Kevin Schmidt
Kevin Schmidt is a Research Geologist at the Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. Kevin received a MSc and a PhD in Geological Sciences from the University of Washington. Since joining the USGS in 1989, he has devoted his career to studying geomorphology and Quaternary studies and specializes in landslide geology and geologic mapping.
Kevin researches geomorphic processes and rates ranging from slope stability and erosion in post-fire steeplands to Quaternary tectonic deformation. He uses Quaternary geologic mapping to elucidate research topics in the contexts of geologic and tectonic evolution, hydrologic routing and storage, vegetation cover and root reinforcement, and landscape recovery from disturbance.
Presently, his research focuses on interpreting the geologic history of Channel Islands National Park.
Professional Experience
1989-1991, 1997-Current, Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Geological Sciences, Univ. of Washington, Seattle, 1999
M.Sc., Geological Sciences, Univ. of Washington, Seattle, 1994
B.Sc., Geology and Geophysics, Univ. of California, Berkeley, 1989
Affiliations and Memberships*
2013-present, ecorisQ- International Association for Natural Hazard Risk Management, U.S. Federal Liaison
1999-present, Geological Society of America
1991-present, American Geophysical Union
National Park Service
California Geological Survey
Science and Products
Active tectonics of the northern Mojave Desert: The 2017 Desert Symposium field trip road log
Control of landslide volume and hazard by glacial stratigraphic architecture, Northwest Washington state, USA
Wetting and drying of soil in response to precipitation: Data analysis, modeling, and forecasting
Deformation from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake near the southwest margin of the Santa Clara Valley, California
Preliminary surficial geologic map of the Newberry Springs 30' x 60' quadrangle, California
Objective definition of rainfall intensity-duration thresholds for the initiation of post-fire debris flows in southern California
Value of a dual-polarized gap-filling radar in support of southern California post-fire debris-flow warnings
Hydrologic conditions and terrestrial laser scanning of post-firedebris flows in the San Gabriel Mountains, CA, U.S.A
Hydrologic conditions and terrestrial laser scanning of post-fire debris flows in the San Gabriel Mountains, CA, U.S.A.
Holocene landscape response to seasonality of storms in the Mojave Desert
Instrumental record of debris flow initiation during natural rainfall: Implications for modeling slope stability
Hydrologic characterization of desert soils with varying degrees of pedogenesis: 1. field experiments evaluating plant-relevant soil water behavior
Science and Products
Active tectonics of the northern Mojave Desert: The 2017 Desert Symposium field trip road log
Control of landslide volume and hazard by glacial stratigraphic architecture, Northwest Washington state, USA
Wetting and drying of soil in response to precipitation: Data analysis, modeling, and forecasting
Deformation from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake near the southwest margin of the Santa Clara Valley, California
Preliminary surficial geologic map of the Newberry Springs 30' x 60' quadrangle, California
Objective definition of rainfall intensity-duration thresholds for the initiation of post-fire debris flows in southern California
Value of a dual-polarized gap-filling radar in support of southern California post-fire debris-flow warnings
Hydrologic conditions and terrestrial laser scanning of post-firedebris flows in the San Gabriel Mountains, CA, U.S.A
Hydrologic conditions and terrestrial laser scanning of post-fire debris flows in the San Gabriel Mountains, CA, U.S.A.
Holocene landscape response to seasonality of storms in the Mojave Desert
Instrumental record of debris flow initiation during natural rainfall: Implications for modeling slope stability
Hydrologic characterization of desert soils with varying degrees of pedogenesis: 1. field experiments evaluating plant-relevant soil water behavior
*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