Jon Major
My research focuses on hydrological hazards associated with volcanic eruptions and landscape responses to large inputs of sediment, including from dam removals. Projects focus on: (1) identifying hydrogeomorphic processes altered by volcanic disturbance; (2) evaluating hydrogeomorphic consequences; and (3) quantifying characteristic hydrogeomorphic response times and durations.
Professional Experience
Scientist-in-Charge, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, 2021–present
Research hydrologist, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, 1997–2021
Hydrologist, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, 1993–1997
Geologist, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, 1984–1993
Hydrologic field assistant, technician, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, 1982–1984
Other professional service:
Panel member, GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology (QG&G) Division, 2002-2004
Secretary, GSA QG&G Division, 2006-2012
Member, International Organizing Committee, International Debris Flow Hazards Mitigation Conferences (DFHM), 2008-2015
Chair, DFHM IOC, 2008-2012Chair, DFHM IOC, 2008-2012
Co-chair of local planning committee for IAVCEI 2017 Scientific Assembly, Portland,
Education and Certifications
University of Dayton, B.S., 1980, Geology
The Pennsylvania State University, M.S., 1984, Geology
University of Washington, Ph.D., 1996, Geology
Affiliations and Memberships*
Geological Society of America
American Geophysical Union
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of Earth's Interior (IAVCEI)
American Avalanche Association (Member affiliate)
Editor:
Associate editor, Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2000-2011
Associate editor, Journal of Geophysical Research–Earth Surface, 2010-2014
Review editor, Frontiers in Volcanology, 2014 - Present
Co-editor, Geological Society of America Special Paper 375, Natural Hazards in El Salvador
Co-editor, Debris Flow Hazards Mitigation--Mechanics, Prediction, and Assessment: Proceedings of 4th International Conference on Debris Flow Hazards Mitigation (Millpress)
Chief guest editor, Andean Geology issue focused on the eruption of Chaitén Volcano (2013, v. 40(2))
Honors and Awards
Fellow, Geological Society of America (GSA)
E.B. Burwell Award, GSA, 1991
University of Dayton Alumni Special Achievement Award, 1999
Kirk Bryan Award, GSA, 2008
DOI Superior Service Award, 2018
Science and Products
My research publications can be parsed among various disciplinary studies. A full listing can be found on my Google Scholar profile (search for this via your web browser) and under the publications tab listing below. Publication topics include:
- Landslides, debris flows, and slurry rheology
- Volcanic eruptions and volcaniclastic processes (lahars, pyroclastic flows)
- Hydrogeomorphic responses to eruptions
- Geomorphic and ecologic responses to dam removals
- Photogrammetric analyses of eruptive processes
Lahar—River of volcanic mud and debris
Sediment erosion and delivery from Toutle River basin after the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens: A 30-year perspective
Geomorphic response of the Muddy River Basin to the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens, 1980–2000
Geomorphic responses to dam removal in the United States – a two-decade perspective
The geologic, geomorphic, and hydrologic context underlying options for long-term management of the Spirit Lake outlet near Mount St. Helens, Washington
Surface morphology of caldera-forming eruption deposits revealed by lidar mapping of Crater Lake National Park, Oregon- Implications for emplacement and surface modification
Dam removal: Listening in
Landscape context and the biophysical response of rivers to dam removal in the United States
Camera system considerations for geomorphic applications of SfM photogrammetry
Extraordinary sediment delivery and rapid geomorphic response following the 2008–2009 eruption of Chaitén Volcano, Chile
Digital database of channel cross-section surveys, Mount St. Helens, Washington
Rapid reservoir erosion, hyperconcentrated flow, and downstream deposition triggered by breaching of 38 m tall Condit Dam, White Salmon River, Washington
Science and Products
My research publications can be parsed among various disciplinary studies. A full listing can be found on my Google Scholar profile (search for this via your web browser) and under the publications tab listing below. Publication topics include:
- Landslides, debris flows, and slurry rheology
- Volcanic eruptions and volcaniclastic processes (lahars, pyroclastic flows)
- Hydrogeomorphic responses to eruptions
- Geomorphic and ecologic responses to dam removals
- Photogrammetric analyses of eruptive processes
Lahar—River of volcanic mud and debris
Sediment erosion and delivery from Toutle River basin after the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens: A 30-year perspective
Geomorphic response of the Muddy River Basin to the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens, 1980–2000
Geomorphic responses to dam removal in the United States – a two-decade perspective
The geologic, geomorphic, and hydrologic context underlying options for long-term management of the Spirit Lake outlet near Mount St. Helens, Washington
Surface morphology of caldera-forming eruption deposits revealed by lidar mapping of Crater Lake National Park, Oregon- Implications for emplacement and surface modification
Dam removal: Listening in
Landscape context and the biophysical response of rivers to dam removal in the United States
Camera system considerations for geomorphic applications of SfM photogrammetry
Extraordinary sediment delivery and rapid geomorphic response following the 2008–2009 eruption of Chaitén Volcano, Chile
Digital database of channel cross-section surveys, Mount St. Helens, Washington
Rapid reservoir erosion, hyperconcentrated flow, and downstream deposition triggered by breaching of 38 m tall Condit Dam, White Salmon River, Washington
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government