James Moore has had a significant impact on the study of the structures of Hawaiian volcanoes.[5][6][7] His studies in the field have contributed to the understanding that basaltic islands, like those in Hawaii, are susceptible to landslides or collapses, an event that could cause a tsunami.[8] Accounts differ on when Moore served as Scientist-in-Charge of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. He was posted 1961 or 1962,[1][9] and served until 1963 or 1964.[1][10][11]
Moore was also one of the geologists on the scene of the eruption following the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. He was crucial in determining the order of events leading up to, and following after the eruption and measuring the volumes of resulting landslides.[12] He has also researched extensively in the Lassen area of California as well as in the Sierra Nevada.[13][9]
