Bruce F. Houghton is a New Zealand volcanologist. He was born on 29 April 1950 in Auckland, New Zealand. He was a student under Professor George P. L. Walker (a James Cook fellow) at Auckland University (University of New Zealand).
Houghton is currently the Hawai'i State volcanologist and the Gordon A. MacDonald Professor of Volcanology at the University of Hawai'i. In August 2017, Bruce was awarded the highest award in volcanology, the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior's Thorarinsson Medal.. He is recognised as "a giant of volcanology".
Houghton is married to Alison, and they have two children.
Ross, P-S.; Peate, U.; McClintock, M.; White, J.D.L.; Skilling, I.P.; Houghton B.F. (2005). "Mafic volcaniclastic deposits in large igneous provinces: a review". Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. 145: 281–314. doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2005.02.003. Gurioli, Lucia; Houghton, Bruce F.; Cashman, Katherine V.; Cioni, Raffaello (2004). "Complex changes in eruption dynamics during the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius". Bulletin of Volcanology. 67 (2): 144–159. ISSN 0258-8900. doi:10.1007/s00445-004-0368-4. James D. L. White & Bruce F. Houghton (2000). "Surtseyan and Related Phreatomagmatic Eruptions". In Haraldur Sigurdsson; Bruce Houghton; Hazel Rymer; John Stix & Steve McNutt. Encyclopedia of Volcanoes. San Diego, CA: Academic Press. pp. 495–512. ISBN 978-0-12-643140-7. Houghton, Bruce F.; C. J. N. Wilson; R. T. Smith; J. S. Gilbert (2000). "Phreatoplinian Eruptions". In Haraldur Sigurdsson; Bruce Houghton; Hazel Rymer; John Stix; Steve McNutt. Encyclopedia of Volcanoes. San Diego, CA: Academic Press. pp. 513–526. ISBN 978-0-12-643140-7. Colin J. N. Wilson and Bruce F. Houghton (2000). "Pyroclastic Transport and Deposition". In Haraldur Sigurdsson; Bruce Houghton; Hazel Rymer; John Stix; Steve McNutt. Encyclopedia of Volcanoes. San Diego, CA: Academic Press. pp. 545–554. ISBN 978-0-12-643140-7. Houghton, Bruce F.; C. J. N. Wilson; D. M. Pyle (2000). "Pyroclastic Fall Deposits". In Haraldur Sigurdsson; Bruce Houghton; Hazel Rymer; John Stix; Steve McNutt. Encyclopedia of Volcanoes. San Diego, CA: Academic Press. pp. 555–570. ISBN 978-0-12-643140-7. Wilson, C.J.N.; Houghton, B.F.; McWilliams, M.O.; Lanphere, M.A.; Weaver, S.D.; Briggs, R.M. (1995). "Evolution of Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand: a review". Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. 68: 1–28. doi:10.1016/0377-0273(95)00006-G. Houghton, B.F.; Wilson, C.J.N.; McWilliams, M.O.; Lanphere, M.A.; Weaver, S.D.; Briggs, R.M.; Pringle, M.S. (1995). "Chronology and dynamics of a large silicic magmatic system: central Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand". Geology. 23: 13–16. doi:10.1130/0091-7613(1995)023<0013:CADOAL>2.3.CO;2. Jocelyn McPhie & Bruce F. Houghton (1993). Explosive Volcanism: Processes and Products. IAVCEI, Commission on Explosive Volcanism Short Course, Canberra, Australia, 23–24 September 1993. 