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Prof. Yan Lavallée
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# Prof. Yan Lavallée

**Source**: https://www.geo.lmu.de/en/faculty-for-geosciences/persons/contact-page/yan-lavallee-c12606c2.html
**Parent**: https://www.geo.lmu.de/en/commissions/

Professor and Chair of Magmatic Petrology and Volcanology

**Office address:**

Theresienstr. 41

Room C 335

80333
Munich

[Room finder](https://www.lmu.de/raumfinder/#/building/bw1003/map?room=100103035_)

[Send an email](mailto:Yan.Lavallee@lmu.de)

[+49 89 2180 4256](tel:+498921804256)

[Chair of Magmatic Petrology and Volcanology](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/department/chairs/chair-for-magmatic-petrology-and-volcanology/)

[Lectures](https://lsf.verwaltung.uni-muenchen.de/qisserver/rds?state=verpublish&status=init&vmfile=no&moduleCall=webInfo&publishConfFile=webInfoPerson&publishSubDir=personal&keep=y&purge=y&personal.pid=127473 "LSF - Link opens in a new window")

[Thesis Topic Selection](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/studies/bachelors-and-masters-projects/)

### Skip to content

- [Research Interests](#ct-2c6f944a-f4d4-4022-b956-d730f722746f "Skip to: Research Interests")
- [Research topics](#ct-b51856b0-4a80-44e8-b066-2bec3366f8ec "Skip to: Research topics")
- [Further projects](#ct-a10021d9-f01e-4c75-95fe-5a37581c9d74 "Skip to: Further projects")
- [Publication list](#ct-509e8f35-b46a-4529-8722-1fa566418454 "Skip to: Publication list")

## 

[Bio](#accordionItem-null-0)

Born in Ville des Laurentides, Canada, I hold a B.Sc. (2001) in Earth and Planetary Sciences from McGill University (Canada), a M.Sc. (2003) in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota (USA), and a Dr.Rer.Nat. (2008) in Mineralogy from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Germany). Between 2012 and 2022 I was Chair of Volcanology and Magmatic Processes at the University of Liverpool (UK) and in 2022 I was appointed Chair of Magmatic Petrology and Volcanology at the LMU-Munich.

[CV (PDF, 526 KB)](https://cms-cdn.lmu.de/media/20-geowissenschaften/department-fuer-geographie/downloads/studium/flyer_arbeitsmarkt-2.pdf "PDF-Link opens in a new window")

[Roles](#accordionItem-null-1)

***Internal***

- Director of Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Baubeauftragte ([new Geo-Campus](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/department/new-geo-campus/))
- Co-Director of the Center for Astro-Geosciences
- Member of the LMU-Munich’s Tenure Track review panel
- Member of the [Faculty for Geosciences](https://www.geo.lmu.de/en/)

***External***

- Chair of the Science & Technology board of the [Krafla Magma Testbed](https://kmt.is/ "Link opens in a new window")
- Member of Administration Council of [Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP), Université Paris-Cité, France](https://www.ipgp.fr/ "Link opens in a new window")

[Awards & recognitions](#accordionItem-null-2)

**2018** [Elected member of the Academia Europaea (AE)](https://www.ae-info.org/ae/Member/Lavall%C3%A9e_Yan "Link opens in a new window")

**2017** [Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU)](https://www.agu.org/user-profile?cstkey=767c28de-fb38-4a26-ae2d-c8bdc03a40a9#citation921c333e-ccdf-4346-bba2-b2ce2eadca89 "Link opens in a new window")

**2017** [James B. Macelwane Medal of the American Geophysical Union](https://eos.org/agu-news/kopp-lamb-lavallee-li-and-shaw-receive-2017-james-b-macelwane-medals "Link opens in a new window")

**2017** [Wager Medal of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI)](https://www.iavceivolcano.org/guidelines-for-iavcei-awards/wager-medal/ "Link opens in a new window")

**2009** Finalist to the Deutscher (Körberstiftung) Studienpreis in Germany

**2009** [Leopold Gélinas Gold Medal in the field of volcanology and igneous petrology in Canada](https://www.vip-gac.ca/Awards.html "Link opens in a new window")

[Press](#accordionItem-null-3)

- [Deep Dive: into the burning heart of Earth (LMU News, January 2025)](https://www.lmu.de/en/about-lmu/structure/central-university-administration/communications-and-media-relations/research-magazine/heat-01-2025/deep-dive-volcanoes/ "Link opens in a new window")

- [NANO Doku: Extreme research – Our World perspective at the limits (ZDF, 02.10.2025)](https://www.3sat.de/wissen/nano-doku/250612--sendung-forschung-extrem-unser-weltbild-am-limit-wido-100.html "Link opens in a new window")

- [Taming volcanoes? Lecture: Science for everyone. Deutsches Museum (Youtube, January 2026)](https://www.youtube.com/live/VAZaFvtNROk?si=bX92Cc360fhlMhaJ "Link opens in a new window")\

## Research Interests

My research primarily focuses on the rheological and mechanical description of magma and rocks, and their impact on volcanic, magmatic, earthquake, geothermal and planetary processes. My work integrates geological field techniques to geophysics, petrology, geochemistry, and material science to advance the models of the Earth.

## Research topics

Enlarge

### The rheology of magmas: a control on magmatism and volcanism

The rheological (flow) properties of magma control magmatic and volcanic processes. The mobility of magma is imparted by the exsolution of volatile gases—mainly H₂O, CO₂, and SO₂— into gas bubbles which provides buoyancy; in contrast magma crystallisation increases the resistance to shear. Ultimately the properties of magma are key to volcanic eruptions, geothermal activity, and planetary differentiation. The exsolution of volatiles into gas bubbles power magma buoyancy and drive eruptions, controlling eruption style and intensity. In geothermal systems, volatiles affect heat transport, fluid flow, and mineralization, making them vital for resource exploration. We conduct experimental and numerical work to resolve the development and behaviour of gas bubbles and crystals in magma (including nucleation, growth, deformation (inc. crystal plasticity), coalescence, and outgassing), and constrain the properties (viscosity, permeability, strength) of bubble- and crystal-bearing magmas as they flow or fragment explosively.

##### Running project

- [MODERATE - Magma outgassing during eruptions and geothermal exploration (ERC-CoG, 2022- 2025)](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/research/research-projects/list-of-research-projects/#st_definition_list__master_5)

Lavallée Y., Kendrick J.E. (2021): **A review of the physical and mechanical properties of volcanic rocks and magmas in the brittle and ductile field.** [In: Forecasting and Planning for Volcanic Hazards, Risks, and Disasters. Vol. 2 in Hazards and Disasters (Ed. Papale P.). Elsevier. 153-238.](https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818082-2.00005-6 "Link opens in a new window"). \
\
Lavallée Y., Kendrick J.E. (2022): **Strain Localisation in Magmas.** [In: Geological Melt (Eds: Neuville D.R., Henderson G.S., Dingwell D.B.). Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry 87, 1088p.](https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2022.87.15 "Link opens in a new window"). \
\
Lavallée, Y., Miwa, T., Ashworth, J. D., Wallace, P. A., Kendrick, J. E., Coats, R., Lamur, A., Hornby, A., Hess, K.-U., Matsushima, T., Nakada, S., Shimizu, H., Ruthensteiner, B., and Tuffen, H. (2022): T**ransient conduit permeability controlled by a shift between compactant shear and dilatant rupture at Unzen volcano (Japan)**, [Solid Earth, 13, 875–900, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-875-2022](https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-875-2022 "Link opens in a new window").

Enlarge

KMT vision

Creating a magma observatory by drilling two wells into magma to sample, instrument, monitor and manipulate magma. | © KMT

### Establishing the first international magma observatory

The Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT) is a pioneering geothermal and volcanological research initiative centred at the Krafla volcano (Iceland), one of a few places where we know the location of magma in Earth’s crust. During the 2009 IDDP-1 well project, magma was unexpectedly encountered at a depth of 2.1 km, opening new possibilities for scientific access to magma. The KMT aims to develop an international infrastructure for repeated, controlled drilling into magma to study its properties, interactions with surrounding rock, and the role of volatiles in eruption dynamics and geothermal energy. This unique testbed will support multidisciplinary research, advancing our understanding of magma behaviour, improving eruption forecasting, and exploring the potential of superhot geothermal energy. KMT also serves as a natural laboratory for studying processes relevant to planetary interiors and the evolution of terrestrial planets, offering global insights into deep Earth and planetary systems.

**Running project:**

- [Constraining magma response to drilling at Krafla, Iceland. (DFG, 2025-2028) as part of SPP1006: Infrastructure area - International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP)](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/research/research-projects/list-of-research-projects/#st_definition_list__master_62)

Lavallée Y., Kendrick J.E., Eichelberger J.C., Papale P., Sigmundsson F., Dingwell D.B. (2025): **Accessing Magma: A Necessary Revolution in Earth Sciences and Renewable** Energy. [European Review 32 (No. 4), 412–434.](http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1062798724000292 "Link opens in a new window") \
\
Wadsworth F.B., Vasseur J., Lavallée Y., Hess K.-U., Kendrick J.E., Castro J., Weidendorfer D., Rooyakers S.M., Foster A., Jackson L.A., Kennedy B.M., Nichols A.R.L., Schipper C.I., Scheu B., Dingwell D.B., Watson T., Rule G., Witcher T., Tuffen H. (2024): **The rheology of rhyolite magma from the IDDP-1 borehole and Hrafntinnuhryggur (Krafla, Iceland) with implications for geothermal drilling.** [Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 455, 108159.](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2024.108159 "Link opens in a new window")

Enlarge

Explosive eruption at Sakurajima, Japan.

© Yan Lavallée

### Sulphur scrubbing by volcanic ash during explosive eruptions

Volcanic ash and sulphur compounds, particularly sulphur dioxide (SO₂), play a significant role in the Earth's climate system. During explosive eruptions, sulphur dioxide interacts with volcanic ash to form salts, which precipitate on the surface of ash particles. The process is efficient and can result in the uptake of ~50% of sulphur from volcanic plumes, thus jeopardising our volatile budget measurements using gas emission analysis. Here we conduct experiments to quantitatively constrain the interaction of volcanic ash with sulphur in order to develop more adequate climate impact simulations.

**Running project:**

- [Rapid scrubbing of SO2 during explosive volcanic eruptions (DFG, 2025-2027)](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/research/research-projects/list-of-research-projects/#st_definition_list__master_47)

### Volcanic degassing on exoplanets

Volcanic emission of gases from magma (e.g., CO₂, H₂O, SO₂, and other volatiles), plays a central role in shaping planetary atmospheres, including those of exoplanets. On Earth, volcanic degassing has contributed significantly to the development of our atmosphere and climate, influencing both habitability and geological processes. Similarly, the study of volcanic activity and degassing on exoplanets provides insights into their potential for hosting life and their geological evolution. For rocky exoplanets, volcanic emissions could contribute to the atmosphere, which may influence surface temperature, cloud formation, and long-term climate stability. In order to resolve the potential occurrence of volcanism and magmatism on exoplanets, we must experimentally assess the behaviour of volatile gas in magmas at extraordinary conditions experienced in exoplanets. Understanding these processes on Earth enhances our models of exoplanetary atmospheres and guides the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system.

**Project:**

- [ORIGINS: Vom Ursprung des Universums bis zu den ersten Bausteinen des Lebens (DFG Exzellenzcluster, 2026-2033).](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/research/research-projects/list-of-research-projects/#st_definition_list__master_80)

Enlarge

Sector collapse scar associated with the lateral blast and landslide that occurred in 1980 at Mount St. Helens. | © Yan Lavallée

### Volcano instability and collapse

Volcanic edifices are inherently unstable constructs, developed over rapid geological timescales. During the lifespan of a volcano, the structural stability of the edifice is challenged by magmatic, volcanic, tectonic, oceanic and atmospheric processes, which can result in deformation, mass wasting events, and wholesale catastrophic collapses. These large-scale collapses can trigger volcanic eruptions and even generate tsunamis travelling over long distances and threatening large populations in coastal cities. We study the mechanical properties of volcanic materials (coherent lavas and volcaniclastic systems) and the loading conditions (stress, earthquake shaking, rain) leading to rock compaction and rupture; we also conduct frictional tests to elucidate the controls on, and kinetics of, faulting processes that lead to the development of landslides. This work is supplemented by field analyses, droned-based imaging, and long-term monitoring via satellite-based remote sensing to resolve the precursory signals and forecast the occurences of such catastrophic events.

**Project**

- [Long-term cooling-induced volcanic instability (DFG, 2025 - 2028)](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/research/research-projects/list-of-research-projects/#st_definition_list__master_72)

Hughes A., Kendrick J.E., Salas G., Wallace P., Legros F., Di Toro G., Lavallée Y. (2020): **Shear localisation, strain partitioning and frictional melting in a debris avalanche generated by volcanic flank-collapse.** [Journal of Structural Geology 140:104132.](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2020.104132 "Link opens in a new window") \
\
Lamur A., Kendrick J.E., Schaefer L.N., Lavallée Y., Kennedy B.M. (2023): **Damage amplification during repetitive seismic waves in mechanically loaded rocks.** [Nature, Special volume: Forecasting volcanic events of Scientific Reports. 13: 1271. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-26721-x](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-26721-x "Link opens in a new window") \
\
Zorn E.U., Kendrick J.E., Lamur A., Birnbaum J., Kueppers U., Muniz da Silva M., Lavallée Y. (2024): **Experimental investigation of volcaniclastic compaction during burial.** [Volcanica, DOI: 10.30909/vol.07.02.765783.](http://dx.doi.org/10.30909/vol.07.02.765783 "Link opens in a new window")

### Engineering Lunar Habitats

The colonisation of space requires the development of habitats, reliant on novel engineering practices. Amongst the different solutions envisaged, sintering lunar regolith (the process of heating and fusing lunar soil particles to form solid materials) can promote sustainable habitats by creating strong, durable structures on the Moon, reducing the need to transport materials from Earth. Developing such solutions is key to overcome logistical challenges of space exploration; it enables the creation of self-sufficient habitats that can withstand extreme temperatures, micrometeorite impacts, and solar radiation. Sintering methods need to be tailored to the local rock properties; hence, we experimentally test the properties of different lunar materials and develop numerical models to precisely engineer material. Lunar regolith sintering will establish more cost-effective solutions for human presence on the Moon, paving the way for future missions to Mars and beyond.

**Running project:**

- Collaboration with [DLR](https://www.dlr.de/de "Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Link opens in a new window") and [OHB](https://www.ohb.de/ "Link opens in a new window")

Enlarge

© Jackie Kendrick

### Rupture and faulting processes

Earthquakes takes place when the rocks rupture due to an excess of stress, prompting slip of the broken rocks along fault system. We employ laboratory experiments to study rupture and slip processes and understand the complex mechanisms that underly active faults leading to of earthquakes. We use laboratory experiemnts to simulate material rupture as well as fault movements under controlled conditions, constraining the mechanical properties of rocks (strength, friction) and how they evolve during rupture events. In particular we study the development of frictional melting, where heat generated by slipping causes partial melting along fault surfaces. Laboratory experiments allow for precise control of conditions (temperature, stress, and slip rate) leading to frictional melt, depending on the local rock types. Upon melting, the properties of the frictional melt control the fault slip and the dislacement during an earthquake. Understanding these processes helps improve earthquake models, predict fault behavior, and assess seismic hazards. By linking laboratory findings to real-world seismic data, we aim to gain deeper insight into the physics of faults in a range of tectonic and volcanic environments.

**Running project:**

- [MODERATE - Magma outgassing during eruptions and geothermal exploration (ERC-CoG, 2022- 2025)](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/research/research-projects/list-of-research-projects/#st_definition_list__master_5)

Wallace P.W., De Angelis S.H., Kendrick J.E., Hornby A., Clesham S., von Aulock F.W., Hirose T., Dingwell D.B., Lavallée Y. (2019): **Frictional melt homogenisation during fault slip: Geochemical, textural and rheological fingerprints.** [Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 255, 265-288.](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2019.04.010 "Link opens in a new window") \
\
Hughes A., Kendrick J.E., Lamur A., Wadsworth F.B., Wallace P.A., Di Toro Gi., Lavallée Y. (2020): **Frictional behaviour, wear and comminution of synthetic porous geomaterials.** [Frontiers in Earth Science: Earth and Planetary Materials 8:488.](https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.562548 "Link opens in a new window") \
\
Kendrick J.E., Lavallée Y. (2022): **Frictional melting in magma and lava.** In: Geological Melts (Eds: Neuville D.R., Henderson G.S., Dingwell D.B.). [Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry 87, 1088p.](http://dx.doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2022.87.20 "Link opens in a new window")

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17 Jul 2025
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©Jackie Kendrick

## Further projects

- [Science for Policy by European Academies (2025 - 2029, EC)](https://www.geo.lmu.de/geoumwelt/en/research/research-projects/list-of-research-projects/#st_definition_list__master_10)

## Publication list