Émile Argand

Émile Argand (6 January 1879 – 14 September 1940) was a Swiss geologist.

He was born in Eaux-Vives near Geneva. He attended vocational school in Geneva then worked as a draftsman. He studied anatomy in Paris, but gave up medicine to pursue his interest in geology.

He was an early proponent of Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift, viewing plate tectonics and continental collisions as the best explanation for the formation of the Alps. He is also noted for his application of the theory of tectonics to the continent of Asia.

He founded the Geological Institute of Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Awards and honors

 * 1913 Spendiarov Prize
 * 1926 Marcel Benoist Prize
 * A region of wrinkle ridges on the Moon was named Dorsa Argand after him.
 * There is a road named "Rue Emile-Argand" at the University of Neuchâtel.
 * Argandite, a mineral.