Annuaire

Recherche / Research

Ma recherche porte essentiellement sur la géodynamique des zones de subduction en m’appuyant sur les observations issues notamment de campagnes océanographiques, à la fois régionalement comme par exemple à Taiwan ou dans les Antilles mais aussi globalement afin de constituer des bases de données exhaustives permettant de tester certains processus caractéristiques grâce à des modèles numériques ou analogiques.
Mes centres d’intérêts actuels concernent les conditions d’initiation des zones de subduction, l’effet de la rugosité de l’interface de subduction sur son comportement sismogène, l’histoire tectonique du système de subduction des Petites Antilles, la structure profonde et l’aléa sismique à l’est de Taiwan.

Nous avons développé un outil informatique Submap en accès libre facile d’utilisation, très utile lorsqu’on se pose des questions sur les caractéristiques de telle ou telle zone de subduction ou qu’on souhaite les comparer entre elles, mais aussi dans le cadre de l’enseignement pour accompagner les étudiants dans la réalisation d’illustrations de zones de subduction particulières. L’outil permet de réaliser des cartes, coupes et fiches de paramètres de zones de subduction incluant des données géodynamiques.

English version

My research focuses on the geodynamics of subduction zones using observations from oceanographic campaigns, both regionally, such as in Taiwan or the Lesser Antilles, and globally, in order to build up exhaustive databases that can be used to test characteristic processes using numerical or analogical models.

My current interests concern the initiation conditions of subduction zones, the effect of the roughness of the subduction interface on its seismogenic behavior, the tectonic history of the Lesser Antilles subduction system, the deep structure and the seismic hazard in eastern Taiwan.

We have developed an easy-to-use open-access Submap tool, which is very useful when one has questions about the characteristics of a particular subduction zone or aims to compare subduction zones with one another, but also in the context of teaching to assist students in making illustrations of particular subduction zones. The tool allows the creation of maps, sections and parameter sheets of subduction zones including geodynamic data.

Curriculum Vitae 

(pdf)

Serge Lallemand

present status :   Emeritus Research Director since 2026

born on :              January 29, 1959 in Lyon (France)

presently at :      Geosciences Montpellier, CC.60, place Bataillon, Université de Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France

e-mail :                 serge.lallemand.at.umontpellier.fr

home page :         https://www.gm.umontpellier.fr/annuaire/lallemand-serge/

Scientific Interests

Topics :   Subduction zones geodynamics, lithosphere-asthenosphere interaction, collision zones, subduction mega-earthquakes, seafloor morphology, oceanic highs subduction, active margins tectonics, seismogenic interface behavior, arc & back-arc tectonics, material transfer in subduction zones

Skills :     Marine geology, geophysics & paleoseismology, (seismo)tectonics, geodynamics, seismic imagery interpretation, collaboration with analog and numerical modellers

Investigation areas :  Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Philippine Sea, New Hebrides, New Zealand, Lesser Antilles, Bay of Biscay

Education & Employment

1993-present   CNRS researcher at the University of Montpellier

1992                  HDR (qualification to supervise research) from Paris 6 University, specialty : Marine Geology

1988-1992       CNRS researcher at Pierre & Marie Curie University (Paris 6)

1987                  PhD from Orléans University, specialty : Marine Geology

1985-1987        Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris

1983-1985        Ocean Research Institute, Tokyo University

1983                  Engineer from Ecole Supérieure de l’Energie et des Matériaux (now Polytech’Orléans), specialty : Mining Geology

1983                  Graduated at Orléans University, specialty : Marine Geology

1980-1983       Orléans University and CNEXO (now IFREMER) at Brest

1977-1980       Preparatory classes for Agronomic engineering schools in Lyon

Service (management)

2015-2020      Deputy director, GAIA Doctoral School, Montpellier University

2016-2020      Co-director, IRP D3E (France-Taiwan International Research Program) : From Deep Earth to Extreme Events

2011-2014       Co-director, LIA ADEPT (France-Taiwan International Laboratory) : Active Deformation and Environment

2011-2014       Deputy director, SIBAGHE Doctoral School, Montpellier 2 University

2007-2010      Director, Geosciences Montpellier Laboratory (CNRS/Montpellier 2 University)

2003-2006     Director, Lithosphere Dynamics Laboratory (CNRS/Montpellier 2 University)

1999-2002      Director, Tectonics Team at Geophysics, Tectonics & Sedimentology Laboratory (CNRS/Montpellier 2 University)

1995-2005      Director, DEA (now Master 2) Lithosphere Structure & Evolution at Montpellier 2 University

1987-1989       Deputy Director, DEA (now Master 2) Continents & Oceans Geodynamics at ENS-Paris 6 University

Service (expertise)

2020-2023      Tectonics & Structural Geology Division’s Stefan Mueller & Marie Tharp EGU medals committee

2020                International Galileo Galilei Prize for Geosciences committee, Italy

2012-2020      Member of Solid Earth INSU-CNRS committee

2011-2020      President of Doctoral School competition for PhD candidates in Geo- & Hydrosciences, Montpellier University

2014-2018      Member of Scientific Council of Côte d’Azur Observatory, Nice

2014-2016      Member of Scientific Council of IPGP Observatory, Paris

2013-2016      Member of International Scientific Council, IUEM Observatory, Brest

2010-2025      Member or president of Selecting committees for teaching candidates at Clermont-Ferrand, Brest, Pau, Pointe-à-Pitre, Nice, Montpellier, Paris

2012-2013      Member of Scientific, technical & industrial guidance regional committee, Languedoc-Roussillon

2011-2013      Member of TERINOV Regional cluster Steering committee, Languedoc-Roussillon

2008-2012    President of IRD Specialized Commission Physics & Chemistry of Planetary Environment

2010-2012     Member or president of Evaluation committees for Research laboratories and observatories in Brest, Nice & Paris

2007-2010     Member of Arago scientific, technical & industrial guidance Regional committee, Languedoc-Roussillon

2007-2010     Member of Scientific Council of OREME Observatory, Montpellier 2 University

2007-2010     Member of EVAP Department Council, Montpellier 2 University

2005-2008    Member of Scientific Council of Midi-Pyrénées Observatory, Toulouse

1997-2000     Member of IRD Specialized Commission in Geosciences and Hydrosciences, Paris

1994-               Member or president of 54 PhD & 13 HDR juries

Service (editorial)

2018-2020      Theme Coordinator for Geosciences collection, ISTE Science Publishing Ltd

2002-2023      Associate Editor, Tectonophysics, Elsevier

2007-2015      Associate Editor, Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Elsevier

2007-2009     Associate editor, Tectonics, AGU

2009                Guest Editor, Springer special volume on Subduction Zone Geodynamics

2001                Guest Editor, Tectonophysics special volume on Active Subduction and Collision in SE Asia

1997                Guest Editor, Tectonophysics special volume on Active Collision in Taiwan

Honors, Awards

2019                Stephan Mueller Medal from EGU

2013                Silver Medal from CNRS

2004                Great Prize of the French Academy of Sciences, France-Taiwan Scientific Foundation

1998                D’Aumale Prize from the French Academy of Sciences

1994                Award from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (New Zealand)

1994                Award in Physics and Systems Sciences from the LR Region

Funded research projects as main PI or co-PI

2018-2021      Fauna and Geodynamics in Caribbean Sea, GAARAnti ANR Project, co-PI

2017                Geodynamic conditions for Aves Ridge and the Lesser ANTIlles arc splitting, GARANTI Cruise, co-chief scientist onboard R/V L’Atalante

2013-2015      Marine Paleoseismology around Taiwan, INSU-Aléas Project PAST, PI

2012-2013      Submarine landslides, PRC/JRP NSC/CNRS Project with Taiwan (NCU), co-PI

2012                Oceanic Seafloor Roughness and Seismogenesis, INSU-SYSTER Project, PI

2007-2010     Active Tectonics and Seismic Hazard in Taiwan, ACTS ANR project, PI

2007-2008    SEISM-OBS, ORCHID Project with Taiwan (Academia Sinica), co-PI

2008-2009    Convergent Margins and Seismogenesis, CNRS-CNR Project with Italy (Roma 3), co-PI

2004-2006    Subduction Dynamics, INSU-DYETI Project, PI

1996                Active collision in Taiwan ACT Cruise, Chief scientist onboard R/V L’Atalante

1992-1993      Accretion vs Erosion along Active Margins, INSU-DBT Project, PI

1992-1994      Convergent Margins, PROCOPE Project with Germany (GEOMAR), co-PI

1991                Tectonics Modeling, ACCES Project with USSR (Academy of Sciences), co-PI

Oceanographic cruises participation (21)

EAGER – R/V Marion Dufresne, 2018, GARANTI – R/V L’Atalante, 2017, ANTITHESIS 2 – R/V Pourquoi Pas ?, 2014, OR1 1013 – R/V Ocean Researcher 1, 2012, RATS 4 & RATS 3 – R/V Yu-Ying 2, 2009, RATS 2 – R/V Ocean Researcher 1, 2008, KR 03-04 – R/V Kairei, 2003, STEPS IV – R/V Yokosuka, 2000, ACT – R/V L’Atalante, 1996, TAICRUST – R/V M. Ewing, 1995, MODEC – R/V L’Atalante, 1994, GEODYNZ – R/V L’Atalante, 1993, OR1 329 – R/V Ocean Researcher 1, 1992, OR1 291 – R/V Ocean Researcher 1, 1991, KAIKO-NANKAI – R/V Nadir, 1989, SUBPSO – R/V Nadir, 1989, KAIKO II – R/V Nadir, 1985, KAIKO I – R/V J. Charcot, 1984, ESTASE – R/V J. Charcot, 1984, NORESTLANTE – R/V J. Charcot, 1983.

Scientific meetings (co-)organisation

2022    Vertical motion in Eastern Caribbeans Workshop (18 participants), Ferrières-les-Verreries, France

2018    Caribbeans Workshop (40 participants), Montpellier University, France

2016    From Deep Earth to Extreme Events France-Taiwan Workshop (30 participants), Montpellier University, France

2013    EAGER Workshop on Extreme Events (50 participants), Chung-Li, Taiwan

2010    European Seismological Commission International Conference (600 participants), Montpellier, France

2007    Subduction Zone Geodynamics Conference (240 participants), Montpellier, France

2006    Subduction Workshop (60 participants), SGF Paris, France

1999    Subduction & Collision in East Asia SUBCO Conference (120 participants), Montpellier, France

1990    Fluids in Subduction Zones Conference (100 participants), CNRS, Paris, France

Co-chairman of various sessions at AGU Fall Meeting, EGU Assembly, Goldschmidt, RST …

Teaching

1985-2026 :    Lectures mainly on subduction zones geodynamics for graduate and undergraduate students, 30 hours/year in average

2009- :            Submap open-access web-tool for mapping subduction zones, updated annually

2005 :              Convergence lithosphérique, text-book edited by Vuibert

1999 :              La subduction océanique, text-book edited by Gordon & Breach

1991-2024 :    Tutoring of 26 Master’s degree students

Post-docs supervision

2018                Pierre Malié, New Zealand Margin Diagenesis and Seismogenesis, IODP-France

2016-2017      Fabio Corbi, Asperity Synchronization and Earthquake Trigger, Marie-Curie fellowship

PhD supervision

2024-              Lorine Bonamy, Subduction dynamics, deformation of the overlying plate, and the location of arc volcanism: from characterization based on global data to thermo-mechanical modeling, University of Montpellier scholarship

2017-2021      Clément Garrocq, Seismic imagery and back-arc dynamics in Lesser Antilles, ANR GAARAnti funding

2015-2018      Elenora van Rijsingen, Seafloor roughness & mega-earthquakes seismogenesis, ITN CREEP funding

2014-2018*    Sarah Abecassis, Subduction initiation at transform fault processes, CNRS funding (* not defended)

2011-2014      Rémi Lehu, Marine paleoseismology east of Taiwan, NCU Taiwan scholarship

2007-2011      Thomas Theunissen, Seismic imagery of Southern Ryukyus, University of Montpellier 2 scholarship

2002-2005     Arnauld Heuret, Relations among subduction zones parameters, University of Montpellier 2 scholarship

1997-2001      Anne Deschamps†, West Philippine Basin formation, University of Montpellier 2 scholarship

1996-2000      Yvonne Font, Southermost Ryukyu margin seismotectonics, NTU Taiwan scholarship

1994-1998       Stéphane Dominguez, Oceanic highs subduction and deformation, University of Montpellier 2 scholarship

1991-1994       Philippe Schnürle, Tectonic erosion and material transfer, Paris 6 University scholarship

Scientific production

1985-2026 :    142 peer reviewed papers, 2 text-books, 3 chapters in Encyclopedia

Databases :     Research Gate, Web of Science, Google scholar, Orchid

Web-tool :      Open-access Submap database displaying 126 subduction parameters along 260 transects

h-index ≃ 50-60

Selected publications

Tectonic erosion & material transfer

• von Huene R. and Lallemand S. (1990). Tectonic erosion along convergent margins; Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. , 102, p. 704-720.
• Lallemand S., Schnürle, P., Malavieille J. (1994). Coulomb theory applied to accretionary and non-accretionary wedges – Possible causes for tectonic erosion and/or frontal accretion; J. Geophys. Res., 99, B6, 12033-12055.
• Lallemand S., Peyret M., Arcay D., Heuret A. (2024). Accretion versus erosion and sediment transfer balance near the subduction interface. C. R. Géoscience – Sciences de la Planète, 356, S2, 1-25.

Subduction parameters

• Lallemand S., Heuret A. and Boutelier D. (2005). On the relationships between slab dip, back-arc stress, upper plate absolute motion and crustal nature in subduction zones; Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 6, 1.
• Heuret A. and Lallemand S. (2005). Plate motions, slab dynamics and back-arc deformation; Phys. Earth Planet. Int., 149, 31-51.
• Lallemand S., Heuret A., Faccenna C., and Funiciello, F. (2008). Subduction dynamics revealed by trench migration ; Tectonics, 27, TC3014.
• Cerpa N., Lallemand S., Heuret A. (submitted) – Unraveling the effect of convergence obliquity on overriding-plate deformation and strain partitioning in subduction zones. submitted on June 13, 2025 to Tektonika. preprint available on EarthArXiv.

Oceanic high subduction

• Dominguez, S., Lallemand, S., Malavieille, J., von Huene, R. (1998). Upper plate deformation associated with seamount subduction; Tectonophysics , 293, 207-224.
• Lallemand S., Peyret M., van Rijsingen E., Arcay D., and Heuret A. (2018). Roughness characteristics of oceanic seafloor prior to subduction in relation to the seismogenic potential of subduction zones; Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 19, 2121-2146.

Subduction megathrust earthquakes

• van Rijsingen E., Lallemand S., Peyret M., Arcay D., Heuret A., Funiciello F., Corbi F. (2018). How subduction interface roughness influences the occurrence of large interplate earthquakes; Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 19, 2342-2370.
• Peyret M., Lallemand S., Arcay D., Brizzi S. – (submitted on Feb.26) – Global seismic energy release of large megathrust earthquakes since 1900: insights from the revised SubQuake catalog and seismic coupling along subduction zones. online on ESS Open Archive.

Subduction initiation

• Arcay D., Lallemand S., Abecassis S., Garel F. (2020). Can subduction initiation at a transform fault be spontaneous ? – Solid Earth, 11, 37-62
• Lallemand, S., Arcay D. (2021). Subduction initiation from the earliest stages to self-sustained subduction: Insights from the analysis of 70 Cenozoic sites. Earth-Science Reviews.

Regional studies

• Lallemand S. and Jolivet L. (1986). Japan Sea: a pull-apart basin ?; Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 76, p. 375-389.
• Lallemand S., Font Y., Bijwaard H. and Kao H. (2001). New insights on 3-D plates interaction near Taiwan from tomography and tectonic implications; Tectonophysics, 335, 3-4, p. 229-253.
• Lallemand S. (2016). Philippine Sea Plate inception, evolution and consumption with special emphasis on the early stages of Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction; Progress in Earth and Planetary Science, 3:15, 1-27.

Extreme events

• Lallemand S., Lehu R., Rétif F., Hsu S.-K., Babonneau N., Ratzov G., Bassetti M.-A., Dezileau L., Hsieh M.-L. and Dominguez S. (2016). A ∼3000 years-old sequence of extreme events revealed by marine and shore deposits east of Taiwan; Tectonophysics 692, p. 325-341.
• Lehu, R., Lallemand S., Ratzov, G., Babonneau, N., Hsu, S.-K., Lin, A. T., and Dezileau, L. (2016). Reconstructing 2,700 years paleo-earthquakes history using deep-sea turbidites offshore eastern Taiwan; Tectonophysics 692, p. 309-324.
• Babonneau N., Ratzov G., Guérin C., Richa M., Lallemand S., Condomines M., Bachelery P., Bosch D., Hsu S.-K., Su D., Shinjo R., Lin A., Bassetti M.-A., Revel M., Cattaneo A., and the EAGER scientific team (2025). Sedimentary record of submarine gravity-flow events in the southern Ryukyu forearc during the last 200,000 years: archive of mega-earthquakes and tsunamis. Sedimentology.