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Lydia M Staisch, Ph.D.

Lydia is a Research Geologist with the GMEG Science Center, working on structural geology, tectonic geomorphology, geologic mapping, and seismic hazards in the Pacific Northwest. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014, where she focused on the deformation history of the northern Tibetan Plateau and coseismic landslide hazards in the Himalayas.

Afterwards, Lydia was a Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellow with Brian Sherrod at the Earthquake Science Center. Her general research interests are in continental deformation and landscape evolution. She tends to employ a multi-faceted approach in her research, including field work, structural-stratigraphic analysis, geochemical analysis, geodynamic modeling, remote sensing and geodesy.

Professional Experience

  • 2017-present, Research Geologist, United States Geological Survey

  • 2014-2017, Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellow, United States Geological Survey

  • 2009-2014, Graduate Student Research Assistant, University of Michigan

  • 2009, Field Assistant in Salta Province, Argentina, University of Arizona

  • 2008, Field Geologist, GeoCorps America Intern, Klamath National Forest, CA

Education and Certifications

  • 2014  Ph.D., Geological Sciences, University of Michigan

  • 2008  B.A., Geology, Carleton College

Science and Products

Below are Lydia's related science projects

Colorfully shaded map of the seafloor showing the many unique canyons created by nearby rivers.

Cascadia Subduction Zone Database

-a compilation of published datasets relevant to Cascadia subduction zone earthquake hazards and tectonics The following is new (2022) compilation of datasets relevant to Cascadia subduction zone earthquake hazards and tectonics useful for emergency management officials, geologists, and others interested in understanding the unique geologic dynamics that create hazards to communities in the region...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Earthquake Hazards Program, Subduction Zone Science
Cascadia Subduction Zone Database

Cascadia Subduction Zone Database

-a compilation of published datasets relevant to Cascadia subduction zone earthquake hazards and tectonics The following is new (2022) compilation of datasets relevant to Cascadia subduction zone earthquake hazards and tectonics useful for emergency management officials, geologists, and others interested in understanding the unique geologic dynamics that create hazards to communities in the region...
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Physiographic image of the Pacific Northwest

Pacific Northwest Geologic Mapping: Northern Pacific Border, Cascades and Columbia

The Pacific Northwest is an area created by active and complex geological processes. On its path to the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River slices through a chain of active volcanoes located along the western margin of the U.S. in Washington, Oregon, and northern California. These volcanoes rest above the active Cascadia subduction zone, which is the boundary where the oceanic tectonic plate dives...
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Earthquake Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center
Pacific Northwest Geologic Mapping: Northern Pacific Border, Cascades and Columbia

Pacific Northwest Geologic Mapping: Northern Pacific Border, Cascades and Columbia

The Pacific Northwest is an area created by active and complex geological processes. On its path to the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River slices through a chain of active volcanoes located along the western margin of the U.S. in Washington, Oregon, and northern California. These volcanoes rest above the active Cascadia subduction zone, which is the boundary where the oceanic tectonic plate dives...
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Illustration model of the Cascadia Subduction Zone

Margin-wide geological and geophysical synthesis to understand the recurrence and hazards of great subduction zone earthquakes in Cascadia

The Cascadia Subduction Zone, located in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and southwestern British Columbia, has hosted magnitude ≥8.0 megathrust earthquakes in the geologic past, a future earthquake is imminent, and the potential impacts could cripple the region. Subduction zone earthquakes represent some of the most devastating natural hazards on Earth. Despite substantial knowledge gained...
By
John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Subduction Zone Science
Margin-wide geological and geophysical synthesis to understand the recurrence and hazards of great subduction zone earthquakes in Cascadia

Margin-wide geological and geophysical synthesis to understand the recurrence and hazards of great subduction zone earthquakes in Cascadia

The Cascadia Subduction Zone, located in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and southwestern British Columbia, has hosted magnitude ≥8.0 megathrust earthquakes in the geologic past, a future earthquake is imminent, and the potential impacts could cripple the region. Subduction zone earthquakes represent some of the most devastating natural hazards on Earth. Despite substantial knowledge gained from deca
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Cosmogenic burial dating results, detrital zircon U-Pb results, and knick point locations associated with the incision history of Hells Canyon Cosmogenic burial dating results, detrital zircon U-Pb results, and knick point locations associated with the incision history of Hells Canyon

This data release is companion to a manuscript entitled: "Carving North America’s Deepest Gorge: Constraints on the Timing and Mechanism of forming Hells Canyon". Here, we report cosmogenic age data analyzed from sediments deposited within caves within the Hells Canyon region, as well as the knick point locations mapped out from topographic analysis and detrital zircon U-Pb ages derived...
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Digital data for the geologic map of Scoggins Dam, Henry Hagg Lake, and Scoggins Valley, Washington County, Oregon Digital data for the geologic map of Scoggins Dam, Henry Hagg Lake, and Scoggins Valley, Washington County, Oregon

Scoggins Dam in northwest Oregon lies within the Gales Creek fault zone (GCF), a northwest-striking system of active faults forming the boundary between the Coast Range and the Tualatin Valley about 25 km east of Portland, Oregon. Geologic mapping published in 2020 shows the dam to lie within a block-faulted releasing stepover between the right-lateral, NW-striking Scoggins Creek and...
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Packwood, Washington, and Surrounding Areas High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Packwood, Washington, and Surrounding Areas

This data release provides access to a low-altitude aeromagnetic survey flown over a part of the Cascade Range of the US Pacific Northwest, approximately centered over the town of Packwood, Washington. The Packwood magnetic survey surrounds but does not include the edifice of Mount Rainier, the highest (4392 m; 14,410 ft) volcano of the conterminous United States. Data were acquired...
By
Energy and Mineral Resources Mission Area, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Radiocarbon, field measurements, and ground-based magnetic transect data supporting the study of north-facing scarps along the Seattle fault zone in Washington Radiocarbon, field measurements, and ground-based magnetic transect data supporting the study of north-facing scarps along the Seattle fault zone in Washington

This data release includes multiple datasets obtained during the study of north-facing fault scarps along the Seattle fault zone. It includes geochronological data and field measurements from the Vasa Park trench (47.576618°, -122.119524°) near Bellevue, WA, and the Rose Hip trench (47.597°, -122.535°), Lyle Beach terrace site (47.597,-122.542), and Mill Pond site (47.597,-122.525) on...
By
Earthquake Hazards Program

Compiled onshore and offshore paleoseismic data along the Cascadia Subduction zone Compiled onshore and offshore paleoseismic data along the Cascadia Subduction zone

The USGS Powell Center Cascadia earthquake hazards working group compiled published onshore and offshore paleoseismic data along the Cascadia subduction zone, spanning sites from Vancouver Island to the Mendocino triple junction. Evidence for megathrust rupture includes coastal land-level change, tsunami inundation, onshore shaking proxies such as landslides or liquefaction, and offshore...
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis

High-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey of the Republic Graben, Okanogan and Kettle metamorphic core complexes, Kootenay Arc and surrounding regions, Northeastern Washington High-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey of the Republic Graben, Okanogan and Kettle metamorphic core complexes, Kootenay Arc and surrounding regions, Northeastern Washington

The Republic survey consists of high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric data designed to image the subsurface geology and structure of a large portion of northeastern Washington. These data are intended for rigorous modeling and interpretation of the geology and structure in this region and will be used to evaluate the potential for undiscovered resources and will contribute to USGS...
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Survey Over Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Surrounding Areas

This data release provides access to a low-altitude aeromagnetic survey flown over a part of the Cascade Range of the US Pacific Northwest, approximately centered over the town of Cascade Locks, Oregon. The Cascade Locks magnetic survey encompasses two large stratovolcanoes of the Cascade Range: Mt. Hood (3426 m) in Oregon and Mt. Adams (3742 m) in Washington. Data were acquired between...
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Monte Carlo code for manuscript: Sensitivity testing of marine turbidite age estimates along the Cascadia Subduction Zone Monte Carlo code for manuscript: Sensitivity testing of marine turbidite age estimates along the Cascadia Subduction Zone

This data release includes the MATLAB code used for sensitivity analysis of turbidite age estimates along the Cascadia subduction zone. The code is written for use in MATLAB and datasets are organized as .mat files. Data values are from Goldfinger et al. (2012) and Staisch (2024). Cited works: Goldfinger, C., Nelson, C.H., Morey, A.E., Johnson, J.E., Patton, J.R., Karabanov, E...
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

U-Pb zircon data for Cenozoic clastic and volcaniclastic units deformed along the Gales Creek Fault zone, northwestern Oregon U-Pb zircon data for Cenozoic clastic and volcaniclastic units deformed along the Gales Creek Fault zone, northwestern Oregon

This data release includes laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) U-Pb zircon geochronology data from four samples collected from fault-bounded bedrock units in northwestern Oregon. Samples were collected from a paleoseismic trench excavated across the Scoggins Valley strand of the Gales Creek Fault and nearby quarry. The trench is located on a ridge top...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Cascadia subduction zone database: compilation of published datasets relevant to Cascadia subduction zone earthquake hazards and tectonics (2022) Cascadia subduction zone database: compilation of published datasets relevant to Cascadia subduction zone earthquake hazards and tectonics (2022)

In this database, we compile and host several available onshore and offshore geologic, paleoseismic, geophysical, and instrumental datasets along the Cascadia subduction zone. The ScienceBase data release and downloadable map package is accompanied by an ArcGIS online map and StoryMap.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Earthquake Hazards Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization, Subduction Zone Science

Primary and supplementary data for estimating the the timing of crustal shortening and the initiation of left-lateral shear within the central Kunlun Shan, northern Tibet Primary and supplementary data for estimating the the timing of crustal shortening and the initiation of left-lateral shear within the central Kunlun Shan, northern Tibet

This repository includes thermochronologic and geochronologic datasets generated for analysis and interpretation of the faulting history of the Kunlun Shan region of northern Tibet, as well as published timing of fault activity on other pertinent structures in the Tibetan Plateau.
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Geologic map of Scoggins Dam, Henry Hagg Lake, and Scoggins Valley, Washington County, Oregon Geologic map of Scoggins Dam, Henry Hagg Lake, and Scoggins Valley, Washington County, Oregon

New geologic mapping (Wells and others, 2020b) and geophysical mapping (Blakely and others, 2000; McPhee and others, 2014; Wells and others, 2020a) document kilometers of Cenozoic right-lateral offset along the Gales Creek Fault Zone, a major, northwest-striking fault zone forming the boundary between the Tualatin Valley and the Coast Range. The Bureau of Reclamation’s (Reclamation)...
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Filter Total Items: 19

Using subducting plate motion to constrain Cascadia slab geometry and interface strength Using subducting plate motion to constrain Cascadia slab geometry and interface strength

Subduction zones are home to multiple geohazards driven by the evolution of the regional tectonics, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. Past evolution builds the present-day structure of the margin, while the present-day configuration of the system determines the state-of-stress in which individual hazardous events manifest. Regional simulations of subduction zones...
Authors
Menno Fraters, Magali Billen, John Naliboff, Lydia M. Staisch, Janet Watt, Haoyuan Li
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Cave records reveal recent origin of North America’s deepest canyon Cave records reveal recent origin of North America’s deepest canyon

We explore how and when Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge (~2,400 m deep), formed, addressing these fundamental questions first posed by W. Lindgren [The Gold Belt of the Blue Mountains of Oregon (1901)]. Existing hypotheses about the canyon’s formation and timing of incision remain speculative due to a lack of direct constraints and geomorphic analysis in the canyon...
Authors
Matthew Morriss, Nate Mitchell, Brian Yanites, Lydia M. Staisch, Oliver Korup
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Increased flood exposure in the Pacific Northwest following earthquake-driven subsidence and sea-level rise Increased flood exposure in the Pacific Northwest following earthquake-driven subsidence and sea-level rise

Climate-driven sea-level rise is increasing the frequency of coastal flooding worldwide, exacerbated locally by factors like land subsidence from groundwater and resource extraction. However, a process rarely considered in future sea-level rise scenarios is sudden (over minutes) land subsidence associated with great (>M8) earthquakes, which can exceed 1 m. Along the Washington, Oregon...
Authors
Tina Dura, William Chilton, David Small, Andra Garner, Andrea D. Hawkes, Diego Melgar, Simon E. Engelhart, Lydia M. Staisch, Robert C. Witter, Alan Nelson, Harvey Kelsey, Jonathan Allan, David S. Bruce, Jessica DePaolis, Mike Priddy, Richard W. Briggs, Robert Weiss, SeanPaul La Selle, Michael J. Willis, Benjamin P. Horton
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Subduction zone geometry modulates the megathrust earthquake cycle: Magnitude, recurrence, and variability Subduction zone geometry modulates the megathrust earthquake cycle: Magnitude, recurrence, and variability

Megathrust geometric properties exhibit some of the strongest correlations with maximum earthquake magnitude in global surveys of large subduction zone earthquakes, but the mechanisms through which fault geometry influences subduction earthquake cycle dynamics remain unresolved. Here, we develop 39 models of sequences of earthquakes and aseismic slip (SEAS) on variably-dipping planar and...
Authors
James Burkhardt Biemiller, Alice-Agnes Gabriel, Dave May, Lydia M. Staisch
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis

Turbidite correlation for paleoseismology Turbidite correlation for paleoseismology

Marine turbidite paleoseismology relies on the assumption of synchronous triggering of turbidity currents by earthquake shaking to infer rupture extent and recurrence. Such inference commonly depends on age dating and correlation of the physical stratigraphy of deposits carried by turbidity currents (i.e., turbidites) across great distances. Along the Cascadia subduction zone, which lies...
Authors
Nora M. Nieminski, Zoltan Sylvester, Jake Covault, Joan S. Gomberg, Lydia M. Staisch, Ian McBrearty
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Earthquake Science Center

Sensitivity testing of marine turbidite age estimates along the Cascadia subduction zone Sensitivity testing of marine turbidite age estimates along the Cascadia subduction zone

9 earthquakes ruptured the full Cascadia subduction zone (CSZ) in the past 10 kyr, a hypothesis that relies on concurrent turbidite deposition generated from seismogenic strong ground motion along the ∼1100 km margin. Correlation of marine turbidite deposits is based on petrophysical characteristics and radiocarbon geochronology, the latter of which relies on a series of age corrections...
Authors
Lydia M. Staisch
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis

A modern multicentennial record of radiocarbon variability from an exactly dated bivalve chronology at the Tree Nob site (Alaska Coastal Current) A modern multicentennial record of radiocarbon variability from an exactly dated bivalve chronology at the Tree Nob site (Alaska Coastal Current)

Quantifying the marine radiocarbon reservoir effect, offsets (ΔR), and ΔR variability over time is critical to improving dating estimates of marine samples while also providing a proxy of water mass dynamics. In the northeastern Pacific, where no high-resolution time series of ΔR has yet been established, we sampled radiocarbon (14C) from exactly dated growth increments in a...
Authors
David C. Edge, Alan D. Wanamaker, Lydia M. Staisch, David J. Reynolds, Karine L. Holmes, Bryan A. Black
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Major reorganization of the Snake River modulated by passage of the Yellowstone Hotspot Major reorganization of the Snake River modulated by passage of the Yellowstone Hotspot

The details and mechanisms for Neogene river reorganization in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains have been debated for over a century with key implications for how tectonic and volcanic systems modulate topographic development. To evaluate paleo-drainage networks, we produced an expansive data set and provenance analysis of detrital zircon U-Pb ages from Miocene to...
Authors
Lydia M. Staisch, Jim E. O'Connor, Charles M. Cannon, Christopher S. Holm-Denoma, Paul K. Link, John Lasher, Jeremy A. Alexander
By
National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Arc versus river: The geology of the Columbia River Gorge Arc versus river: The geology of the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is the Columbia River’s long-held yet evolving passage through the volcanic arc of the Cascade Range. The globally unique setting of a continental-scale river bisecting an active volcanic arc at the leading edge of a major plate boundary creates a remarkable setting where dynamic volcanic and tectonic processes interact with diverse and energetic fluvial...
Authors
Jim E. O'Connor, Ray Wells, Scott E.K. Bennett, Charles M. Cannon, Lydia M. Staisch, James L Anderson, Anthony Francis Pivarunas, Gabriel Wells Gordon, Richard J. Blakely, Mark E. Stelten, Russell C. Evarts
By
Volcano Hazards Program, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Science Center

Swipe left on the “big one”: Better dates for Cascadia quakes Swipe left on the “big one”: Better dates for Cascadia quakes

Improving our understanding of hazards posed by future large earthquakes on the Cascadia Subduction Zone requires advancements in the methods and sampling used to date and characterize past events.
Authors
Jessie K. Pearl, Lydia M. Staisch
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Earthquake Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Toward an integrative geological and geophysical view of Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes Toward an integrative geological and geophysical view of Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes

The Cascadia subduction zone (CSZ) is an exceptional geologic environment for recording evidence of land level changes, tsunamis, and ground motion that reveals at least 19 great megathrust earthquakes over the past 10 kyr. Such earthquakes are among the most impactful natural hazards on Earth, transcend national boundaries, and can have global impact. Reducing the societal impacts of...
Authors
Maureen A. L. Walton, Lydia M. Staisch, Tina Dura, Jessie K. Pearl, Brian Sherrod, Joan S. Gomberg, Simon E. Engelhart, Anne Trehu, Janet Watt, Jonathan P. Perkins, Robert C. Witter, Noel Bartlow, Chris Goldfinger, Harvey Kelsey, Ann Morey, Valerie J. Sahakian, Harold Tobin, Kelin Wang, Ray Wells, Erin Wirth
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization, Subduction Zone Science

The Cenozoic evolution of crustal shortening and left‐lateral shear in the central East Kunlun Shan: Implications for the uplift history of the Tibetan Plateau The Cenozoic evolution of crustal shortening and left‐lateral shear in the central East Kunlun Shan: Implications for the uplift history of the Tibetan Plateau

The timing of crustal shortening and strike‐slip faulting along the East Kunlun Shan provides insight into the history of surface uplift and may constrain the time at which the Tibetan Plateau reached high elevations. We investigate a series of extensional basins and restraining bends along the Xidatan strand of the Kunlun strike‐slip fault, which provide an ideal setting to unravel the...
Authors
Lydia M. Staisch, Nathan A Niemi, Marin K. Clark, Hong Chang
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Cascadia subduction zone database: compilation of published datasets relevant to Cascadia subduction zone earthquake hazards and tectonics Cascadia subduction zone database: compilation of published datasets relevant to Cascadia subduction zone earthquake hazards and tectonics

As part of the USGS Powell Center working group on Cascadia earthquake hazards, we compile and host several available geologic, paleoseismic, geophysical, and instrumental datasets along the Cascadia subduction zone. The ArcGIS online map and downloadable map package include both raster images and shapefiles. In this Story Map, we outline the features and datasets compiled.
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, John Wesley Powell Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

The Threat of Coastal Flooding from Cascadia Earthquake-Driven Land Subsidence

Along the Pacific Northwest coast, scientists have long warned of a looming threat: a massive earthquake from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, capable of...

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