Earle C. Anthony Professor of Geology and Mechanical and Civil Engineering
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.
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: seismicity and mountain building processes in the Himalaya; the imaging and dynamic analysis of seismic (‘regular earthquakes') and aseismic (‘slow earthquakes') fault slip; probabilistic 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.
Please see my research page for a description of my research projects.
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, 2020-21.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 106. Introduction to Structural Geology.9 units (3-0-6); second term, 2019-20.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, 2020-21.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), Stock (c)
Ge 177. Active Tectonics.12 units (3-3-6); third term, 2019-20.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. Offered in alternate years; offered 2019-20.
Instructor: Avouac
Ge 277. Active Tectonics Seminar.6 units (2-0-4); second term, 2019-20.
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 2019-20.
Instructor: Avouac
Research Website