John Ludden (geologist)

John Ludden is a British geologist known for his research in geochemistry, petrology, and oceanography. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of mantle plumes, mid-ocean ridge volcanism, and the formation of ocean crust.

Ludden received his PhD from the University of Manchester. He has held academic positions at various institutions, including the Université de Bretagne Occidentale (Brest, France), where he served as Vice-President for Research.

His research often focuses on the chemical composition of volcanic rocks and their relationship to the Earth's mantle. He has published extensively on the Azores plume, Iceland plume, and other areas of active volcanism. His work involves the application of geochemical tracers to understand the origin and evolution of magmas.

Ludden has also been involved in scientific leadership roles, including serving as the Executive Director of the British Geological Survey (BGS) from 2006 to 2014. During his tenure at the BGS, he oversaw research programs related to energy, natural resources, and environmental hazards.

He is the recipient of several awards and honors for his contributions to the field of geology.