David Johnston
Biography
David Johnston is a Registered Professional Geologist who currently serves as the Earthquake Geologist for the Arkansas Geological Survey in Little Rock. Mr. Johnston joined the Survey in October, 2009. His responsibilities include earthquake research, conducting public education and outreach activities on earthquakes, updating and maintaining the Arkansas earthquake database, upkeep of the Geohazards section of the AGS website, participating in field work on Geohazard related projects, the production of earthquake related maps and publications, and representing the AGS at Individual Sewage Disposal System Advisory Council (ISDSAC) quarterly meetings. Mr. Johnston also works with several agencies and organizations involved in New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) research and mitigation projects. In 2010, Mr. Johnston participated in the installation of six state-of-the-art permanent seismic monitoring stations within selected state parks across Arkansas. These seismic monitors of the Arkansas Seismic Network (ASN) were seamlessly integrated with seismic monitors of both the regional and national networks. He assists the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at the University of Memphis with providing continuous maintenance and reporting services for the network. He is currently involved in the establishment of an Earthquake Center at the Survey offices that will serve as the focal point for monitoring and researching seismic activity across the State. Additionally, Mr. Johnston is working on Arkansas Seismic Network posters for placement at the state parks where permanent seismic monitoring stations have been installed.
Prior to joining the Survey, Mr. Johnston worked as an environmental consultant and was actively involved in all aspects of environmental monitoring, technical report preparation, seismic site response evaluation and modeling, permitting, groundwater quality statistical evaluation, and compliance assistance for several municipal solid waste disposal facilities in Arkansas. His previous field experience includes geologic mapping, geologic/hydrogeologic site investigations, groundwater monitoring, well and explosive gas probe installation, groundwater and surface water sampling, surface geophysical surveys, soil sampling, geotechnical logging, landfill Construction Quality Assurance (CQA), and site operational inspection.
Education
B.S., 1983, Geology, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Professional Affiliations
- Geological Society of America (GSA)
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
- Seismological Society of America (SSA)