In Memory of Dr. Harry Roberts

Harry H. Roberts, professor emeritus of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, passed away on March 26, 2025, at the age of 85.

Roberts, who was named an LSU Boyd Professor in 2001, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of scientific achievement, mentorship, and dedication to understanding coastal environments.

"Harry was a profound influence on generations of researchers, myself included. I teach my students that he and [Dr. James] Coleman were the kings of the Mississippi River Delta. For many students, their first reading of his Delta Cycle paper is a transformative moment—I heard that from one of our students just a few weeks ago,” said Sam Bentley, professor and Harrison Chair of the LSU Department of Geology and Geophysics. “I've spent most of my career trying to discover questions that Harry hadn't already figured out decades ago.”

Roberts made landmark contributions to the understanding of coastal processes, both as a researcher and as director of the Coastal Studies Institute, where he served from 1989 to 1995. Together with his colleague James Coleman, he became internationally renowned for his expertise on river deltas, particularly the Mississippi River Delta. His pioneering work included the discovery of methane hydrates on the Gulf floor, comprehensive mapping of Gulf bathymetry, and crucial research on coastal erosion and ecosystem management.

His scientific impact is reflected in his prodigious publication record of over 200 peer-reviewed papers. In 2003, he received the Shephard's Medal in 2003 for excellence in marine geology—an honor bestowed only for sustained, outstanding contributions to the field. He was named a Fellow of both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Geological Society of America, and received the Doris Malkin Curtis Medal among many other distinctions.

Roberts was also an exceptional educator and mentor who shaped generations of marine geologists and oceanographers.

His distinguished career at LSU began in 1964 when he arrived as a graduate student. After completing his master's degree in 1966 and doctorate in 1969, he joined the faculty in 1970, embarking on what would become more than five decades of groundbreaking research in marine geology and sedimentology.