Ray Wells
Ray Wells is a research geologist in the Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center. He is a structural geologist investigating the tectonic and volcanic evolution of the Pacific Northwest.
Ray Wells received his B.S. in Geological Science from Penn State, his M.S. from University of Oregon, and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has 45 years of field experience documenting the geologic structure and earthquake hazards of the Cascadia convergent margin in Oregon and Washington, focusing primarily on the Coast Range, Seattle - Portland urban corridor, and the Columbia River Gorge.
Professional Experience
2020-current, Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey
2017-Research Associate, Portland State University, Portland, OR
2016-Research Geologist Emeritus, U.S. Geological Survey
1995-2013 Project Chief, Pacific Northwest Urban Corridor Geologic Mapping, USGS, Menlo Park, CA
1991-1996 Cascadia Regional Coordinator - USGS Deep Continental Surveys
1981-2016 Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey
1980 Geologist, Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources
1978-1980 Research Assistant, University of California, Santa Cruz
1976-1977 Teaching Assistant, University of California, Santa Cruz
1975-1976 Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey
1974 Geological Field Assistant, Mobil Oil Corp., Tyee Basin
1972-1974 Teaching Assistant, University of Oregon
1971 Geological Field Assistant, Johns-Mannville Ltd, Stillwater Complex
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Geology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1982
M.S., Geology, University of Oregon, 1975
B.S., Geology, Art, Pennsylvania State University, 1972
Affiliations and Memberships*
1977 - Current, American Geophysical Union
1974 - Current, Geological Society of America
1990 - Current, Seismological Society of America
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
Bureau of Reclamation
Portland State University
Honors and Awards
Distinguished Service Award of the Department of the Interior
2017 Geological Society of America’s Geologic Mapping Award in honor of Florence Bascom
Science and Products
Utility of aeromagnetic studies for mapping of potentially active faults in two forearc basins: Puget Sound, Washington, and Cook Inlet, Alaska
Crustal structure of the Cascadia fore arc of Washington
Subduction-zone magnetic anomalies and implications for hydrated forearc mantle
Paleomagnetic quantification of upper-plate deformation during Miocene detachment faulting in the Mohave Mountains, Arizona
Crustal structure and earthquake hazards of the subduction zone in southwestern British Columbia and western Washington
The Loma Prieta, California, Earthquake of October 17, 1989 - Geologic setting and crustal structure
Lifelines and Earthquake Hazards in the Interstate 5 Urban Corridor: Cottage Grove to Woodburn, Oregon
The Cottage Lake aeromagnetic lineament: A possible onshore extension of the southern Whidbey Island fault, Washington
Interpretation of the Seattle Uplift, Washington, as a passive-roof duplex
Evidence for Late Holocene earthquakes on the Utsalady Point fault, Northern Puget Lowland, Washington
Gravity study through the Tualatin Mountains, Oregon: Understanding crustal structure and earthquake hazards in the Portland urban area
Chimney damage in the greater Seattle area from the Nisqually earthquake of 28 February 2001
Science and Products
Utility of aeromagnetic studies for mapping of potentially active faults in two forearc basins: Puget Sound, Washington, and Cook Inlet, Alaska
Crustal structure of the Cascadia fore arc of Washington
Subduction-zone magnetic anomalies and implications for hydrated forearc mantle
Paleomagnetic quantification of upper-plate deformation during Miocene detachment faulting in the Mohave Mountains, Arizona
Crustal structure and earthquake hazards of the subduction zone in southwestern British Columbia and western Washington
The Loma Prieta, California, Earthquake of October 17, 1989 - Geologic setting and crustal structure
Lifelines and Earthquake Hazards in the Interstate 5 Urban Corridor: Cottage Grove to Woodburn, Oregon
The Cottage Lake aeromagnetic lineament: A possible onshore extension of the southern Whidbey Island fault, Washington
Interpretation of the Seattle Uplift, Washington, as a passive-roof duplex
Evidence for Late Holocene earthquakes on the Utsalady Point fault, Northern Puget Lowland, Washington
Gravity study through the Tualatin Mountains, Oregon: Understanding crustal structure and earthquake hazards in the Portland urban area
Chimney damage in the greater Seattle area from the Nisqually earthquake of 28 February 2001
*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