Daniel Koning

I am a tenured, senior field geologist whose duties primarily entail: 1) geologic mapping, 2) providing the geologic and stratigraphic framework for hydrogeologic studies, 3) geohazards (mainly regarding paleoseismicity and landslide risk assessment), 4) assisting graduate students in their research, and 5) interfacing and communicating with the public and scientific community about research and other topics the NM Bureau of Geology deems relevant. My geologic mapping specializes in basin fill and Quaternary sediment in addition to landslides, faulting, and geomorphic features; but I also have gained much experience mapping volcanic rocks and Cretaceous strata. Constructing a geologic framework for hydrogeologic studies involves synthesizing geologic mapping, previous work, and well interpretation. In addition to communication relative to the aforementioned topics, I write and speak about my interests in fluvial evolution (including the evolution of the Rio Grande), fault evolution, and how tectonics and climate affect basin-fill stratigraphy and geomorphic processes.

Why I've Got Such a Cool Job!

My job allows me to tackle some really interesting geologic problems, such as where ancient rivers were located and when various fault lines were active, which in turn can be used to locate and describe modern groundwater aquifers and assess earthquake hazards. It's fun to interact with the public about geology. Plus, you can't beat field mapping — when you get to hike around somewhere in beautiful New Mexico and decipher thousands or millions of years of the Earth's history.

• M.S., 1999, Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico
  Concentrations in Quaternary geology, paleoseismicity, and tectonic geomorphology.
  Thesis topic: Paleoseismicity and fault segmentation of the Alamogordo fault, southern New Mexico.
  Advisor: Dr. Frank J. Pazzaglia
• B.S., 1994, Geology, University of California, Riverside

• New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources
  • Field geologist (July, 2003, to present)
  • Contract Mapper (Summer of 1998 and June 1999-June 2003)
• University of New Mexico
  • Teaching assistant (September 1996-May 1998): Physical Geology (EPS 105L) and Advanced Geomorphology (EPS 481L)
• EMCON Burbank and San Bernardino offices in California
  • Staff geologist (November 1994-May 1996)
• U.S. Geological Survey
  • Student intern (under the NAGT summer internship program, June-July of 1994)
• University of California, Riverside
  • Student assistant to Dr. Stephen Wells (summers of 1992 and 1993)

• Geologic mapping of basin fill and Quaternary deposits.
• Interpreting sedimentary depositional environments, geomorphic processes, and depositional/erosional history from field-based study of outcrops and landforms — particularly those related to arid to semi-arid, intra-continental basins.
• Integrating field-based studies with multi-disciplinary datasets to interpret tectonic and paleoclimatic controls on basin sedimentation, surface erosion, depositional facies distribution, and unconformities.
• Stratigraphy of the Santa Fe Group in the Rio Grande rift.
• Geomorphology of piedmonts
• Landslide and rock fall mapping

Integrating field-based studies with multi-disciplinary datasets to interpret tectonic and paleoclimatic controls on basin sedimentation, surface erosion, depositional facies distribution, and unconformities. Interests include stratigraphy, sedimentology, tectonic and soil geomorphology, rock falls and landslides, paleoseismology, fluvial evolution of the Rio Grande, and hydrogeology.

• Florence Bascom Geologic Mapping Award (from the Geological Society of America), 2022
• John C. Frye Memorial Award in Environmental Geology, in recognition of the outstanding publication: "Geology and hydrology of groundwater-fed springs and wetlands at La Cienega, Santa Fe County, New Mexico." Presented September 2016 at the Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America
• Tenure granted on September 21, 2015
• Geological Society of America student research grant (#6270-98), 1998
• Outstanding Student Research Award, Geological Society of America, 1998
• Arthur D. Howard Research Grant, Geological Society of America, 1997
• U.S. Geological Society Cooperative Summer Field Training Program, 1994 (internship awarded by Nat. Assoc of Geology Teachers for performing well in summer field camp the previous summer)

• Geological Society of America
• New Mexico Geological Society(served on Executive Committee during 2016-2020)

• Garrett Williamson -- Ph.D. candidate at Texas Tech University at Lubbock. Project: Late Hemingfordian-Barstovian Mammalian biostratigraphy of the Middle Miocene Tesuque Formation, Española Basin, north-central New Mexico. I am on graduate committee.
• Samuel Martin — Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico Tech. Masters thesis related to structural evolution of the Reserve Graben. I am on the graduate committee; lead advisor is Gary Axen. Completed August of 2021.
• Johnny Rae Hinojosa — Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico Tech
  Master's thesis related to subsurface stratigraphy along the Loma Blanca fault and implications for groundwater flow. I am on the graduate committee; lead advisor is Glenn Spinelli. Completed January of 2021.
• Eda Celep — Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico Tech
  MastersThesis: Lithofacies analysis of the Sierra Ladrones Formation near the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters (southern Albuquerque Basin, N.M.): Implications for Cliff fault activity in the early Pleistocene Additional Advisors: Dave Love, Jolante Van Wijk, Gary Axen. Completed August of 2017.
• Logan Roberts — Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico Tech
  Reconstructing the paleogeography and Laramide tectonic setting of the basin associated with the Cub Mountain Formation. Major advisor: Daniel Koning. Discontinued in June of 2016.