Calvin Mako, Ph.D.

Current and Recent Projects
•    Bedrock mapping
•    Data preservation
•    Understanding the effects of intracrystalline deformation on accessory phase geochronology

Research Interests
•    Proterozoic tectonics of the southwest U.S.
•    High temperature deformation and metamorphic processes
•    Thermal and structural evolution of orogenic belts
•    Developing petrochronology techniques to better understand the timing and rates of tectonic processes

Biography
I am a structural and metamorphic geologist with interests in tectonics, geochronology, metamorphic petrology, and geologic mapping. I have done field work in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Virginia, Maine, Scotland, and Antarctica. While I have spent most of my career in academic realms, I also have minerals industry experience with database management and legacy data intake. Please contact me if you are interested in collaborating or learning more about geologic mapping and mineral resources projects at the Arizona Geological Survey.

Select Peer-Reviewed Articles

Mako, C.A., Caddick, M.J., Law, R.D., and Thigpen, J.R., 2024. Monazite-xenotime thermometry: A review of best practices and an example from the Caledonides of northern Scotland. In: Minor minerals, major implications... (Eds.) Cutts, K., Pereira, I., van Schijndel, V., Guitreau, M., and Tedeschi, M. Geol. Soc. of London Spec. Pub, v. 537, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP537-2022-246.

Mako, C.A., Law, R.D., Caddick, M.J., Kylander-Clark, A., Thigpen, J.R., Ashley, K.T., Mazza, S.E. Cottle, J., 2021. Growth and fluid-assisted alteration of accessory phases before, during and after Rodinia breakup: U-Pb geochronology from the Moine Supergroup rocks of northern Scotland. Precambrian Research, v. 355, 106089, https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.precamres.2020.106089.

Mako, C.A., Law, R.D., Caddick, M.J., Thigpen, J.R., Ashley, K.T., Cottle, J., Kylander-Clark, A., 2019. Thermal evolution of the Scandian hinterland, Naver nappe..., Journal of the Geological Society, v. 176, p. 669-688, https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2018-224.

Mako, C.A. and Caddick, M.J., 2018. Quantifying magnitudes of shear heating in metamorphic systems. Tectonophysics, v. 744, p. 499-517, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2018.07.003.

Mako, C.A., Williams, M.L., Karlstrom, K.E., Doe, M.F., Holland, M.E., Powicki, D., Gehrels, G., Pecha, M., 2015.  Polyphase Proterozoic deformation in the Four Peaks area, central Arizona with relevance for the Mazatzal and Picuris Orogenies.  Geosphere, v. 11, p. 10-32, https://doi.org/10.1130/GES01196.1. 

Select Maps and Reports

Pearthree, P.A., Mako, C.A., Gootee, B.F., Wilson, T.C., Youberg, A., and Richardson, C.A., 2025. Geologic Map of the Safford 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Graham and Greenlee Counties, Arizona, Grant and Hidalgo Counties, New Mexico. Arizona Geological Survey Digital Geologic Maps, DGM-295.

Mako, C.A., Holman, B., Fairbanks, K., Foley, A., Richardson, C.A., 2025. Drill core data for the Red Mountain porphyry copper-molybdenum system, Harshaw mining district, Patagonia Mountains, Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Arizona Geological Survey Open-File Report, OFR-25-4.

Pearthree, P.A., and Mako, C.A., 2024. Geologic map of the Phoenix North 30’ x 60’ Quadrangle, central Arizona. Arizona Geological Survey Digital Geologic Maps, DGM-236.

Mako, C.A., Pearthree, P.A., Gootee, B.F., Beers, R.L., and Wilson, T.C. 2024. Geologic Map of the Hot Well 7.5 Quadrangle, Graham and Greenlee Counties, Arizona. Arizona Geological Survey Digital Geologic Maps, DGM-233.