Nick Hinz
Nicholas H. Hinz

Geologic Mapping Specialist
Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno

Business telephone: (775) 784-1446
Fax: (775) 784-1709
E-mail: nhinz@unr.edu

 

Education

• M.S., University of Nevada, Reno, 2004
• B.A., Whitman College, 1998

 

Areas of Expertise

• Geologic Field Mapping, Structural Geology, Volcanic Geology, Geothermal Systems
• 3D Mapping/Modeling and Digital Photogrammetry
• Walker Lane and Basin and Range Tectonics, Intra-arc Tectonics, Continental Rifts

My research focuses on regional studies of Basin and Range extensional tectonics in both northern and southern Nevada and of dextral shear associated with the Walker Lane in western Nevada using detailed geologic mapping, structural analyses of faults and folds, geochronology, and paleomagnetic analyses. Much of my research has also focused on studying amagmatic and magmatic geothermal systems.  The purpose of these projects has been to define structural and stratigraphic controls of reservoirs, identify regional patterns in resources, and help advance new and existing exploration strategies.  These projects have involved systemic regional assessments, database compilation, geologic mapping, integration of drill-hole and geophysical data sets, structural analyses, constructing digital 2D and 3D geologic models, and drill targeting.


Professional Work Experience

• 2014–present, Geologic Mapping Specialist, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
• 2007–2014, Research Scientist, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
• 2005–2006, Project Manager/Geologist, Pacific Watershed Associates, Arcata, CA
• 2001–2004, Research Assistant, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada, Reno
• 1999–2001, Field Technician, Pacific Watershed Associates, Arcata, CA
• 1998–1999, Geotechnician, Earthtec, Ltd., Roseville, CA

 

Selected Publications (papers arranged by subject, maps listed together)
 

Geothermal Systems

Hinz, N., Coolbaugh, M., Shevenell, L., Melosh, G., Cumming, W., Stelling, P., in prep,
Structural–tectonic settings for globally productive subduction arc volcanic centers: Proceedings,
41st Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA,
Feb. 22-24, 2016.
Faulds, J.E., Hinz, N.H., Coolbaugh, M.F., Siler, D.L., Shevenell, L.A., Queen, J.H., dePolo, C.M.,
Hammond, W.C., and Kreemer, C., in prep, Discovering geothermal systems in the Great Basin
region: an integrated geologic, geochemical, and geophysical approach for establishing geothermal
play fairways: Proceedings, 41st Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA, Feb. 22-24, 2016.
Lautze, N., Thomas, D., Hinz, N., Ito, G., Frazer, N., Waller, D., in prep, Hawaii play fairway analysis:
Discussion of phase 1 results: Proceedings, 41st Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering,
Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Feb. 22-24, 2016.
Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E., Hinz, N.H., and Queen, J., in prep, 3D analysis of geothermal fluid flow
favorability; Brady’s, Nevada, USA: Proceedings, 41st Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir
Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Feb. 22-24, 2016.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., Sabin, A., Blake, K., Blankenship, D., Nordquist, J., Hickman, S., Glen, J.,
Kenney, M., Siler, D.L., Robertson-Tait, A., Williams, C., Drakos, P., and Calvin, W., in prep,
Stratigraphic and structural framework of the proposed Fallon FORGE site, Nevada: Proceedings,
41st Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA,
Feb. 22-24, 2016.
Shevenell, L., Coolbaugh, M., Hinz, N.H., Stelling, P., Melosh, G., Cumming, W., and Kreemer, C.,
2015, Preliminary ranking of geothermal potential in the Cascade and Aleutian volcanic arcs,
Part I: Data collection: Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 39, p. 771-784.
Hinz, N.H., Coolbaugh, M., Shevenell, L., Melosh, G., Cumming, W., and Stelling, P., 2015, Preliminary
ranking of geothermal potential in the Cascade and Aleutian volcanic arcs, part II: Structural-
tectonic settings of the volcanic centers: Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 39,
p. 717-725.
Coolbaugh, M., Shevenell, L., Hinz, N.H., Stelling, P., Melosh, G, Cumming, W., Kremmer, C., and
Wilmarth, M., 2015, Preliminary ranking of geothermal potential in the Cascade and Aleutian
volcanic arcs, part III: Regional data review and modeling: Geothermal Resources Council
Transactions, v. 39, p. 677-690.
Lautze, N., Thomas, D., Hinz, N., Frazer, N., Ito, G., Waller, D., Schuchmann, H., and Brady, M.,
2015, Integration of data in a play fairway analysis of geothermal potential across the State of
Hawaii: Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 39, p. 733-737.
Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E., and Hinz, N.H., 2015, Earthquake-related stress concentration in fault zones
and permeability generation in geothermal systems: Geothermal Resources Council Transactions,
v. 39, p. 437-444.
Faulds, J.E., Hinz, N.H., Coolbaugh, M.F., Shevenell, L.A., Siler, D.L., dePolo, C.M., Hammond, W.H.,
Kreemer, C.W., Oppliger, G., Wannamaker, P.E., Queen, J., and Visser, C., 2015, Integrated
geologic and geophysical approach for establishing geothermal play fairways and discovering blind
geothermal systems in the great basin region, western USA: a progress report: Geothermal
Resources Council Transactions, v. 39, p. 691-700.
Hinz, N.H., Coolbaugh, M.F., and Faulds, J.E., 2015, White Pine County Renewable Energy Feasibility
Study and Resource Assessment: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Report 55, 21 p.
Stelling, P., Hinz, N.H., Kolker, A., and Ohren, M., 2015, Exploration of the Hot Springs Bay Valley
(HSBV) Geothermal Resource Area, Akutan, Alaska: Geothermics, v. 57, p. 127-144.
Hinz, N.H., Coolbaugh, M.F, Faulds, J.E., Siler, D.L., and Dering, G.M., 2015, Building the next
generation of regional geothermal potential maps: Examples from the Great Basin region, western
USA:  Proceedings, World Geothermal Congress 2015, Melbourne, Australia.
Faulds, N.H., and Hinz, N.H., 2015, Favorable tectonic and structural settings of geothermal
settings in the Great Basin Region, western USA: Proxies for discovering blind geothermal systems:
Proceedings, World Geothermal Congress 2015, Melbourne, Australia.
Siler, D.L., Faulds, J.E., and Hinz, N.H., 2015, Regional and local geothermal potential evaluation:
Examples from the Great Basin, USA, Iceland and East Africa: Proceedings, World Geothermal
Congress 2015, Melbourne, Australia.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., Coolbaugh, M.F., 2014, Association of fault terminations with fluid flow in the
Salt Wells geothermal field, Nevada, USA: Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 38, p. 3-9.
Muntean, J., Hinz, N., Cramer, T., Davis, D., Dering, G., and Sladek, C., 2014, An updated mineral and
energy resource assessment of the Desert National Wildlife Range, Clark and Lincoln Counties,
Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 14-3, 161 p.
Faulds, J.E., Hinz, N.H., Dering, G.M., and Siler, D.L., 2013, The hybrid model – the most
accommodating structural setting for geothermal power generation in the Great Basin, western USA:
Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 37, p. 3-10.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., and Siler, D.L., 2013, Developing systematic workflow from field work to
quantitative 3D modeling for successful exploration of structurally controlled geothermal systems:
Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 37, p. 275-280.
Ohren, M., Bailey, A., Hinz, N., Oppliger, G., Hernandez, J., Rickard, W., and Dering, G., 2013, Akutan
geothermal area exploration results and pre-drilling resource model: Geothermal Resources Council
Transactions, v. 37, p. 301-308.
Cashman, P.H., Faulds, J.E., and Hinz, N.H., 2012, Regional variations in structural controls on
geothermal systems in the Great Basin: Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 36, p. 25-30.
Faulds, J.E., Hinz, N.H., and Kreemer, C.W., 2012, Regional patterns of geothermal activity in the
Great Basin Region, western USA: Correlation with strain rates: Geothermal Resources Council
Transactions, v. 36, p. 897-902.
Faulds, J.E., Hinz, N.H., and Coolbaugh, M.F., 2011, Structural investigations of Great Basin
geothermal fields: Applications and implications, in Steininger, R., and Pennell, B., eds., Great Basin
evolution and metallogeny: Geological Society of Nevada 2010 Symposium Volume, p. 361-372.
Faulds, J.E., Hinz, N.H., Coolbaugh, M.F., Cashman, P.H., Kratt, C., Dering, G., Edwards, J., Mayhew,
B., McLachlan, H., 2011, Assessment of favorable structural settings of geothermal systems in the
Great Basin, Western USA: Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 35, p. 777-784.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., and Stroup, C., 2011, Stratigraphic and structural framework of the Reese
River geothermal area, Lander County, Nevada:  A new conceptual structural model: Geothermal
Resources Council Transactions, v. 35, p. 827-832.
Skord, J., Cashman, P.H., Coolbaugh, M., and Hinz, N.H., 2011, Mapping hydrothermal upwelling
outflow and outflow zones, preliminary results from two-meter temperature data and geologic
analysis at Lee Allen Springs and Salt Wells basin, Geothermal Resources Council Transactions,
v. 35, p. 1017-1022.
Bell, J., and Hinz, N., 2010, Young Walker basin faults provide new insights into structural relations
controlling geothermal potential at the Hawthorne Army Weapons Depot, central Nevada: 
Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 34, p. 751-754.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., Moeck, I., Bell, J.W., and Oldow, J.S., 2010, Structural controls of three
blind geothermal resources at the Hawthorne Ammunitions Depot, west-central Nevada:
Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 34, p. 785-790.
Moeck, I., Hinz, N., Faulds, J., Bell, J., Kell-Hills, A., and Louie, J., 2010, 3D geological mapping as
a new method in geothermal exploration:  A case study from central Nevada:  Geothermal
Resources Council Transactions, v. 34, p. 807–812.
Shoffner, J., Li, Y., Hinz, N., Sabin, A., Lazaro, M., and Alm, S., 2010, Understanding fault
characteristics and sediment depth for geothermal exploration using 3D gravity inversion in Walker
Valley, California:  Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 34, p. 633-636.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., Oppliger, G.L., 2008, Structural controls of Lee-Allen Hot Springs, southern
Churchill County, western Nevada:  A small pull-apart in the dextral shear zone of the Walker Lane:
Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 32, p. 285-290.

Walker Lane and Basin and Range Tectonics

Faulds, J.E., Schreiber, B.C., Langenheim, V.E., Hinz, N.H., Shaw, T., Heizler, M.T., Perkins, M.E., El
Tabakh, M., and Kunk, M.J., in press, Paleogeographic implications of late Miocene lacustrine and
nonmarine evaporate deposits in the Lake Mead region: Immediate precursors to the Colorado
River: Geosphere.
Hinz, N.H., and Ramelli, A.R., 2015, Fire and Ice—Geology of the Mount Rose quadrangle, Lake
Tahoe, and the Carson Range: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Educational Series E-57, 19 p.
Henry, C.D., Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., Colgan, J.P., John, J.P., Brooks, E.R., Cassel, E.J., Garside, L.J.,
Davis, D.E., and Castor, S.B., 2012, Eocene-early Miocene paleotopography of the Sierra Nevada –
Great Basin – Nevadaplano Based on Widespread Ash-flow Tuffs and Paleovalleys: Geosphere, v. 8,
no. 1, p. 1-27.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., and Henry, C.D., 2009, Tertiary volcanic stratigraphy and paleotopography
of the Diamond and Fort Sage Mountains – Constraining slip along the Honey Lake Fault Zone in
the northern Walker Lane, northeastern California and western Nevada, in Oldow, J.S., and
Cashman, P.H., eds., Late Cenozoic structure and evolution of the Great Basin – Sierra Nevada
Transition: Geological Society of America Special Paper 447, p. 101-131.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., and Henry, C.H., 2007, Constraining cumulative slip along the Honey Lake
fault zone, northeastern California and western Nevada, in Limerick, S.H., ed., Geology, geothermal
resources and petroleum exploration of Neogene basins in the Reno, Nevada area: Nevada
Petroleum Society 2007 Field Trip Guidebook, p. 51-59.
Faulds, J.E., Henry, C.D., and Hinz, N.H., 2005, Kinematics of the northern Walker Lane: An incipient
transform fault along the Pacific – North American plate boundary: Geology, v. 33, no. 6,
p. 505-508.
Faulds, J.E., Henry, C.D., Hinz, N.H., Drakos, P.S., and Delwiche, B., 2005, Transect Across the
Northern Walker Lane, Northwest Nevada and Northeast California: An Incipient Transform Fault
Along the Pacific – North American Plate Boundary, in Pederson, J., and Dehler, C.M., eds., Interior
western United States: Geological Society of America Field Guide 6, p. 129-150,
doi:10.1130/2005.fld006(06).
Hinz, N.H., 2004, Tertiary volcanic stratigraphy of the Diamond and Fort Sage Mountains,
northeastern California and western Nevada – Implications for development of the northern Walker
Lane [M.S. thesis]: University of Nevada, Reno, 110 p.

Geologic Maps

Faulds, J.E., Anderson, R.B., Ramelli, A.R., Drakos, P.S., Vice, G.S., Hinz, N.H., Dering, G.M., Bell,
J.W., House, P.K., Ressel, M.W., in press, Preliminary geologic map of Pyramid Lake Paiute
Reservation, Nevada. Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 15-X, 1 sheet,
1:100,000 scale.
Hinz, N.H., Ramelli, A.R., and Dee, S., 2015, Preliminary geologic map of the Sloan Quadrangle,
Clark County, Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 15-7, 1:24,000
scale, 1 sheet, 4 p.
Hinz, N.H., Dee, S., and Witter, J., 2015, Preliminary geologic map of the Ross River Area, Yukon,
Canada: Final report submitted to the Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation as part of a
grant deliverable, 1:50,000 scale, 1 sheet.
Hinz, N.H., Ramelli, A.R., and Faulds, J.E., 2014, Preliminary geologic map of the Mount Rose
Quadrangle, Washoe County, Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open File Report
14-7, 1:24,000 scale, 1 sheet, 4 p.
Hinz, N.H., Ramelli, A.R., and Faulds, J.E., 2013, Preliminary geologic map of the Wabuska
Quadrangle, Lyon County, Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 13-08,
1 sheet, 1:24,000 scale.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., Ramelli, A.R., and Green, H., 2012, Preliminary geologic map of the Ireteba
Peaks Quadrangle, Clark County, Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report
12-9, 1 sheet, 1:24,000 scale.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., and Ramelli, A.R., 2012, Preliminary geologic map of the north half of the
Fourth of July Mountain Quadrangle, Clark County, Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
Open-File Report 12-8, 1 sheet, 1:24,000 scale.
Bell, J.W., Hinz, N.H., Caskey, J., and Helton, E., 2012, Surficial geologic map of southern Dixie
Valley with geologic cross sections: provided to the Navy Geothermal Program Office (GPO) as
part of a grant deliverable (funded by the GPO), 1 sheet, 1:48,000 scale.
Hinz, N.H., and Faulds, J.E., 2011, Preliminary geologic map of the Reese River geothermal area,
Lander County, Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 11-3, 1 sheet,
1:24,000 scale.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., and Bell, J.W., 2011, Preliminary geologic map of the Bunejug Mountains
Quadrangle, Churchill County, Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report
11-9, 1 sheet, 1:24,000 scale.
Hinz, N.H., Bell, J.W., and Faulds, J.E., 2010, Preliminary geologic map of the Hawthorne
geothermal area, Mineral County, Nevada: provided to the Navy Geothermal Program Office
(GPO) as part of a grant deliverable (funded by the GPO), 1 sheet, 1:24,000 scale.
Hinz, N.H., Faulds, J.E., and Oppliger, G.L., 2010, Preliminary geologic map of the Lee-Allen
geothermal area, Churchill County, Nevada: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report
10-6, 1 sheet, 1:24,000 scale with 1:8,000 scale inset.


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