Susan Solomon

Susan Solomon. An American atmospheric chemist whose pioneering research was pivotal in identifying the cause of the Antarctic ozone hole. Her work, particularly the 1986 National Ozone Expedition to Antarctica, established that human-made chlorofluorocarbons were responsible for the severe ozone depletion, directly informing the creation of the Montreal Protocol. She has received numerous accolades including the National Medal of Science and has held significant roles at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Early life and education

Born in Chicago, she developed an early interest in science, inspired by watching episodes of The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. She pursued her undergraduate studies in chemistry at the Illinois Institute of Technology, graduating in 1977. For her doctoral work, she moved to the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1981, focusing her research on atmospheric chemistry. Her thesis work involved the spectroscopy of molecules important for understanding the Earth's atmosphere, laying the groundwork for her future investigations.

Research on ozone depletion

In 1986, she led the landmark National Ozone Expedition to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, a pivotal effort to gather atmospheric data during the Southern Hemisphere's spring. Her team's measurements provided critical evidence linking high levels of chlorine monoxide to the observed ozone loss, strongly supporting the hypothesis that chlorofluorocarbons were the primary cause. This research was fundamental to the scientific assessment that led to the international treaty known as the Montreal Protocol. Her work also involved key studies on the role of polar stratospheric clouds in facilitating the destructive chemical reactions. She later contributed to reports for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and served as co-chair of its working group.

Awards and honors

Her scientific contributions have been recognized with many of the world's most prestigious awards. She is a recipient of the National Medal of Science, awarded by President George W. Bush in 1999. In 2004, she received the Vetlesen Prize, often considered an earth science equivalent of a Nobel Prize. Other notable honors include the Blue Planet Prize in 2004, the William Bowie Medal from the American Geophysical Union, and the Volvo Environment Prize. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the French Academy of Sciences, and the Royal Society.

Later career and advocacy

After a long and distinguished career at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratory, she joined the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as the Lee and Geraldine Martin Professor of Environmental Studies. She has continued her research on atmospheric chemistry, climate change, and the connections between atmospheric composition and climate. She has served on numerous national and international committees, including the U.S. National Science Board, and has been a strong advocate for science-based policy, often speaking on the success of the Montreal Protocol as a model for global environmental action.

Personal life

She is married to atmospheric scientist Barry Sidwell. An avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, she has scaled major peaks including Mount Kilimanjaro and has undertaken expeditions in the Himalayas. She is also a dedicated mentor to young scientists and has been involved in efforts to promote women in STEM fields. In 2019, a glacier in Antarctica was named the Solomon Glacier in her honor by the UK's Antarctic Place-Names Committee.

Category:American atmospheric chemists Category:National Medal of Science laureates Category:Massachusetts Institute of Technology faculty