World's Best Scientists 2026 revealed!
Award Badge
Earth Science
China
2023

D-Index & Metrics

Earth Science

D-Index
119
Citations
72640
World Ranking
44
National Ranking
8

Research.com Recognitions

  • 2023 - Research.com Earth Science in China Leader Award
  • 2022 - Research.com Earth Science in China Leader Award
  • 2005 - Member of the National Academy of Sciences
  • 1994 - Fellow of American Geophysical Union (AGU)
  • Fellow of the Geological Society of America
  • Fellow of the Geological Society of America

Overview

Paul Tapponnier was affiliated with the China Earthquake Administration in China. Their research primarily focused on earthquake and tectonic studies, contributing extensively to the fields of Earth and Planetary Sciences, with a strong emphasis on Geophysics.

The main topics covered in their work included:

  • Earthquake and tectonic studies
  • High-pressure geophysics and materials
  • Geological and Geochemical Analysis
  • Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
  • Earthquake Detection and Analysis
  • Geological formations and processes
  • Geological and Geophysical Studies

Tapponnier's research output was largely published in several key venues, notably:

  • Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth
  • Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
  • Earth and Planetary Science Letters
  • Tectonics
  • Engineering Geology

Among their recent papers were:

  • "Co-seismic rupture of the 2021, M 7.4 Maduo earthquake (northern Tibet): Short-cutting of the Kunlun fault big bend," 2022, Earth and Planetary Science Letters
  • "Structural control and system-level behavior of the seismic cycle at the Nankai Trough," 2020, Earth Planets and Space
  • "Structure and morphology of the Red Sea, from the mid-ocean ridge to the ocean-continent boundary," 2023, Tectonophysics
  • "The 2022, Ms 6.9 Menyuan earthquake: Surface rupture, Paleozoic suture re-activation, slip-rate and seismic gap along the Haiyuan fault system, NE Tibet," 2023, Earth and Planetary Science Letters
  • "Discrete Element Modeling of Southeast Asia's 3D Lithospheric Deformation During the Indian Collision," 2023, Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth

They frequently collaborated with coauthors including Xiwei Xu, Kang Li, J. van der Woerd, Haibing Li, and Marie-Luce Chevalier.

Their subfields of study incorporated Geophysics, Atmospheric Science, Earth-Surface Processes, Geology, and Civil and Structural Engineering, with a predominant focus on Geophysics.

Throughout their career, they received memberships and fellowships recognizing their scientific contributions, such as being named a Member of the National Academy of Sciences in 2005, a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union in 1994, and a Fellow of the Geological Society of America.

Best Publications

  • Cenozoic Tectonics of Asia: Effects of a Continental Collision: Features of recent continental tectonics in Asia can be interpreted as results of the India-Eurasia collision.

    Peter Molnar;Paul Tapponnier

  • Oblique Stepwise Rise and Growth of the Tibet Plateau

    Paul Tapponnier;Xu Zhiqin;Françoise Roger;Bertrand Meyer

  • Propagating extrusion tectonics in Asia: New insights from simple experiments with plasticine

    P. Tapponnier;G. Peltzer;A. Y. Le Dain;R. Armijo

  • On the mechanics of the collision between India and Asia

    P. Tapponnier;G. Peltzer;R. Armijo

  • Updated interpretation of magnetic anomalies and seafloor spreading stages in the south China Sea: Implications for the Tertiary tectonics of Southeast Asia

    Anne Briais;Philippe Patriat;Paul Tapponnier

  • Active faulting and tectonics in China

    Paul Tapponnier;Peter Molnar

  • The Ailao Shan-Red River shear zone (Yunnan, China), Tertiary transform boundary of Indochina

    Philippe Hervé Leloup;Robin Lacassin;Paul Tapponnier;Urs Schärer

  • The Ailao Shan/Red River metamorphic belt: Tertiary left-lateral shear between Indochina and South China

    P. Tapponnier;R. Lacassin;P. H. Leloup;U. Schärer;U. Schärer

  • Structure and evolution of the Himalaya–Tibet orogenic belt

    C. J. Allégre;V. Courtillot;P. Tapponnier;A. Hirn

  • Kinematic model of active deformation in central Asia

    Jean-Philippe Avouac;Paul Tapponnier

  • Quaternary extension in southern Tibet: Field observations and tectonic implications

    Rolando Armijo;Paul Tapponnier;J. L. Mercier;Tong-Lin Han

  • Slip-line field theory and large-scale continental tectonics

    Paul Tapponnier;Peter Molnar

  • Crustal thickening in Gansu-Qinghai, lithospheric mantle subduction, and oblique, strike-slip controlled growth of the Tibet plateau

    B. Meyer;Paul Tapponnier;Laurence Bourjot;F. Metivier

  • Active faulting and cenozoic tectonics of the Tien Shan, Mongolia, and Baykal Regions

    Paul Tapponnier;Peter Molnar

  • Formation and evolution of strike‐slip faults, rifts, and basins during the India‐Asia Collision: An experimental approach

    Gilles Peltzer;Paul Tapponnier

  • Active tectonics of Tibet

    Peter Molnar;Paul Tapponnier

  • Active thrusting and folding along the northern Tien Shan and Late Cenozoic rotation of the Tarim relative to Dzungaria and Kazakhstan

    Jean-Philippe Avouac;Paul Tapponnier;Meixiang Bai;H. You

  • Development of stress-induced microcracks in Westerly Granite

    Paul Tapponnier;W.F Brace

  • On causal links between flood basalts and continental breakup

    Vincent Courtillot;Claude Jaupart;Isabelle Manighetti;Paul Tapponnier

  • New constraints on the structure, thermochronology, and timing of the Ailao Shan-Red River shear zone, SE Asia

    P. H. Leloup;N. Arnaud;R. Lacassin;J. R. Kienast

  • Tectonics of the Qinling Belt: build-up and evolution of eastern Asia

    M. Mattauer;Ph. Matte;J. Malavieille;P. Tapponnier

Frequent Co-Authors

Yann Klinger
Yann Klinger Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris
Robin Lacassin
Robin Lacassin Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris
Philippe Hervé Leloup
Philippe Hervé Leloup Claude Bernard University Lyon 1
Xiwei Xu
Xiwei Xu Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Robert C. Finkel
Robert C. Finkel Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Rolando Armijo
Rolando Armijo Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris
Frederick J. Ryerson
Frederick J. Ryerson Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Bertrand Meyer
Bertrand Meyer Sorbonne University
Nicolas Arnaud
Nicolas Arnaud University of Montpellier
Cécile Lasserre
Cécile Lasserre Centre national de la recherche scientifique, CNRS

If you think any of the details on this page are incorrect, let us know.

Report an issue

We appreciate your kind effort to assist us to improve this page, it would be helpful providing us with as much detail as possible in the text box below:

Related Online Degrees & Career Pathways

Studying Earth Science opens doors to diverse career opportunities that often intersect with other fields. For example, professionals interested in managing scientific information and data might explore an ala mlis programs, which focus on library and information science with accreditation that ensures quality and relevance.

If you are drawn to the organizational side of knowledge, a degree in library science can complement Earth Science studies by offering skills in research, archival management, and digital resource curation. These skills are valuable in academic and government institutions.

Creative professionals who apply Earth Science concepts to visual storytelling benefit from exploring online degree in photography programs. Such degrees enhance technical expertise in capturing and communicating environmental phenomena.

Veterans seeking flexible education paths in these areas may find tailored support through online photography degree programs for veterans. These programs recognize unique veteran needs and provide valuable opportunities for career advancement after military service.

Best Scientists Citing Paul Tapponnier

Recently Published Articles