Mathieu Lapôtre

Mathieu Lapôtre is an Assistant Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Stanford University, with courtesy appointments in Geophysics and Civil and Environmental Engineering. He leads the Earth & Planetary Surface Processes group, focusing on sedimentary and geomorphic processes that shape planetary surfaces. His research aims to reconstruct past hydrology, climate, and habitability of planets through analysis of landforms and rocks.

Research interests include sedimentary processes on Earth and Mars, dune dynamics, river morphology, and planetary habitability. Recent work explores aeolian bedforms on Mars, glacial impacts on river systems, and robotic locomotion for planetary exploration.

Publications demonstrate a pattern of integrating field observations, laboratory experiments, and modeling to address fundamental questions in planetary geomorphology. Key themes include Martian surface processes, Earth's landscape responses to climate change, and development of analytical methodologies for extraterrestrial sedimentology.