Joel Johnson

Joel Johnson is a Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of New Hampshire. He teaches courses in Earth History, Structural Geology, Sedimentology, Geotectonics, Geological Oceanography, and research-focused classes. With a Ph.D. in Geological Oceanography from Oregon State University and an M.S. in Structural Geology & Tectonics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, his research spans gas hydrate systems, sedimentology, and methane cycling in marine environments.

• Ph.D., Geological Oceanography, Oregon State University
• M.S., Structural Geology & Tectonics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• B.S., Geology, University of Minnesota Duluth

His work examines gas hydrate dynamics in settings like Hydrate Ridge (Cascadia margin) and Svyatogor Ridge (Fram Strait), focusing on crustal processes, fluid flow mechanisms, and authigenic carbonate formation. Studies in the Gulf of Mexico and Indian continental margins analyze hydrate accumulation controls, while Arctic lake research explores methane emission temperature sensitivity and microbial influences. Collaborative projects include 3D seismic analysis, tectonic stress modeling, and monsoon-driven sedimentation in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

Recent publications highlight earthquake-enhanced carbon cycling in deep sediments (2023), primary deposition controls on gas hydrate reservoirs (2022), and crustal-scale methane systems in Arctic regions (2022). His 15 most recent articles span 2023-2014, emphasizing gas hydrate systems, methane seepage, sedimentary diagenesis, and tectonic influences on fluid flow. Subfields include authigenic carbonate formation, 3D seismic imaging, isotopic geochemistry, and late Quaternary climate reconstructions.

Contact: Joel.Johnson@unh.edu