David Ponce
Dave Ponce is a Research Geophysicist with the Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center in Menlo Park, California. His work focuses on the application of gravity, magnetic, and other geophysical methods to address a variety of earth science issues including earthquake hazards and mineral resources.
David Ponce is a senior Research Geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Menlo Park, California, with over 30 years of experience. He is a member and past Chief of the Geophysical Unit of Menlo Park (GUMP), a potential-field (gravity and magnetics), paleomagnetic, and electromagnetic methods research group. He received a B.S. and M.S. in Geology/Geophysics from San Jose State University, California. His primary areas of interest are geophysical investigations of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Basin and Range Province of the western U.S. These studies utilize geophysical methods to understand geology and tectonophysics; volcano and earthquake hazards; and water, mineral, and energy resources. He has authored more than 250 abstracts, reports, maps, or articles.
Dave is also a member of the American Geophysical Union, Geological Society of America, and Society of Exploration Geophysicists and is a recipient of the Superior Service Award from the Department of Interior.
Professional Experience
Research Geophysicist, Geophysics Unit of Menlo Park (GUMP), Geology, Minerals, Energy and Geophysics Science Center (GMEG)
Project Chief, REE deposits in the southeast Mojave Desert, California
Principal Investigator, Geophysical investigations of the Calaveras, Hayward, and Rodgers Creek Faults, California and implications on earthquake hazards.
Education and Certifications
M.S., Geophysics/Geology, San Jose State University, 1981
B.S., Geophysics/Geology, San Jose State University, 1976
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Geophysical Union
Geological Society of America
Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Science and Products
Digital Geologic Map of the Nevada Test Site and Vicinity, Nye, Lincoln, and Clark Counties, Nevada, and Inyo County, California
Hydrogeologic framework and ground-water levels, 1982 and 1996, middle Humboldt River basin, north-central Nevada
Isostatic gravity map of the Beatty and the western part of the Indian Springs 1:100,000-scale quadrangles, Nevada
Drill-hole lithology map of the Winnemucca 1:250,000-scale quadrangle, Nevada
Gravity data of Nevada
Principal facts for about 500 gravity stations in part of the Humboldt River basin, Lovelock and Winnemucca quadrangles, Nevada
Interpretive geophysical fault map across the central block of Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Geophysics of the San Bernardino National Forest, Southern California
Gravity and magnetic anomalies in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain and their geologic implications
Gravity and magnetic investigations of the Ghost Dance and Solitario Canyon faults, Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Geophysical expression of the Ghost Dance fault, Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Depth to pre-Cenozoic basement in Southwest Nevada
Science and Products
Digital Geologic Map of the Nevada Test Site and Vicinity, Nye, Lincoln, and Clark Counties, Nevada, and Inyo County, California
Hydrogeologic framework and ground-water levels, 1982 and 1996, middle Humboldt River basin, north-central Nevada
Isostatic gravity map of the Beatty and the western part of the Indian Springs 1:100,000-scale quadrangles, Nevada
Drill-hole lithology map of the Winnemucca 1:250,000-scale quadrangle, Nevada
Gravity data of Nevada
Principal facts for about 500 gravity stations in part of the Humboldt River basin, Lovelock and Winnemucca quadrangles, Nevada
Interpretive geophysical fault map across the central block of Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Geophysics of the San Bernardino National Forest, Southern California
Gravity and magnetic anomalies in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain and their geologic implications
Gravity and magnetic investigations of the Ghost Dance and Solitario Canyon faults, Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Geophysical expression of the Ghost Dance fault, Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Depth to pre-Cenozoic basement in Southwest Nevada
*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