Research geologist specializing in the evolution of planetary landscapes using remote-sensing and comparative field-based geologic mapping and associated topical research. Topics of interest include evolution of planetary basins, GIS-based geospatial landform analyses, stratigraphic architectures, sedimentary processes, and cartographic representation of geologic environments.
Education
- Northern Arizona University, M.S. Geology, 2002
- Thesis: Re-characterization of the materials of Utopia Planitia, Mars, using Mars Global Surveyor Datasets
- North Carolina State University, B.S. Geology, 1996
Current Projects
- P.I., NASA/Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) Program 2011, Geologic History of the Runanga-Jorn Basin, Mars: Efficiency of Scale in the Mapping and Representation of Layered Sequences.
- P.I., NASA/Lunar Advanced Science and Exploration Research (LASER) 2010, Analysis and Chronostratigraphic Implications of Secondary-to-Source Impact Feature Relationships.
- Co.I., NASA/Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) Program 2009, Planetary Cartographic Catalogue and Web Service, (P.I. Trent M. Hare, USGS).
- P.I., NASA/Mars Data Analysis Program (MDAP) 2008, Distributional Characteristics and Potential Sources of Large Crater Clusters in the Martian Northern Plains.
- P.I., NASA/Planetary Geology and Geophysics Program (PGG) 2008, The Geomorphologic and Compositional Geology of Libya Montes and the Interbasin Plains of Northern Terra Tyrrhena, Mars.
- Co.I., NASA/Planetary Geology and Geophysics Program (PGG) 2008, Resurfacing History of the Scandia Region of Mars (P.I. Kenneth L. Tanaka, USGS).
- Co.I., NASA/Mars Data Analysis Program (MDAP) 2008, Sources, Emplacement, and Modification of Low Albedo Surfaces in Acidalia Planitia, Mars, (P.I. Robin L. Fergason).
Professional Experience
- USGS Astrogeology Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ (May, 2004 to present)
- Geologist conducting and supporting scientific research of planetary surfaces through geologic mapping and map-based studies.
- Independent Contractor, Raleigh, NC (February, 2004 to April, 2004)
- Contract Geologist providing assistance for environmental and geologic mapping investigations.
- MACTEC, Inc., Raleigh, NC (October, 2003 to January, 2004)
- Project Geologist coordinating client-based Phase I and II field investigations for environmental remediation.
- USGS Astrogeology, Flagstaff, AZ (April, 2000 to May, 2003)
- Geological Technician assisting with planetary geologic mapping projects and map-based scientific studies.
- Municipal Engineering Services Company, Garner, NC (July, 1997 to August, 1999)
- Project Geologist coordinating field investigations and groundwater studies for the development of municipal landfills.
- Western Geophysical, Houston, TX (June, 1996 to June, 1997)
- Onboard Geophysicist coordinating multi-cable deep marine seismic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico onboard R/V Western Hercules.
Service and Awards
- NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG) Geologic Mapping Subcommittee (GEMS), chair (June, 2011 to present).
- NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics (PGG), Geologic Mapping Subcommittee (GEMS), member (June, 2009 to present).
- Review Panel Participation
- NASA Fundamental Research Program
- NASA Mars Data Analysis Program
- NASA Planetary Geology and Geophysics Program
- Licensed Geologist, State of North Carolina (#2051), since 2004
- USGS Performance Award, 2011, 2010
- USGS STAR Award, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
- USGS Certificate of Appreciation, 2010
- USGS Western Region Communicator of the Year, 2009
Scientific Publications
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
- Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Fortezzo, C.M., The role of photogeologic mapping in traverse planning: Lessons from DRATS 2010 activities, Acta Astronautica, (doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2011.11.011), in press.
- Jaeger, W.L., Keszthelyi, L.P., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Milazzo, M.P., McEwen, A.S., Titus, T.N., Rosiek, M.R., Galuszka, D.M., Howington-Kraus, E., Kirk, R.L., and the HiRISE Team, 2010, Emplacement of the youngest flood lavas on Mars: A short, turbulent story, Icarus, v. 205, no. 1. (doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2009.09.011).
- Tanaka, K.L., Fortezzo, C.M., Hayward, R.K., Rodriguez, J.A.P., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2009, History of plains resurfacing in the Scandia region of Mars, Planetary and Space Science, (doi:10.1016/j.pss.2010.11.004).
- Skinner, J.A., Jr. and Mazzini, A., 2009, On the potential of Martian mud volcanism: Analog comparison and considerations of geologic context, Marine and Petroleum Geology, 26, 1866-1878 (doi:10.1016/jmarpetgeo.2009.02.0006).
- Tanaka, K. L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Crumpler, L., Dohm, J.M., 2009, Assessment of planetary geologic mapping techniques for Mars using terrestrial analogues: The SP Mountain area of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona, Planetary and Space Science, 57, 510-532 (doi:10.1016/j.pss.2008.06.012).
- Tanaka, K. L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Crumpler, L., Dohm, J.M., 2009, Assessment of planetary geologic mapping techniques for Mars using terrestrial analogues: The SP Mountain area of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, Arizona, Planetary and Space Science, 57, 510-532 (doi:10.1016/j.pss.2008.06.012).
- Tanaka, K.L., Rodriguez, J.A.P., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Bourke, M.C., Fortezzo, C.M., Herkenhoff, K., Kolb, E.J., and Okubo, C.H., 2008, North polar region of Mars: Advances in stratigraphy, structure, and erosional modification, Icarus, 196, 318-358 (doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2008.01.021).
- Skinner, J.A., Jr. And Tanaka, K.L., 2007, Evidence and implications of sedimentary diapirism in the southern Utopia highland-lowland boundary plain, Mars, Icarus 186. 41-59 (doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2006.08.013).
- Tanaka, K.L., Carr, M.H., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Gilmore, M.S., and Hare, T.M., 2003, Geology of the MER 2003 “Elysium” candidate landing site in southeastern Utopia Planitia, Mars, J. Geophys. Res. 108 (doi:10.1029/2003JE002054).
- Tanaka, K.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Hare, T.M., Joyal, T., and Wenker, A., 2003,Resurfacing history of the northern plains of Mars based on geologic mapping of Mars Global Surveyor data, J. Geophys. Res., 108, (doi:10.1029/2002JE001908).
Peer-Reviewed Geologic Maps
- Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Herkenhoff, K.E., 2012, Geologic Map of the Olympia Rupes Region (MTM 85200), Mars, USGS Scientific Investigations Map, USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM) 3197, scale 1:500,000.
- Dohm, J.M., Tanaka, K.L., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2011, Geologic map of the Metis Mons Quadrangle (V-6), Venus, USGS Scientific Investigations Map, USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM) 3158, scale 1:5,000,000.
- Tanaka, K.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hare, T.M., 2005, Geologic Map of the Northern Plains of Mars, USGS Scientific Investigations Map, USGS Scientific Investigations Map (SIM) 2888, scale 1:15,000,000.
Data Series and Technical Articles
- Tanaka, K.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hare, T.M., 2009, Planetary Geologic Mapping Handbook (2009): in Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of Planetary Geologic Mappers, San Antonio, TX, 2009, NASA/CP-2010-216680.
Book Chapters
- Hare, T.M., Kirk, R.L., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Tanaka, K.L., 2009, Extraterrestrial GIS, in Manual of Geographic Information Systems, M. Madden (ed.), pp. 1199-1219.
- Hare, T. M., Davis, P.A., Nigh, D., Skinner, J.A., Jr., SanFilip, J.R., Bolm, K.S., Fortezzo, C.M., Galuszka, D., Stettner, W.R., Sultani, S., and Nader, B., 2008, Large-Scale Digital Geological Maps Databases and Reports of the North Coal District in Afghanistan, USGS Data Series 31.
Recent Conference Abstracts
- Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Nava, R.L., 2011, Using Large Crater Clusters to Identify Potential Source Craters on Mars: Technical Methods and Science Applications [abs. #2502]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 42nd, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Fortezzo, C.M., 2011, Traverse Planning for Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS) 2010 Activities: Strategic Guidance from Photogeologic Mapping [abs. #2727]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 42nd, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Fergason, R.L., 2010, Contrasting Flow Events in Chryse and Acidalia Planitiae, Mars, as Determined Through Landform Mapping and Spatial Analyses [abs.# P51B-1421]: in AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, American Geophysical Union. [POSTER]
- Tanaka, K. L., Fortezzo, C.M., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Kolb, E.J., 2010, “Sequence Stratigraphy” of Polar Deposits on Mars: Lessons Learned [abs. #6055]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 41st, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Tanaka, K.L., 2010, Sub-dividing the Geology of Vastitas Borealis, Mars: Evidence for a Varied Record of Amazonian Deposition and Erosion [abs. #2734]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 41st, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Nava, R.A., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2010, GIS-Based Analysis of Secondary Craters as Stratigraphic Markers, Mars [abs. #2699]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 41st, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Tanaka, K.L., Rodriguez, J.A.P., Fortezzo, C.M., Hayward, R.K., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2010, Nature of Hesperian Resurfacing in the Scandia-North Polar Region of Mars [abs. #2323]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 41st, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Skinner, J.A., Jr., Fergason, R.L., and Tanaka, K.L., 2009, Occurrence and Origin of Lobate Materials in the Highland-Lowland Boundary of Southern Utopia Planitia, Mars [abs. 2459]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 40th, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Hare, T.M., Skinner, J.A., Jr., Tanaka, K.L., Fortezzo, C.M., Bleamaster, L.F., III, Sucharski, R.M., 2009, GIS-Based Planetary Geologic Maps: Recommendations for Improved Preparation, Review, and Publication [abs. #2538]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 40th, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Nava, R.A., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hare, T.M., 2009, Using Distributional Characteristics of Superposed Large-Scale Crater Clusters as Temporal Indicators of Geologic Processes [abs. #2530]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 40th, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Tanaka, K.L., Dohm, J.M., Irwin, R., Kolb, E.J., Skinner, J.A., Jr., and Hare, T.M., 2009, Progress in Global Geologic Mapping of Mars [abs. #1975]: in Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 40th, The Woodlands, TX, Lunar and Planetary Institute. [POSTER]
- Nava, R.A., and Skinner, J.A., Jr., 2009, Secondary Craters as Stratigraphic Markers: GIS-Based Program Development and Performance Testing Using the Secondaries of Zunil Crater, Mars [abs. #P23A-1243]: in AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA, American Geophysical Union. [POSTER]
- Skinner, J.A., Jr. and Gaddis, L.R., 2008, Systematic Lunar Geologic Mapping: Results from Copernicus Quadrangle: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, v. 40, no. 6, p. 518. [ORAL]