Susan Solomon, American atmospheric chemist

Dr. Susan Solomon, born on January 19, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, is a highly distinguished American atmospheric chemist whose groundbreaking research has profoundly impacted our understanding of Earth's atmosphere and climate. For a significant portion of her illustrious career, she served as a leading scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a pivotal U.S. federal agency dedicated to understanding and predicting changes in Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the outer reaches of the atmosphere. Her work at NOAA laid the foundation for critical discoveries in atmospheric science.

In 2011, Dr. Solomon transitioned to academia, joining the prestigious faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). There, she holds the esteemed position of Ellen Swallow Richards Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry & Climate Science. This professorship is particularly significant as it honors Ellen Swallow Richards, a pioneering figure in American science who was the first woman admitted to MIT and a trailblazer in environmental science and public health, reflecting Dr. Solomon's own legacy of breaking barriers and advancing scientific understanding in environmental fields.

Groundbreaking Research on the Antarctic Ozone Hole

One of Dr. Solomon's most monumental contributions to science, conducted in collaboration with her colleagues, was her pivotal role in identifying the definitive chemical mechanism responsible for the rapid and severe depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer over Antarctica, commonly known as the "ozone hole." While initial theories linked chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)—synthetic compounds once widely used in refrigerants, aerosols, and solvents due to their stability and non-toxicity—to general ozone depletion, the severity and unique seasonal pattern of the Antarctic ozone hole remained a puzzling enigma.

Dr. Solomon's innovative hypothesis, formulated in the mid-1980s, proposed that polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) play a crucial role. These icy clouds, which form in the extremely cold conditions of the Antarctic winter stratosphere, provide surfaces for heterogeneous chemical reactions. On these surfaces, inactive chlorine compounds, derived from CFCs, are converted into highly reactive free radicals, such as atomic chlorine and chlorine monoxide. When sunlight returns to Antarctica in the spring, these reactive chlorine species are rapidly released, initiating catalytic cycles that efficiently destroy vast quantities of ozone molecules. This mechanism precisely explained the observed rapid and localized ozone destruction.

Her subsequent leadership of scientific expeditions to Antarctica in 1986 and 1987, specifically the National Ozone Expeditions, provided direct observational evidence that robustly validated her theory. The findings from these expeditions, which measured unprecedented levels of ozone-destroying chlorine monoxide in the Antarctic stratosphere, were instrumental in establishing the link between CFCs and the ozone hole. This crucial scientific evidence directly informed and galvanized international policy action, leading to the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. The Montreal Protocol, widely regarded as one of the most successful international environmental agreements, effectively phased out the production of ozone-depleting substances, showcasing the direct impact of rigorous scientific inquiry on global environmental protection.

Distinguished Memberships and Influence

Dr. Susan Solomon's extraordinary contributions have been widely recognized by leading scientific bodies and influential publications around the globe, underscoring her stature as a preeminent scientist.

• She is an esteemed member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, a prestigious organization that advises the nation on science, engineering, and medicine.
• Her international acclaim is further demonstrated by her membership in the European Academy of Sciences and the French Academy of Sciences, indicating her significant impact on global scientific discourse.

Beyond her academic and scientific appointments, Dr. Solomon has been acknowledged for her broader influence:

• In 2002, Discover magazine highlighted her as one of the "50 most important women in science," recognizing her pioneering work and leadership in a field traditionally dominated by men.
• In 2008, Time magazine selected her as one of the "100 most influential people in the world," a testament to the profound societal impact of her scientific discoveries and her advocacy for environmental policy based on sound science.

Furthermore, Dr. Solomon lends her expertise to critical global issues by serving on the Science and Security Board for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. This renowned organization is best known for maintaining the symbolic Doomsday Clock and addresses existential threats to humanity, including nuclear weapons, climate change, and disruptive technologies, further showcasing Dr. Solomon's commitment to applying scientific knowledge for global security and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Susan Solomon

Who is Susan Solomon?

Dr. Susan Solomon is a highly acclaimed American atmospheric chemist renowned for her pioneering research, particularly her pivotal work in explaining the mechanism of the Antarctic ozone hole.

What was Dr. Solomon's key scientific discovery?

Her most significant discovery, made with her colleagues, was identifying how polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) accelerate ozone depletion in the Antarctic, thereby explaining the formation and severity of the "ozone hole." This research provided critical evidence linking chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to the phenomenon.

Where has Dr. Solomon worked?

She spent most of her career at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and, since 2011, has been the Ellen Swallow Richards Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry & Climate Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

How did her work impact environmental policy?

Dr. Solomon's definitive research on the ozone hole provided the scientific foundation for the Montreal Protocol in 1987, an international treaty that successfully phased out ozone-depleting substances, demonstrating the direct link between her scientific findings and effective global environmental action.

Has Dr. Solomon received notable awards or recognitions?

Yes, she is a member of multiple prestigious scientific academies, including the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. She was also recognized by Discover magazine as one of the "50 most important women in science" and by Time magazine as one of the "100 most influential people in the world."