Wouter Pieter Schellart

Wouter Pieter Schellart is a Full Professor of Geodynamics and Tectonics at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Earth Sciences department. He leads the Geodynamics and Tectonics research group, focusing on subduction zones, plate tectonics, and natural hazards like giant earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. His work integrates laboratory and numerical modeling with global data analysis to understand mantle dynamics and crustal deformation.

• Affiliations: Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
• Research Interests: Subduction zone evolution, mountain building, geohazards, and geothermal energy solutions
• Labs: Kuenen-Escher Geodynamics Lab (KEG Lab), unique for tomographic PIV techniques

Research highlights include studies on the 1755 Lisbon earthquake's tectonic origins, subduction-induced mantle flow patterns, and the dynamics of the Andes and Himalaya. Funded by NWO and ARC grants, his work bridges geodynamic modeling with real-world seismic and volcanic hazards.

Key awards include the Anton Hales Medal (2013) and Vici Fellowship (2017–2023). He teaches advanced geodynamics and tectonics courses, and his lab investigates subduction processes using low Reynolds number fluid mechanics experiments.