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Research Interests
My main research focus is on the physics of estuarine and coastal systems. Specifically, my research utilizes observations, theory and modeling to advance our understanding of processes that control stratification, vertical mixing and dispersion because they are central in defining the physical and biogeochemical function of these environments. My interests and activities include both basic studies of the physics of these systems as well as addressing applied problems such as sediment and contaminant transport, effects of basin engineering on circulation and mixing and more recently how climate change and water shed activities may influence these systems in the future.
Short History
Grew up on Long Island’s south shore where I informally explored marine science as a amature sailor and professional clam digger. Earned an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from SUNY Buffalo in 1985 and a PhD in Oceanography from SUNY Stony Brook in 1995. Began at Rutgers University as a Post-doctoral fellow in 1995 and where I am now a Professor in the Marine and Coastal Science Department.
Teaching Efforts
Undergraduate
Humans Interacting with the Coastal Ocean
Introduction to Physical Oceanography
Exploring New Jersey’s Water Ways (Byrne Seminar)
Geophysical Data Analysis
Graduate
Introduction to Physical Oceanography
Geophysical Data Analysis
Coastal and Estuarine Ocean Dynamics
Select Publications
Aristizábal, María, Robert Chant, 2013: A Numerical Study of Salt Fluxes in Delaware Bay Estuary. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 43, 1572–1588
Jurisa, JT, RJ Chant, 2013, Impact of offshore winds on a buoyant river plume system. Submitted to the Journal of Physical Oceanography, 43:2571:2587, DOI: 10.1175/JPO-D-12-0118.1
Chant. R.J D. Fugate and E Garvey, 2011, “The role of evolving dynamics and geomorphology in shaping an estuarine superfund site” Estuaries and Coasts 34: 90-105, DOI: 10.1007/s12237-010-9324-z
Chant R J, 2010, Estuarine Secondary Circulation. In Contemporary topics in estuarine physics and water quality. Cambridge University Press.
Chant, R. J., S. M. Glenn, E. Hunter, J. Kohut, R. F. Chen, R. W. Houghton, J. Bosch, and O. Schofield (2008), Bulge Formation of a Buoyant River Outflow, J. Geophys. Res., doi:10.1029/2007JC004100
Chant, R.J., W.R. Geyer, R.H Houghton, E. Hunter and J. Lerzcak (2007) “Estuarine boundary layer mixing processes: insights from dye experiments” Journal of Physical Oceanography Vol. 37 No 7 1859-1877
Chant, R. J. 2002. Secondary flows in a region of flow curvature: relationship with tidal forcing and river discharge. Journal of Geophysical Research. 10.1029/2001JC001082, 21 September.