folds, and warps of tectonic origin. The mapping is focused on several active faults identified by recent regional mapping of the Mojave Desert. A long-term goal is to arrive at a new tectonic synthesis of this part of the eastern California shear zone.
He is also involved with studying the Mojave Desert Ecosystem through surficial geologic mapping and surface process studies. He is developing data for a regional study of biotic and abiotic systems of the Mojave Desert, such as ground-based studies of surficial geology, material properties, eolian transport, overland flow, and Holocene climate history.
Finally, he is working on the Paleoclimatic records of the southwest. He examines spring and marsh records, lake shoreline records, and lake-bottom deposits to detail glacial and post-glacial sediment histories to extract paleo climatic information. These studies range from Mojave Desert to Great Salt Lake and its precursor lake, Lake Bonneville.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D in Geology, University of California, 1978
BS in Geology with "Distinguished Independent Study", Binghamton University, 1973
Science and Products
Preliminary surficial geologic map database of the Amboy 30 x 60 minute quadrangle, California
The Pinto shear zone; a Laramide synconvergent extensional shear zone in the Mojave Desert region of the southwestern United States
The Younger Dryas phase of Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Off-highway Vehicle Use at the Dove Springs OHV Open Area, California. Report prepared for the Bureau of Land Management, California State Office, Sacramento, California
Geologic database for digital geology of California, Nevada, and Utah— An application of the North American Data Model
Late Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the north-central Mojave Desert inferred from fault history and physiographic evolution of the Fort Irwin area, California
Geologic map database of the El Mirage Lake area, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties, California
Digital geologic map of the Sandpoint 1- by 2-degree quadrangle, Washington, Idaho, and Montana
Science support for restoration of the Salton Sea. Recommendations of the USGS Tiger Team to the Salton Sea Science Subcommittee
Late-stage sinking of plutons: Comment and Reply
New explorations along the northern shores of Lake Bonneville
Late-stage sinking of plutons
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
Preliminary surficial geologic map database of the Amboy 30 x 60 minute quadrangle, California
The Pinto shear zone; a Laramide synconvergent extensional shear zone in the Mojave Desert region of the southwestern United States
The Younger Dryas phase of Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Off-highway Vehicle Use at the Dove Springs OHV Open Area, California. Report prepared for the Bureau of Land Management, California State Office, Sacramento, California
Geologic database for digital geology of California, Nevada, and Utah— An application of the North American Data Model
Late Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the north-central Mojave Desert inferred from fault history and physiographic evolution of the Fort Irwin area, California
Geologic map database of the El Mirage Lake area, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties, California
Digital geologic map of the Sandpoint 1- by 2-degree quadrangle, Washington, Idaho, and Montana
Science support for restoration of the Salton Sea. Recommendations of the USGS Tiger Team to the Salton Sea Science Subcommittee
Late-stage sinking of plutons: Comment and Reply
New explorations along the northern shores of Lake Bonneville
Late-stage sinking of plutons
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.