Jean-Philippe Avouac

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Earle C. Anthony Professor of Geology and Mechanical and Civil Engineering; Associate Director, Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies

Option Representative: Geology;

M.E., Ecole Polytechnique, 1987; Ph.D., Institut de Physique du Globe, 1991; Habil., 1992. Professor, Caltech, 2003-11; Earle C. Anthony Professor, 2012-; Director, Tectonic Observatory, 2004-13; Associate Director, 2022-.

Research Summary

Observation and modeling of crustal deformation, earthquakes, and landscape evolution; methods developments in morphotectonics, remote sensing, and GPS geodesy; orogenic porocesses; current research programs in the Himalaya, Tien Shan, and the Sumatra and Peru-Chile subduction zones. For more information on my research please see my personal website.

Research Options

Geology; Geophysics;

Research Areas

Geomorphology; Tectonics;

Research Interests

My research aims mainly at understanding better earthquakes, crustal deformation, and geomorphic processes. We use field observations, seismological and geodetic measurements, remote sensing to develop kinematic and dynamic models and inform theory.

Currently active projects concern: forecasting of ground deformation and seismicity, in particular in the context of subsurface engineering operations (for CO2 storage or geothermal energy production for example); the effect of hydrology on crustal deformation and seismicity; dune dynamics on Mars and Earth; earthquakes and postseismic deformation; crustal deformation in the Himalaya and Tibet.

Please see my research page for a description of my research projects.

Caltech Affiliations

Center Director, The Center for Geomechanics and Mitigation of Geohazards (GMG)
Associate Director, Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies

External Affiliations

American Geophysical Union
European Geophysical Union
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Committee for Space Research (COSPAR).

Please see my research page for a complete list of my publications available in PDF format.

Ge 106. Introduction to Structural Geology. 9 units (3-0-6); second term, 2023-24. Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab. Description and origin of main classes of deformational structures. Introduction to continuum mechanics and its application to rock deformation. Interpretation of the record of deformation of the earth's crust and upper mantle on microscopic, mesoscopic, and megascopic scales. Introduction to the tectonics of mountain belts.
Instructor: Avouac

Ge 177. Active Tectonics. 12 units (3-3-6); third term, 2023-24. Prerequisites: Ge 112 and Ge 106 or equivalent. Introduction to techniques for identifying and quantifying active tectonic processes. Geomorphology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and geodesy applied to the study of active faults and folds in a variety of tectonic settings. Relation of seismicity and geodetic measurements to geologic structure and active tectonics processes. Review of case studies of selected earthquakes. Given in alternate years; offered 2023-24.
Instructor: Avouac

Ge 277. Active Tectonics Seminar. 6 units (2-0-4); second term, 2023-24. Discussion of key issues in active tectonics based on a review of the literature. The topic of the seminar is adjusted every year based on students' interest and recent literature. Given in alternate years; offered 2023-24.
Instructor: Avouac

Ge/ESE 298. Mentoring and Outreach. Units to be arranged, up to 12 units per year; , 2023-24. In consultation with a faculty advisor and the Caltech Center for Teaching, Learning, and Outreach, students may obtain credit for engaging in volunteer efforts to promote public understanding of science; to mentor and tutor young people and underserved populations; or to otherwise contribute to the diversity, equity, and inclusiveness of the scientific enterprise. Students may petition their option representative (graduate students) or academic advisor (undergraduate students) if they seek credits beyond the 12-unit limit.
Instructor: Staff

Ge 106. Introduction to Structural Geology. 9 units (3-0-6); second term, 2022-23. Prerequisites: Ge 11 ab. Description and origin of main classes of deformational structures. Introduction to continuum mechanics and its application to rock deformation. Interpretation of the record of deformation of the earth's crust and upper mantle on microscopic, mesoscopic, and megascopic scales. Introduction to the tectonics of mountain belts.
Instructor: Avouac

Ge 121 abc. Advanced Field Geology. 12 units (0-9-3); first, second, third terms, 2022-23. Prerequisites: Ge 120 or equivalent, or instructor's permission. Field mapping and supporting laboratory studies in topical problems related to the geology of the southwestern United States. Course provides a breadth of experience in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks or geomorphology. Multiple terms of 121 may be taken more than once for credit if taught by different instructors.
Instructors: Avouac (a), Kirschvink (b), Wernicke (c)

Ge 177. Active Tectonics. 12 units (3-3-6); third term, 2022-23. Prerequisites: Ge 112 and Ge 106 or equivalent. Introduction to techniques for identifying and quantifying active tectonic processes. Geomorphology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and geodesy applied to the study of active faults and folds in a variety of tectonic settings. Relation of seismicity and geodetic measurements to geologic structure and active tectonics processes. Review of case studies of selected earthquakes. Given in alternate years; not offered 2022-23.
Instructor: Avouac