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
Rapid measurement of field-saturated hydraulic conductivity for areal characterization
Controls on alluvial fan long-profiles
Modeling Soil Moisture in the Mojave Desert
Preliminary Surficial Geologic Map of the Mesquite Lake 30' X 60' Quadrangle, California and Nevada
Debris-flow deposits and watershed erosion rates near southern Death Valley, CA, United States
Shallow landsliding, root reinforcement, and the spatial distribution of trees in the Oregon Coast Range
Researchers consider U.S. Southwest's response to warmer, drier conditions
The variability of root cohesion as an influence on shallow landslide susceptibility in the Oregon Coast Range
Forest clearing and regional landsliding
Neogene contraction between the San Andreas fault and the Santa Clara Valley, San Francisco Bay region, California
Isostatic gravity map of the Las Vegas 30 x 60 minute quadrangle, California and Nevada
Three-dimensional model of Paleozoic basement beneath Amargosa Desert and Pahrump Valley, California and Nevada: Implications for tectonic evolution and water resources
Science and Products
Rapid measurement of field-saturated hydraulic conductivity for areal characterization
Controls on alluvial fan long-profiles
Modeling Soil Moisture in the Mojave Desert
Preliminary Surficial Geologic Map of the Mesquite Lake 30' X 60' Quadrangle, California and Nevada
Debris-flow deposits and watershed erosion rates near southern Death Valley, CA, United States
Shallow landsliding, root reinforcement, and the spatial distribution of trees in the Oregon Coast Range
Researchers consider U.S. Southwest's response to warmer, drier conditions
The variability of root cohesion as an influence on shallow landslide susceptibility in the Oregon Coast Range
Forest clearing and regional landsliding
Neogene contraction between the San Andreas fault and the Santa Clara Valley, San Francisco Bay region, California
Isostatic gravity map of the Las Vegas 30 x 60 minute quadrangle, California and Nevada
Three-dimensional model of Paleozoic basement beneath Amargosa Desert and Pahrump Valley, California and Nevada: Implications for tectonic evolution and water resources
*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