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
Annual and seasonal distribution of intertidal foraminifera and stable carbon isotope geochemistry, Bandon Marsh, Oregon, USA
Simulated tsunami inundation for a range of Cascadia megathrust earthquake scenarios at Bandon, Oregon, USA
Heterogeneous rupture in the great Cascadia earthquake of 1700 inferred from coastal subsidence estimates
Modern foraminifera, δ13C, and bulk geochemistry of central Oregon tidal marshes and their application in paleoseismology
Testing the use of microfossils to reconstruct great earthquakes at Cascadia
New insights of tsunami hazard from the 2011 Tohoku-oki event
Maps of quaternary deposits and liquefaction susceptibility in the Central San Francisco Bay Region, California
Great earthquakes of variable magnitude at the Cascadia subduction zone
Tsunami history of an Oregon coastal lake reveals a 4600 yr record of great earthquakes on the Cascadia subduction zone
Evidence for Late Holocene earthquakes on the Utsalady Point fault, Northern Puget Lowland, Washington
Preliminary maps of Quaternary deposits and liquefaction susceptibility, nine-county San Francisco Bay region, California: a digital database
Response of a small Oregon estuary to coseismic subsidence and postseismic uplift in the past 300 years
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
Annual and seasonal distribution of intertidal foraminifera and stable carbon isotope geochemistry, Bandon Marsh, Oregon, USA
Simulated tsunami inundation for a range of Cascadia megathrust earthquake scenarios at Bandon, Oregon, USA
Heterogeneous rupture in the great Cascadia earthquake of 1700 inferred from coastal subsidence estimates
Modern foraminifera, δ13C, and bulk geochemistry of central Oregon tidal marshes and their application in paleoseismology
Testing the use of microfossils to reconstruct great earthquakes at Cascadia
New insights of tsunami hazard from the 2011 Tohoku-oki event
Maps of quaternary deposits and liquefaction susceptibility in the Central San Francisco Bay Region, California
Great earthquakes of variable magnitude at the Cascadia subduction zone
Tsunami history of an Oregon coastal lake reveals a 4600 yr record of great earthquakes on the Cascadia subduction zone
Evidence for Late Holocene earthquakes on the Utsalady Point fault, Northern Puget Lowland, Washington
Preliminary maps of Quaternary deposits and liquefaction susceptibility, nine-county San Francisco Bay region, California: a digital database
Response of a small Oregon estuary to coseismic subsidence and postseismic uplift in the past 300 years
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.