Jean-Philippe Avouac

Jean-Philippe Avouac is the Earle C. Anthony Professor of Geology and Mechanical and Civil Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He is also the Associate Director of the Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies and the former Director of the Tectonic Observatory (2004–2013). His academic career includes roles at the University of Cambridge (2018–2021) and leadership in geomechanics research.

Avouac holds a M.E. from École Polytechnique (1987), a Ph.D. from Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (1991), and a Habilitation (1992). His research focuses on crustal deformation, earthquake mechanics, and geomorphic processes, using field observations, geodetic measurements, and remote sensing.

He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and pioneered geodetic imaging techniques. Key research areas include seismicity forecasting, fault dynamics, and subsurface engineering impacts. Awards include the AGU Fellow distinction and the Wolfson Merit Award.

Avouac advises numerous PhD students and postdocs, directing labs like the Center for Geomechanics and Mitigation of Geohazards. His work spans tectonic processes in the Himalayas, induced seismicity, and planetary surface dynamics.