Xavier Le Pichon (; 18 June 1937 – 22 March 2025) was a French geophysicist. Among many other contributions, he was known for his comprehensive model of plate tectonics (1968), helping create the field of plate tectonics. In 1968, he combined the kinematic ideas of W. J. Morgan, D. McKenzie and R. L. Parker with the large data sets collected by Lamont, and especially with the respective magnetic profiles, show that Plate Tectonics could accurately describe the evolution of the major ocean basins. He was a professor at the Collège de France, holder of the Chair of Geodynamics (1986–2008). He lived with his wife and had six children and eleven grandchildren. He died in Sisteron on 22 March 2025, at the age of 87.
Timeline
Le Pichon held a doctorate in physics. Professional career: made officer of the National Order of Merit
- 1991: Wollaston Medal, Geological Society of London
- 1995: foreign associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences
- 2002: Balzan Prize
Works
References
Further reading
External links
- Interview with Le Pichon, "Fragility and the Evolution of our Humanity" – Speaking of Faith (25 June 2009)
- Xavier Le Pichon International Balzan Prize Foundation