The Dynamics of Avalanches

Jim McElwaine's research is in geophysical fluid dynamics, with a focus on granular and multi-component flows. At the University of Cambridge, he received a PhD in Applied Mathematics studying quantum mechanics and its interpretation. After positions in Japan, Europe, and the United States, he became Professor of Geohazards in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Durham. His work ranges widely over many geophysical flows as well as fundamental problems in granular and fluid mechanics. He is also a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, where he researches surface processes on other planets and asteroids. A keen climber and skier, McElwaine's love affair with avalanches began after he was hit and buried by a large one on an unclimbed mountain in the Himalayas. Nowadays, he is more careful -- being buried up to his waist is more typical.