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
Mount St. Helens erupts again: Activity from September 2004 through March 2005
Decadal-scale change of infiltration characteristics of a tephra-mantled hillslope at Mount St Helens, Washington
Physical events, environments, and geological—Ecological interactions at Mount St. Helens: March 1980–2004
Geomorphic change and vegetation development on the Muddy River Mudflow Deposit
Posteruption suspended sediment transport at Mount St. Helens: Decadal‐scale relationships with landscape adjustments and river discharges
Natural hazards in El Salvador
Debris-flow hazards at San Salvador, San Vicente, and San Miguel volcanoes, El Salvador
Landslides triggered by the 13 January and 13 February 2001 earthquakes in El Salvador
Seismic history of the Middle America subduction zone along El Salvador, Guatemala, and Chiapas, Mexico: 1526–2000
Seismicity and tectonics of El Salvador
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
Mount St. Helens erupts again: Activity from September 2004 through March 2005
Decadal-scale change of infiltration characteristics of a tephra-mantled hillslope at Mount St Helens, Washington
Physical events, environments, and geological—Ecological interactions at Mount St. Helens: March 1980–2004
Geomorphic change and vegetation development on the Muddy River Mudflow Deposit
Posteruption suspended sediment transport at Mount St. Helens: Decadal‐scale relationships with landscape adjustments and river discharges
Natural hazards in El Salvador
Debris-flow hazards at San Salvador, San Vicente, and San Miguel volcanoes, El Salvador
Landslides triggered by the 13 January and 13 February 2001 earthquakes in El Salvador
Seismic history of the Middle America subduction zone along El Salvador, Guatemala, and Chiapas, Mexico: 1526–2000
Seismicity and tectonics of El Salvador
*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