Jim Skinner
Jim is a Supervisory Geologist and USGS-NASA Planetary Geologic Mapping (PGM) Program Coordinator. He specializes in the characterization of planetary landscapes using geologic mapping and comparative terrestrial analogs, with focus on planetary basins, stratigraphic architectures, traverse planning, mapping strategies, and cartographic representation of geologic environments.
Since becoming a USGS geologist in 2000, I have been active in the planetary geologic mapping community and involved in geologic mapping-based training for NASA engineers, managers, astronauts, mission teams, and students. Prior to USGS, I worked in the private sector as a field geologist for both hydrocarbon and environmental industries.
Professional Experience
8/2022 – present : Supervisory Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ; Planetary geologic mapping, process strategies, program coordination, project development and management, and personnel supervision.
1/2011 – 8/2022 : Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ; Planetary geologic mapping, process strategies, and program coordination.
4/2004 – 1/2011 : Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ; Planetary geologic mapping and related topical studies.
6/2003 – 4/2004 : Project Geologist, MACTEC, Inc., Raleigh, NC; Geologic mapping and environmental assessments
10/1999 – 6/2003 : Geologic Science Technician, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ; GIS-based Mars geologic and morphologic mapping.
6/1997 – 8/1999 : Project Geologist, Municipal Engineering Services, Garner, NC; Geologic mapping and design of groundwater monitoring systems
6/1996 – 6/1997 : Onboard Geophysicist (R/V Western Hercules), Houston, TX; Geophysical and navigational support for deep marine seismic surveys
Education and Certifications
Northern Arizona University, M.S. Geology, 2002 (Thesis: Re-characterization of the materials of Utopia Planitia)
Licensed Geologist, State of North Carolina (#2051)
North Carolina State University, B.S. Geology, 1996 (marine science concentration)
Affiliations and Memberships*
NASA Engineer and Manager Geology Field Instructor (2018 – present)
IAU Planetary Nomenclature, Mars Task Group member (2014 – present)
Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) Geology Field Instructor (2019)
NASA Advisory Council’s Planetary Science Subcommittee member (2016-17)
Mapping and Planetary Spatial Infrastructure Team (MAPSIT) (2015-19)
NASA Space Grant Program mentor (2009, 2016, 2018)
Geologic Mapping Subcommittee member (2009-17), Chair (2011-14)
Honors and Awards
NASA Johnson Space Center Certificate of Appreciation – ASCAN Training (2017)
NASA Group Achievement Award (Desert-RATS Science Team), 2010
USGS Western Region Communicator of the Year, 2009
Science and Products
Planetary geologic mapping protocol—2022
Extraterrestrial GIS
Assessment of planetary geologic mapping techniques for Mars using terrestrial analogs: The SP Mountain area of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona
Martian mud volcanism: Terrestrial analogs and implications for formational scenarios
North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification
Evidence for and implications of sedimentary diapirism and mud volcanism in the southern Utopia highland-lowland boundary plain, Mars
Resurfacing history of the northern plains of Mars based on geologic mapping of Mars Global Surveyor data
Geology of the MER 2003 "Elysium" candidate landing site in southeastern Utopia Planitia, Mars
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.
Planetary Geologic Mapping Program
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
Science and Products
Planetary geologic mapping protocol—2022
Extraterrestrial GIS
Assessment of planetary geologic mapping techniques for Mars using terrestrial analogs: The SP Mountain area of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona
Martian mud volcanism: Terrestrial analogs and implications for formational scenarios
North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification
Evidence for and implications of sedimentary diapirism and mud volcanism in the southern Utopia highland-lowland boundary plain, Mars
Resurfacing history of the northern plains of Mars based on geologic mapping of Mars Global Surveyor data
Geology of the MER 2003 "Elysium" candidate landing site in southeastern Utopia Planitia, Mars
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.
Planetary Geologic Mapping Program
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
*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