Owen Anfinson

Owen Anfinson is an Assistant Professor at Sonoma State University, specializing in tectonic sedimentology and detrital geochronology. His research integrates fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and drone technology to address tectonic and sedimentological problems globally.

• Education: B.A. (Gustavus Adolphus College), M.S. (Washington State University), Ph.D. (University of Calgary), Postdoctoral Fellow (University of Texas at Austin).

Anfinson’s research spans the Franciscan Complex and Sur Series in California, Arctic tectonics, and the Swiss-Italian Alps. He employs detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and thermochronology to reconstruct tectonic histories. His innovative work includes using drones (UAS) for 3D modeling of geologic outcrops.

Recent publications focus on Arctic paleogeography, Alpine tectonics, and catastrophic flood sediment provenance. Anfinson actively mentors students, advising projects on topics like the Franciscan Complex and virtual field trips. His work bridges fundamental tectonic research with applied geospatial technologies, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and field-based learning.