Cenozoic tectonics of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and the associated mantle structures are remarkable, the latter revealed by EarthScope seismic data. In this thesis we model teleseismic body waves constrained by ambient-noise surface waves and teleseismic receiver function analysis in order to recover better-controlled higher resolution images of the PNW continuously from the surface of the crust to the base of the upper mantle. We focus on and have clearly imaged two major upper mantle structures: (1) the high-velocity Farallon slab (the "Siletzia curtain") extending vertically beneath the Challis-Kamloops-Absaroka volcanic flareup (~53-47 Ma) of western Idaho and central Washington; and (2) a high-velocity anomaly beneath the Wallowa Mountains of northeast Oregon associated with the main Columbia River flood basalts source region. The proximity of these two structures along with the tectono-magmatic history of the PNW leads us to reexamine the origin of the Columbia River Basalts ~ 16 Ma. This thesis includes co-authored material submitted for publication.

Microbial life on Mars is not visible from orbit or by rover cameras, but the fracture networks and scarp morphologies associated with fractures they could live in are measurable. We conducted a field analogue study of 92 normal fault scarps in the Sheepshead Mountains, Oregon to examine the correlation between scarp morphology and vegetation growth in the Steens Basalt. While vegetation is not expected on Mars, the fracture networks that sustain vegetation offer the same micro-environment that would support and protect endoliths. Structural variables were measured in the field and infrared spectra of fault scarps were measured using a handheld multispectral camera and vegetation indices were calculated from these images. Statistical analysis of the scarp morphologic parameters indicate that interconnectedness of fractures is key for elevated vegetation and is represented by a range of parameters. Results support a model for ideal slopes to investigate for preserved biological activity on Mars.