1. Geophysics Applications to Southern Appalachian Tectonics

Recently, the USGS acquired new aeromagnetic geophysical data in the southern Appalachians. The survey spans some of the highest peaks and the most rugged terrain in the eastern North America, and it includes the northern part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the cities of Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC. The transect crosses several major geologic provinces and is bounded on the west by the New York-Alabama magnetic lineament and on the east by the structurally complex Brevard zone. Other major features of the transect include structural terrains of stacked Paleozoic thrust sheets and exposed Proterozoic basement rocks. Additionally, the survey includes the edge of the east Tennessee seismic zone, an area of low-level earthquake activity.  Several years of USGS research on the tectonics and uplift history of the southern Appalachians are nearing completion. Most recent work has focused on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area. The recently acquired aeromagnetic geophysical data is an important aspect of this project work and could bring new insights to the tectonic models for the evolution of this part of the southern Appalachians.

This postdoctoral opportunity is to use the newly acquired aeromagnetic data in conjunction with existing gravity, seismic and possibly other geophysical data to evaluate existing tectonic models and regional-scale cross-sections for the study area. The candidate will work closely with USGS professional geophysics and geology staff as well as academic and state survey professionals to interpret the geophysical data in light of known geologic and tectonic models. The ultimate goal of this work is to incorporate the new and existing geophysical data into new syntheses that can be applied to the existing models for the tectonic evolution of the Southern Appalachians. The expected qualifications for this opportunity are:

1. Knowledge and experience using aeromagnetic data in geologic interpretations;
2. General knowledge and some experience interpreting gravity, seismic, and other geophysical  data;
3. General knowledge of Appalachian tectonics;
4. Ability to interact and work with senior research colleagues;
5. Ability to synthesize data from many different techniques.
6. Proven ability to publish results of research.

Proposed Duty Station: Reston, VA

Areas of Ph.D.: Potential field geophysics with focus on interpretation, geologic application of geophysics

Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Geophysicist

(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Personnel specialist.)

Research Advisor(s): Dave Daniels, (703) 648-6357, dave@usgs.gov; Art Schultz, (703) 648-6327, aschultz@usgs.gov; Scott Southworth, (703) 648-6385, ssouthwo@usgs.gov

Personnel Office contact: Rosetta Alexander, (703) 648-7468, ralexand@usgs.gov

Summary of Opportunities