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
Debris-flow deposition: Effects of pore-fluid pressure and friction concentrated at flow margins
Experimental testing of flexible barriers for containment of debris flows
Pebble orientation on large, experimental debris-flow deposits
Book review of Clean Water: The citizen’s complete guide to water quality and water pollution control
Response of flexible wire rope barriers to debris-flow loading
Experimental analysis of debris-flow deposition--process and effects of pore-fluid pressure
Volcano hazards in the Mount Hood region, Oregon
Comment on Verification of vertically rotating flume using non-Newtonian fluids
Depositional processes in large-scale debris-flow experiments
Geotechnical properties of debris-flow sediments and slurries
Watershed disturbance and lahars on the east side of Mount Pinatubo during the mid-June 1991 eruptions
Science and Products
- Science
- Data
- Publications
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
Filter Total Items: 99Debris-flow deposition: Effects of pore-fluid pressure and friction concentrated at flow margins
Measurements of pore-fluid pressure and total bed-normal stress at the base of several ∼10 m3 experimental debris flows provide new insight into the process of debris-flow deposition. Pore-fluid pressures nearly sufficient to cause liquefaction were developed and maintained during flow mobilization and acceleration, persisted in debris-flow interiors during flow deceleration and deposition, and diAuthorsJ. J. Major, R. M. IversonExperimental testing of flexible barriers for containment of debris flows
In June 1996, six experiments conducted at the U.S. Geological Survey Debris Flow Flume demonstrated that flexible, vertical barriers constructed of wire rope netting can stop small debris flows. All experimental debris flows consisted of water-saturated gravelly sand with less than two percent finer sediment by weight. All debris flows had volumes of about 10 cubic meters, masses of about 20 metrAuthorsJay S. DeNatale, Richard M. Iverson, Jon J. Major, Richard G. LaHusen, Gregg L. Fliegel, John D. DuffyPebble orientation on large, experimental debris-flow deposits
Replicable, pronounced orientation of discoid pebbles (≥8 mm) embedded on surfaces of large (∼10 m3) experimental debris-flow deposits reveals that strongly aligned, imbricate fabric can develop rapidly over short distances in mass flows. Pebble long axes aligned subparallel to deposit margins as well as subparallel to margins of surge waves arrested within the deposits. Pebble alignment exhibitedAuthorsJ. J. MajorBook review of Clean Water: The citizen’s complete guide to water quality and water pollution control
No abstract available.AuthorsJon J. MajorResponse of flexible wire rope barriers to debris-flow loading
No abstract available.AuthorsJay S. DeNatale, Gregg L. Fiegel, Richard M. Iverson, Jon J. Major, Richard G. Lahusen, John D. Duffy, Gregory D. FisherExperimental analysis of debris-flow deposition--process and effects of pore-fluid pressure
No abstract available.AuthorsJon J. Major, Richard M. IversonVolcano hazards in the Mount Hood region, Oregon
Mount Hood is a potentially active volcano close to rapidly growing communities and recreation areas. The most likely widespread and hazardous consequence of a future eruption will be for lahars (rapidly moving mudflows) to sweep down the entire length of the Sandy (including the Zigzag) and White River valleys. Lahars can be generated by hot volcanic flows that melt snow and ice or by landslidesAuthorsW. E. Scott, T. C. Pierson, S. P. Schilling, J. E. Costa, C. A. Gardner, J. W. Vallance, J. J. MajorComment on Verification of vertically rotating flume using non-Newtonian fluids
No abstract available.AuthorsJon J. MajorDepositional processes in large-scale debris-flow experiments
This study examines the depositional process and characteristics of deposits of large‐scale experimental debris flows (to 15 m3) composed of mixtures of gravel (to 32 mm), sand, and mud. The experiments were performed using a 95‐m‐long, 2‐m‐wide debris‐flow flume that slopes 31°. Following release, experimental debris flows invariably developed numerous shallow (∼ 10 cm deep) surges. Sediment tranAuthorsJ. J. MajorGeotechnical properties of debris-flow sediments and slurries
Measurements of geotechnical properties of various poorly sorted debris-flow sediments and slurries (??? 32 mm diameter) emphasize their granular nature, and reveal that properties of slurries can differ significantly from those of compacted sediments. Measurements show that: (1) cohesion probably offers little resistance to shear in most debris flows under low confining stresses normally found inAuthorsJ. J. Major, R. M. Iverson, D.F. McTigue, S. Macias, B.K. FiedorowiczWatershed disturbance and lahars on the east side of Mount Pinatubo during the mid-June 1991 eruptions
No abstract available.AuthorsJon J. Major, R. J. Janda, A.S. Daag - News
*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