Rob Witter, Ph.D.
I conduct geological detective work that uncovers clues about the location, size, and frequency of ancient earthquakes and tsunamis. If we prepare for these hazards we can prevent future earthquakes and tsunamis from becoming future disasters.
I study prehistoric earthquakes along the Pacific-North American plate boundary. I apply aspects of geomorphology, paleoseismology, geodesy, and sea-level studies to decipher the geologic record of ancient earthquakes. Most of my work focuses on great subduction earthquakes capable of generating tsunamis. What I find out contributes to seismic and tsunami hazards assessments used to strengthen building codes and reduce tsunami risk.
Professional Experience
2011 – Present Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK
2006 – 2011 Regional Coastal Geologist, Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, Newport, OR
1999 – 2006 Senior Project Geologist, William Lettis & Associates, Inc., Walnut Creek, CA
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 1999 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR Geoscience
B.A. 1991 Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA Biology
Science and Products
Sculpted by water, elevated by earthquakes—The coastal landscape of Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Evidence for shallow megathrust slip across the Unalaska seismic gap during the great 1957 Andreanof Islands earthquake, eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Differences in coastal subsidence in southern Oregon (USA) during at least six prehistoric megathrust earthquakes
Unusually large tsunamis frequent a currently creeping part of the Aleutian megathrust
Variability of intertidal foraminferal assemblages in a salt marsh, Oregon, USA
Intertidal biological indicators of coseismic subsidence during the Mw 7.8 Haida Gwaii, Canada, earthquake
Pre-fieldwork surveys
Beach ridges as paleoseismic indicators of abrupt coastal subsidence during subduction zone earthquakes, and implications for Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone paleoseismology, southeast coast of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Stratigraphic and microfossil evidence for a 4500-year history of Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes and tsunamis at Yaquina River estuary, Oregon, USA
Testing the use of bulk organic δ13C, δ15N, and Corg:Ntot ratios to estimate subsidence during the 1964 great Alaska earthquake
Little late Holocene strain accumulation and release on the Aleutian megathrust below the Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Tsunami impact to Washington and northern Oregon from segment ruptures on the southern Cascadia subduction zone
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.
Science and Products
Sculpted by water, elevated by earthquakes—The coastal landscape of Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Evidence for shallow megathrust slip across the Unalaska seismic gap during the great 1957 Andreanof Islands earthquake, eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Differences in coastal subsidence in southern Oregon (USA) during at least six prehistoric megathrust earthquakes
Unusually large tsunamis frequent a currently creeping part of the Aleutian megathrust
Variability of intertidal foraminferal assemblages in a salt marsh, Oregon, USA
Intertidal biological indicators of coseismic subsidence during the Mw 7.8 Haida Gwaii, Canada, earthquake
Pre-fieldwork surveys
Beach ridges as paleoseismic indicators of abrupt coastal subsidence during subduction zone earthquakes, and implications for Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone paleoseismology, southeast coast of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Stratigraphic and microfossil evidence for a 4500-year history of Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes and tsunamis at Yaquina River estuary, Oregon, USA
Testing the use of bulk organic δ13C, δ15N, and Corg:Ntot ratios to estimate subsidence during the 1964 great Alaska earthquake
Little late Holocene strain accumulation and release on the Aleutian megathrust below the Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Tsunami impact to Washington and northern Oregon from segment ruptures on the southern Cascadia subduction zone
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.