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Richard M. Iverson

My USGS career has focused mostly on evaluating and modeling the dynamics and hazards of landslides and debris flows, with a secondary focus on the dynamics of volcanic extrusions.  Part of my work involved design, development, and utilization of the USGS debris-flow flume, a unique, large-scale experimental facility at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest near Blue River, Oregon.

Professional Experience

  • Senior Research Hydrologist, USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory

  • Adjunct Professor, University of Washington and Portland State University

Education and Certifications

  • Stanford University, Ph.D., 1984, Applied Earth Sciences

  • Stanford University, M.S., 1981, Hydrology

  • Stanford University, M.S., 1980, Applied Earth Sciences

  • Iowa State University, B.S., 1977, Geology major, Mathematics and Physics minors

Honors and Awards

  • Fellow, American Geophysical Union (AGU) and Geological Society of America (GSA)  

  • E.B. Burwell Award, GSA, 1991

  • Kirk Bryan Award, GSA, 2001

  • Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer, GSA, 2005

  • Langbein Lecturer, AGU, 2006

  • U.S. Department of the Interior Distinguished Service Award, 2019

Science and Products