I am a marine electromagnetic geophysicist whose research centers on exploring hazards and resources on the continental shelf that have direct implications for nearby communities. I specialize in designing, building, and using controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) instruments. My work focuses on studying marine freshwater sources, hydrocarbon seeps, fluid pathways, volcanic risks, and archaeological sites.
My aim is to enhance climate models, manage coastal groundwater effectively, mitigate volcanic risks, and deepen our understanding of human migration patterns.
Currently, I'm working to image magmatic bodies and fluid pathways in New Zealand's Taupo volcanic zone. Building on my prior submarine groundwater experience, I am also studying the hydrogeological processes beneath Pearl Harbor and Oahu’s southern shore to better preserve and protect the underlying aquifer. In the Southern California Bight, working alongside the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, my team and I are working to shift the focus of ocean exploration in ancestral homelands by launching studies centered on indigenous oral histories. Finally, I am developing a new high-resolution CSEM system for offshore wind farm development. This new system will advance seafloor characterization and provide practical solutions for environmental and resource management.
Marine CSEM
Instrument and method development, sensitivity and resolution analysis
Resources
Submarine groundwater, archaeological sites, cold seeps, geothermal
Hazards
Volcanic hazards, trapped gases, unstable slopes
King, R. B. (2024, June 24). Exploring Cold Seeps Off Southern California. NOAA Ocean Exploration. Link
King, R. B. & Constable, S. (2023). How low can you go: An investigation of depth sensitivity and resolution using towed marine controlled-source electromagnetic systems. Geophysical Prospecting. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2478.13345
King, R. B. (2022). Controlled-Source Electromagnetic Studies of the Southern California Continental Shelf. UC San Diego. ProQuest ID: King_ucsd_0033D_21764. Merritt ID: ark:/13030/m5r574gh. Link
King, R. B., Constable, S., Maloney, J. M. (2022). A case study in controlled source electromagnetism: Near seabed hydrocarbon seep systems of Coal Oil Point, California, USA. Marine and Petroleum Geology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2022.105636
King, R. B., Danskin, W. R., Constable, S., & Maloney, J. M. (2022). Identification of fresh submarine groundwater off the coast of San Diego, USA, using electromagnetic methods. Hydrogeology Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-022-02463-y
Gusick, A. E., Maloney, J., King, R. B., & Braje, T. J. (2019, June). Emerging Technologies in the Search for the Submerged Cultural Landscapes of the Pacific Continental Shelf. In Offshore Technology Conference. Offshore Technology Conference.
For a more up-to-date list of publications see my Google Scholar Page.
I am actively looking for graduate (Ph.D. or Masters) and undergraduate students to work on projects related to marine controlled source electromagnetism within the Geophysics Department at Colorado School of Mines. If you’re interested in researching any of the following topics, please email me:
I am also open to developing projects outside the topics listed above. Students who wish to pursue their thesis with me should apply through the Geophysics program.
For more information on the Mines' Geophysics M.S. and Ph.D. programs, visit the Geophysics at CSM webpage.