Wilford Gardner
  • Earl F. Cook Professor Emeritus of Geosciences and Oceanography

Biography

We are now synthesizing data from >8000 profiles to globally map and quantify the particle mass suspended in the bottom nepheloid (turbid) layer and examining forcing that causes episodic benthic storms in some parts of the ocean and not others.

We are also studying the role of river-borne and resuspended sediment on hypoxia along the Gulf of Mexico shelf.

Research Interests

  • Dynamics and biogeochemistry of marine particles - microns to macroaggregates
  • Bio-optics and hydrodynamics
  • Remote sensing and particulate organic carbon (POC)
  • Sediment transport in the ocean from the continental shelf to the deep sea
  • Nepheloid layers and benthic storms in the ocean

Educational Background

  • Ph.D. Oceanography, Massachusetts Institute of Technology/ Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1978
  • S.B. Earth and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1972

Industry Experience

    • Earl F. Cook Professor of Geosciences, 2010–2016
    • Study Abroad, Santa Chiara, Italy-Fall 2011
    • Fulbright Fellow - Athens, Greece 2009
    • Faculty Development Leave – Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Athens, Greece 2009
    • Head, Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, 2000–2005
    • Faculty Development Leave NOAA - PMEL, Seattle, Washington, 1996
    • Chair, Geological/Geophysical section, Oceanography, Texas A&M University, 1987–1995
    • Professor, Oceanography, Texas A&M University, 1990–present
    • Associate Professor, Oceanography, Texas A&M University, 1985–1990
    • Associate Research Scientist, Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory, Columbia University, 1983–1985
    • Research Associate, Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory, Columbia University, 1977–1983

Selected Publications