Eric Chaumillon

Eric Chaumillon is a Professor at the University of La Rochelle and Head of the Coastal and Environmental Observatory (OLE), specializing in coastal geology and sediment dynamics. His research integrates very high resolution seismic stratigraphy, core sampling, geomorphological monitoring, and numerical modeling to study coastal environments.

His research focuses on semi-closed coastal systems (estuaries, lagoons, river mouths, sandbanks) where high sedimentation rates preserve environmental change records spanning decades to millennia. Key projects include analyzing the Arçay Spit's evolution in the Vendée Atlantic coast and the Longe de Boyard sandbank within estuaries. His work addresses two primary objectives: (1) linking morphological evolution with hydrodynamic processes, and (2) deciphering sedimentary records of sea-level changes, climate shifts, storm-induced submersions, and anthropogenic impacts.

Chaumillon's publication record demonstrates expertise in tsunami and storm deposit discrimination, coastal carbon sequestration, and historical bathymetric reconstruction. His research spans global sites including the Lesser Antilles, American Samoa, East African lakes, and French Atlantic coastlines, with methodological innovations like X-ray tomography for sediment fabric analysis.

As Head of the Coastal and Environmental Observatory (OLE), he leads multidisciplinary research on coastal resilience and environmental change. His work integrates field observations, geophysical surveys, and numerical modeling to address contemporary challenges in coastal management and climate adaptation.