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Dr. Dave Pearson, Professor of Geosciences

Email: peardavi@isu.edu | pearson@isu.edu | davepearson@isu.edu

Phone: (208) 282-3486

Office: Physical Sciences, Room 215A, 42.8632°N, 112.4350°W

Specialties

I am a structural geologist with additional expertise in geo- and thermochronology and metamorphic geology. My students, collaborators, and I conduct field-based and laboratory studies from microscopic to continental scales to better understand lithospheric deformation and regional tectonic processes. Current research interests include:

  • Controls on orogenic structural style in continental fold-thrust belts
  • Tectonic evolution of the northern Basin and Range
  • Constraining the geometry and kinematics of Rodinian rifting in western Laurentia
  • Application of low-temperature thermochronometry to constrain the timing of contractional and extensional tectonism
  • Regional Geology of Intermountain West
  • Field Geology

Education

  • Ph.D., Geosciences, 2012, University of Arizona
  • M.S., Geosciences, 2007, University of Arizona
  • B.S., Geological Sciences, 2002, University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Joined Idaho State University Faculty in 2012

Prospective graduate students: Information about ISU's graduate program can be found here. If you are interested in graduate opportunities at ISU, please contact me to discuss research and funding opportunities. Successful students are scientifically curious, highly motivated individuals with a serious work ethic and good time management skills.

Geosciences Teaching

Courses taught (†anticipated).

Lower Division Courses:

GEOL 1101, Physical Geology (Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2017)

GEOL 1110, Physical Geology for Scientists Laboratory (Fall 2014 - 2017)

GEOL 2205, Solid Earth (Spring 2023, 2025)

GEOL 2282, Undergraduate Laboratory Experience (Spring 2017, Fall 2017)

Upper Division Courses:

GEOL 4421/4421L, Structural Geology (Spring 2013 - 2018, 2020 - 2025)

GEOL 4440/5540, Ore Deposits and Geothermal Systems (F 2022)

GEOL 4450, Field Geology (Su 2012 - 2016, 2017 - 2019*, 2021 - 2024) (*Field Camp Director)

GEOL 4458/5558, Geology of North America (Spring 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024)

GEOL 4482, Independent Problems and Studies in Geology (2017, 2018, 2021)

GEOL 4491/5591, Seminar Field Trip (Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2015, Fall 2017, Fall 2019, Fall 2021, Fall 2023)

GEOL 4499/5599, Petroleum Geology (Fall 2015)

Graduate Courses:

GEOL 6601, Advanced Physical Geology (Fall 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2023)

GEOL 6603, Geologic Writing Seminar (Spring 2021)

GEOL 6621, Advanced Structural Geology (Fall 2012, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024)

GEOL 6622, Orogenic Belts (Fall 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2023)

GEOL 6648, Research Problems (Fall 2016, Spring 2018)

GEOL 6699, Tectonics Seminar (F 2014, F 2015, Sp 2016, F 2021, Sp 2022, F 2022, Sp 2023, F 2024)

 

Publications

Finzel, E.S., Thomson, S.N., Pearson, D.M., Horkley, K.*, Garber, K.*, and Gardner, C.*, 2025, First cycle or polycyclic? Combining apatite and zircon detrital U-Pb geochronology and geochemistry to assess sediment recycling: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 650, doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2024.119131.

 

Lever, J.*, Sundell, K.E., Pearson, D.M., and Brennan, D.T., 2024, Recently identified Mesoproterozoic strata in south-central Idaho document late-stage rifting of the Nuna supercontinent in western Laurentia: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, v. 25, doi:10.1029/2024GC011503.

 

Parker, S.D.*, and Pearson, D.M., 2023, A kinematic model linking the Sevier and Laramide belts of the Idaho-Montana fold-thrust belt, U.S. Cordillera: Geosphere, doi:10.1130/GES02649.1.

 

Finzel, E.S., Rosenblume, J.A.*, and Pearson, D.M., Zippi, P.A., 2023, Timing of the transition from Sevier- to Laramide-style tectonism in southwestern Montana based on the provenance of the Frontier Formation, North American Cordillera: Tectonics, v. 42, doi:10.1029/2023TC007777.

 

Brennan, D.T., Link, P.K., Pearson, D.M., Milton, J.*, Sundell, K.E., and Mangum, K.*, 2023, Neoproterozoic and Cambrian strata of the locally mineralized Bayhorse succession on the western side of the Lemhi arch in east-central Idaho: Northwest Geology, v. 52.

 

Burmester, R.F., Lewis, R.L., Pearson, D.M., and Knudsen, L., 2023, Field guide to the geology of the Belt Supergroup from Iron Lake north to Phelan Mountain: Northwest Geology, v. 52.

 

Parker, S.D., and Pearson, D.M., 2023, Field guide to carbonate mylonites and reactivated basement faults of the Leadore area: Northwest Geology, v. 52.

 

Brennan, D.T., Pearson, D.M., Link, P.K., and Milton, J.*, 2023, Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic tectono-stratigraphic framework for central Idaho: Windermere Supergroup in the northern sector of the U.S. Cordillera, in Whitmeyer, S.J., Williams, M.L., Kellett, D.A., and Tikoff, B., eds., Laurentia: Turning Points in the Evolution of a Continent: Geological Society of America Memoir 220, p. 457–486, doi:10.1130/2022.1220(23).

 

Parker, S.D.*, Pearson, D.M., and Finzel, E.S., 2022, A thermal profile across the Idaho-Montana fold-thrust belt reveals a low-relief orogenic wedge that developed atop a pre-orogenic basement high: Lithosphere, v. 2022, doi:10.2113/2022/9475780.

 

Gardner, C.T.*, Finzel, E.S., Rosenblume, J.A.*, and Pearson, D.M., 2022, New insights into the provenance and regional tectonics of a middle Cretaceous retroforeland basin, southwestern Montana, USA: Geosphere, https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02521.1.

 

Rosenblume, J.*, Finzel, E.S., Pearson, D.M., and Gardner, C.T.*, 2022, Middle Albian provenance, sediment dispersal, and foreland basin dynamics in southwestern Montana, North American Cordillera: Basin Research, v. 34, p. 913-937, doi:10.1111/bre.12645.

 

Kaempfer, J.M.*, Guenthner, W.R., and Pearson, D.M., 2021, Proterozoic to Phanerozoic tectonism in southwestern Montana basement ranges constrained by low temperature thermochronometric data: Tectonics, v. 40, doi:10.1029/2021TC006744.

 

Pearson, D.M., Montoya, L.M.*, and Link, P.K, 2021, Field guide to Mesoproterozoic to Ordovician rocks exposed east of Challis near Leaton Gulch, Idaho: Northwest Geology, v. 50, p. 95-106.

 

Pearson, D.M., and Link, P.K, 2021, Post-Belt Supergroup Mesoproterozoic to Cambrian rocks of the Leaton Gulch area, east of Challis, Idaho: Northwest Geology, v. 50, p. 11-21.

 

Parker, S.D.*, and Pearson, D.M., 2021, Pre-thrusting stratigraphic control on the transition from a thin- to thick-skinned structural style: an example from the double-decker Idaho-Montana fold-thrust belt: Tectonics, v. 40, doi:10.1029/2020TC006429.

 

Rosenblume, J.*, Finzel, E.S., and Pearson, D.M., 2021, Early Cretaceous provenance, sediment dispersal, and foreland basin development in southwestern Montana, North American Cordillera: Tectonics, v. 40, doi:10.1029/2020TC006561.

 

Schusler, K.L.*, Pearson, D.M., McCurry, M., Bartholomay, R.C., and Anders, M.H., 2020, Regionally continuous Miocene rhyolites beneath the eastern Snake River Plain reveal localized flexure at its western margin: Idaho National Laboratory and vicinity: The Mountain Geologist, v. 57, no. 3, p. 247-275, doi:10.31582/rmag.mg.57.3.241.

 

Brennan, D.T.*, Pearson, D.M., Link, P.K., and Chamberlain, K.R., 2020, Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup near Bayhorse, Idaho: late-stage Rodinian rifting was deflected west around the Belt basin: Tectonics, v. 39, doi:10.1029/2020TC006145.

 

Garber, K.*, Finzel, E.S., and Pearson, D.M., 2020, Provenance of syn-orogenic foreland basin strata in southwestern Montana requires revision of existing models for Laramide tectonism: North American Cordillera: Tectonics, v. 39, doi:10.1029/2019TC005944.

 

Pearson, D.M., MacLeod, D.R.*, Ducea, M.N., Gehrels, G.E., and Patchett, P.J., 2017, Sediment underthrusting within a continental magmatic arc: Coast Mountains batholith, British Columbia: Tectonics, v. 36, doi:10.1002/2017TC004594.

 

Link, P.K., Todt, M.K.*, Pearson, D.M., and Thomas, R., 2017, 500 Ma detrital zircons in upper Cambrian Worm Creek and correlative sandstones, ID, MT, and WY: magmatism and tectonism within the passive margin: Lithosphere, doi:10.1130/L671.1.

 

Pearson, D.M., and Link, P.K., 2017, Field guide to the Lemhi arch and Mesozoic-early Cenozoic faults and folds in east-central Idaho: Beaverhead Mountains: Northwest Geology, v. 46. p. 101-112.

 

Pearson, D.M., Anderson, N.D.*, and Link, P.K., 2017, Zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf analysis of basement rocks at Bloody Dick Creek and Maiden Peak, southwestern Montana: a record of Paleoproterozoic and Archean plutonism and metamorphism: Northwest Geology, v. 46, p. 29-36.

 

McCurry, M., McLing, T., Smith, R.P., Hackett, W.R., Goldsby, R.*, Lochridge, W.*, Podgorney, R., Wood, W., Pearson, D., Welhan, J., and Plummer, M., 2016, Geologic setting of the Idaho National Laboratory Geothermal Resource Research Area: Proceedings, 41st Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Feb. 22-24, 2016, SGP-TR-209.

 

McCurry, M., Pearson, D.M., Welhan, J., Nawotniak, S.K., and Fisher, M.*, 2015, Origin and potential geothermal significance of China Hat and other late Pleistocene topaz rhyolite lava domes of the Blackfoot volcanic field, SE Idaho: Geothermal Resource Council Transactions, v. 39, p. 35-47.

 

McGroder, M.F., Lease, R.O., and Pearson, D.M., 2015, Along-strike variation in structural styles and hydrocarbon occurrences, Subandean foldbelt and inner foreland, Colombia to Argentina, in DeCelles, P.G., Ducea, M.N., Carrapa, B., and Kapp, P.A., eds., Geodynamics of a Cordilleran Orogenic System: The Central Andes of Argentina and Northern Chile: Geological Society of America Memoir, v. 212, p. 79–113, doi:10.1130/2015.1212(05).

 

Reiners, P.W., Thomson, S.N., Willett, S.D., Vernon, A., Zattin, M., Einhorn, J., Gehrels, G.E., DeCelles, P.G., Quade, J., Pearson, D.M., Murray, K.E., and Cavazza, W., 2015, Low-temperature thermochronologic trends across the central Andes, 21-28° S, in DeCelles, P.G., Ducea, M.N., Carrapa, B., and Kapp, P.A., eds., Geodynamics of a Cordilleran Orogenic System: The Central Andes of Argentina and Northern Chile: Geological Society of America Memoir, v. 212, p. 215–249, doi:10.1130/2015.1212(12).

 

Pearson, D.M., Kapp, P., DeCelles, P.G., Reiners, P.W., Gehrels, G.E., Ducea, M.N., and Pullen, A., 2013, Influence of pre-Andean crustal structure on Cenozoic thrust belt kinematics and shortening magnitude: Northwestern Argentina: Geosphere, v. 9, no. 6, doi:10.1130/GES00923.1.

 

Pearson, D.M., Kapp, P., Reiners, P.W., Gehrels, G.E., Ducea, M.N., Pullen, A., Otamendi, J.E., and Alonso, R.N., 2012, Major Miocene exhumation by fault-propagation folding within a metamorphosed, early Paleozoic thrust belt: Northwestern Argentina: Tectonics, v. 31, no. 4, doi:10.1029/2011TC003043.

 

Cristofolini, E.A., Otamendi, J.E., Ducea, M.N., Pearson, D.M., Tibaldi, A.M., and Baliani, I., 2012, Detrital zircon U-Pb ages of metasedimentary rocks from Sierra de Valle Fértil: Entrapment of Middle and Late Cambrian marine successions in the deep roots of the Early Ordovician Famatinian arc: Journal of South American Earth Sciences, v. 37, no. C, p. 77–94, doi:10.1016/j.jsames.2012.02.001.

 

Girardi, J.D., Patchett, P.J., Ducea, M.N., Gehrels, G.E., Cecil, M.R., Rusmore, M.E., Woodsworth, G.J., Pearson, D.M., Manthei, C., and Wetmore, P., 2012, Elemental and isotopic evidence for granitoid genesis from deep-seated sources in the Coast Mountains batholith, British Columbia: Journal of Petrology, v. 53, p. 1505–1536, doi:10.1093/petrology/egs024.

 

Gehrels, G., Rusmore, M., Woodsworth, G., Crawford, M., Andronicos, C., Hollister, L., Patchett, J., Ducea, M., Butler, R., Klepeis, K., Davidson, C., Mahoney, B., Friedman, R., Haggart, J., Crawford, W., Pearson, D., and Girardi, J., 2009, U-Th-Pb geochronology of the Coast Mountains batholith in north-coastal British Columbia: Constraints on age and tectonic evolution: GSA Bulletin, v. 121, p. 1341-1361, doi:10.1130/B26404.1.

 

Geologic Maps

Parker, S.D., McDonald, K., and Pearson, D.M., 2025, Geologic map of the Block Mountain 7.5’ quadrangle, Beaverhead and Madison counties, Montana: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Geologic Map XX, 1 sheet, scale 1:24,000, doi:XXXXXXXXX.

 

Gavillot, Y., Parker, S.D., and Pearson, D.M., 2024, Geologic map of the Beaverhead Rock SE 7.5’ quadrangle, Madison County, Montana: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Geologic Map 101, 1 sheet, scale 1:24,000, doi:10.59691/AKIR4686.

 

Yokel-Deliduka, A.*, Anderson, R.B., Pearson, D.M., Sistrunk, K., 2023, Geologic map of the Bear Camp Gulch quadrangle, Bannock and Caribou counties, Idaho: Idaho Geological Survey Technical Report, #T-23-01, 1:24,000-scale. 2024 USGS Best Student Geologic Map Competition: 1st Place.

 

Parker, S.D.*, and Pearson, D.M., 2020, Geologic map of the northern part of the Leadore quadrangle, Lemhi County, Idaho: Idaho Geological Survey Technical Report, #T-20-03, 1:24,000-scale. 2020 USGS Best Student Geologic Map Competition: 1st Place.

 

Krohe, N.*, Brennan, D.T.*, Link, P.K., Pearson, D.M., and Armstrong, T., 2020, Geologic map of the southern portion of the Clayton quadrangle, Custer County, Idaho: Idaho Geological Survey Technical Report, #T-20-02, 1:24,000-scale.

 

Brennan, D.T.*, Pearson, D.M., and Link, P.K., 2020, Geologic map of the Bayhorse anticline, Custer County, Idaho: Idaho Geological Survey Technical Report, #T-20-01, 1:24,000-scale. 2019 USGS Best Student Geologic Map Competition: 1st Place.

 

Lonn, J.D., Elliott, C.G., Stewart, D.E., Mosolf, J.G., Burmester, R.F., Lewis, R.S., and Pearson, D.M., 2019, Geologic map of the Bannock Pass 7.5' quadrangle, Beaverhead County, Montana, and Lemhi County, Idaho: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Geologic Map 76, 1 sheet, scale 1:24,000.

 

Crawford, B.*, and Pearson, D.M., 2018, Geologic map of the Ashbough Canyon 7.5’ quadrangle, Beaverhead County, Montana: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology EdMap 12, 1 sheet, scale 1:24,000.

 

Hansen, C.M.*, and Pearson, D.M., 2016, Geologic map of the Poison Creek thrust fault and vicinity near Poison Peak and Twin Peaks, Lemhi County, Idaho: Idaho Geological Survey Technical Report, #T-16-1, 1:24,000-scale.

 

Meyers, J.L.*, Link, P.K., and Pearson, D.M., 2014, Geologic map of the Little Wood River Reservoir 7.5’ quadrangle, Blaine County, Idaho: Idaho Geological Survey Technical Report, #T-14-3, 1:24,000-scale.

 

Team

Current and former students

Primary or Co-Advisor

  • Zachary Ellia (co-advised with Dr. Kendra Murray)
    M.S., expected 2026
  • David Johnson (co-advised with Dr. Kendra Murray)
    M.S., expected 2025
  • Daniel Vega (co-advised with Dr. Ryan Anderson)
    M.S., expected 2025
  • Elisha Manandhar (co-advised with Dr. Kendra Murray)
    M.S., expected 2025
  • Anna Miller (co-advised with Dr. Kendra Murray)
    M.S., May 2024
  • Matt Ruggiero (co-advised with Dr. Ryan Anderson)
    M.S., August 2023
  • Jon Lever (co-advised with Dr. Kurt Sundell)
    M.S., August 2023
  • Andrew Yokel-Deliduka (co-advised with Dr. Ryan Anderson)
    M.S., May 2023
  • Chase Porter
    M.S., December 2021
  • Stuart Parker
    Ph.D., August 2021
  • Leslie Montoya
    M.S., August 2019
  • Kyle Schusler
    M.S., May 2018
  • Dan Brennan
    M.S., May 2018
  • Braedon Warner
    B.S., August 2018
  • Ashley Shields (co-advised with Dr. Donna Delparte)
    M.S.-G.I.S., December 2017
  • Brandon Crawford
    M.S., August 2017
  • Nathan Anderson (co-advised with Dr. Paul Link)
    M.S., May 2017
  • Connor Hansen
    M.S., August 2015
  • Doug MacLeod
    M.S., May 2015
  • Cody Stock
    B.S., August 2014


Secondary Advisor/Committee Member

  • Rebecca Goughnour
    M.S., July 2022
  • Cody Allen
    M.S., May 2021
  • Jake Milton
    M.S., May 2020
  • Ryan Goldsby
    M.S., May 2017
  • Nick Krohe
    M.S., May 2016
  • M. Katie Todt
    M.S., August 2014
  • Jessica Meyers
    M.S., May 2014