EDGE Mentor Award

Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year, OSU

National Association of Geoscience Teachers

American Geophysical Union

Geological Society of America

Mineralogical Society of America

International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior

Association for Women Geoscientists

Sigma Gamma Epsilon

American Association of Petroleum Geologists

Climate and Crowding Pressures Show that Bryce Canyon’s Future isn’t Set in Stone

Million-year melt–presence in monotonous intermediate magma for a volcanic–plutonic assemblage in the Central Andes: Contrasting histories of crystal-rich and crystal-poor super-sized silicic magmas

Geospatial and Petrographic Analysis of Leucogranite in the Beaver Dam Mountains, Southwest Utah

Field and Petrographic Analysis of the Indian PeakCaliente Caldera Complex at Condor and English Canyons in Eastern Nevada

Using Student-Led Field Trips to Create Active Learning Environments and Validate Student Interpretations

The Pastos Grandes Caldera Complex of SW Bolivia: The building of a composite upper crustal batholith

Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students come to explore their interests and prepare for meaningful careers and life experiences. With more than 145 undergraduate programs* and 18 graduate and certificate programs across six academic colleges, SUU proudly offers world-class, project-based learning opportunities where students gain professional experience before entering the job market.

Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU is the University of the Parks thanks to its close proximity to several outdoor recreational areas and its educational partnerships with the National Park Service. SUU’s safe, residential campus allows students - more than 10,000 - to create lifelong friendships along with once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventures in conjunction with innovative academic endeavors.

Southern Utah University

GEO 1030 Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Natural Hazards

GEO 1050/55 Geology of National Parks

GEO 1110/15 Physical Geology

GEO 2000/4000 Selected Field Trips

GEO 2990/3990 Undergraduate Research

GEO 3210/15 Mineralogy

GEO 3330/35 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

GEO 4070 Applied Geochemistry

GEO 4800 Senior Project

GEO 4960 Field Geology

HONR 1040 Honors Foundations

Dr. Jason Kaiser’s fascination with volcanoes has taken him all over the world in order to understand how and why magma accumulates in the Earth’s crust. As an assistant professor of geology at Southern Utah University, Dr. Kaiser uses his experience and global research to influence and enrich his classroom. 

In order to learn about different geological features, Kaiser has travelled to Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Iceland, the Bahamas and across the United States. He is currently investigating geothermal energy sources and potential disasters in southern Utah, as one of his broader interests include geologic hazards and natural disasters. 

He earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, a master’s degree in geology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a Ph. D. in Volcanology from Oregon State University. His dissertation was on the volcanology, stratigraphy, and geochemistry of the Pastos Grandes Caldera Complex in Southwest Bolivia.

Structural Geology

Chemistry of Minerals

Potential Natural Disasters in Southern Utah

Potential Geological Hazards in Southern Utah

Volcanology

Volcano Imaging and Tomography

Petrology

Mineralogy

Geomorphology

Geological Mapping

Geochemistry

Chemistry

Volcanoes

Tectonics

Geothermal Energy Sources in Southern Utah

Geology of Utah National Parks

Geology of Southern Utah

Jumpstart General Education

Meet Our Professors: Dr. Jason Kaiser, Geology 

What I'm Reading: ‘Disrupting Ourselves’

Eruption of lava and gas continues at a low level along Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone within the Leilani Estates subdivision.

What's Going On With the Volcano? - Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Kilauea, the most active of the five volcanoes on the island of Hawaii, has been erupting since the early 80s. The Hawaii Volcano Observatory keeps a close eye on the activity and issued “watch” alerts in late April 2018, warning the community around Kilauea to a potential eruption. Just days later, new fissures began opening leading to unpredictable circumstances and the evacuation of hundreds.

Dr. Jason Kaiser, Assistant Professor of Geology at Southern Utah University, has followed his fascination with volcanoes around the world.

“The Hawaiian islands were formed by volcanic eruptions, as the crust of the Pacific Plate moves over a hot spot, magma can melt the overlying rock, creating new volcanoes. Hence the chain of Hawaiian islands. Activity is focused on the Big Island with eruptions taking place every few years over the last century.”

Noting the uncertainty of the situation, Dr. Kaiser said “this is the most recent in a series of 12 fissures on the Big Island. Fissures can be dangerous due to lava erupting from vents that may be many meters to kilometers long and in some cases spewing lava tens of meters into the air.”

“Lava flows with the consistency of maple syrup but the density of concrete. It is usually quite easy to out pace a lava flow on foot, but the flows are relentless and will destroy everything in their path. Generated by magma melting in the upper mantle as part of a Hot Spot, these flows can reach temperatures of over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to incinerate the homes of residents of the area.”

In addition to the lava, gas erupts along the fissures leading to dangerous conditions that can reach longer distances.

“Sulfur dioxide is one of many gases emitted during volcanic eruptions and a hazard to people when inhaled. The gas can cause breathing problems and exaggerate symptoms for those with pre-existing conditions. Volcanoes such as those in Hawaii are capable of emitting many tons of sulfur dioxide every day and the gas can spread over long distances and effects other islands depending on the wind patterns.”

To learn about different geological features, Dr. Kaiser has traveled to Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Iceland, the Bahamas, and across the U.S. He is currently investigating geothermal energy sources and potential disasters in southern Utah, as one of his broader interests include geologic hazards and natural disasters. He is familiar with the media and available for an interview. Simply visit his profile.

Hawaii’s Volcanoes - The Eruption of Kilauea

Geological Society of America Graduate Student Grant

Leifur Eiriksson Foundation Scholarship

hawaiis-volcanoes-the-eruption-of-kilauea

Department Chair Geosciences/Associate Professor of Geology

Kilauea, the most active of the five volcanoes on the island of Hawaii, has been erupting since the early 80s. The Hawaii Volcano Observatory keeps a close eye on the activity and issued “watch” alerts in late April 2018, warning the community around Kilauea to a potential eruption. Just days later, new fissures began opening leading to unpredictable circumstances and the evacuation of hundreds.Dr. Jason Kaiser, Assistant Professor of Geology at Southern Utah University, has followed his fascination with volcanoes around the world.“The Hawaiian islands were formed by volcanic eruptions, as the crust of the Pacific Plate moves over a hot spot, magma can melt the overlying rock, creating new volcanoes. Hence the chain of Hawaiian islands. Activity is focused on the Big Island with eruptions taking place every few years over the last century.”Noting the uncertainty of the situation, Dr. Kaiser said “this is the most recent in a series of 12 fissures on the Big Island. Fissures can be dangerous due to lava erupting from vents that may be many meters to kilometers long and in some cases spewing lava tens of meters into the air.”“Lava flows with the consistency of maple syrup but the density of concrete. It is usually quite easy to out pace a lava flow on foot, but the flows are relentless and will destroy everything in their path. Generated by magma melting in the upper mantle as part of a Hot Spot, these flows can reach temperatures of over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to incinerate the homes of residents of the area.”In addition to the lava, gas erupts along the fissures leading to dangerous conditions that can reach longer distances.“Sulfur dioxide is one of many gases emitted during volcanic eruptions and a hazard to people when inhaled. The gas can cause breathing problems and exaggerate symptoms for those with pre-existing conditions. Volcanoes such as those in Hawaii are capable of emitting many tons of sulfur dioxide every day and the gas can spread over long distances and effects other islands depending on the wind patterns.”To learn about different geological features, Dr. Kaiser has traveled to Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Iceland, the Bahamas, and across the U.S. He is currently investigating geothermal energy sources and potential disasters in southern Utah, as one of his broader interests include geologic hazards and natural disasters. He is familiar with the media and available for an interview. Simply visit his profile.Source:

At Southern Utah University, professors are passionate about their fields of study and continually strive to create a classroom environment that encourages growth and rigor.

Located in Cedar City, Southern Utah University is in the heart of Utah's color country region. Distinguished above others for its focus on personalized education, SUU prepares its students to achieve excellence in their chosen field and create positive change in the world. 

http://www.suu.edu

Southern Utah University
351 West University Boulevard
Cedar City, UT 84720
435.586.7700

Meet Our Professors: Jason Kaiser, Geology

Located in Cedar City, Southern Utah University is in the heart of Utah's color country region. Distinguished above others for its focus on personalized education, SUU prepares its students to achieve excellence in their chosen field and create positive change in the world. 

http://www.suu.edu

Southern Utah University
351 West University Boulevard
Cedar City, UT 84720
435.586.7700

SUU: A Community of Caring

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