 |
Susan SolomonAmerican scientist, specialist in atmospheric chemistry
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Susan Solomon
- Early Life and Interest in Science
- Education and Specialization
- National Ozone Expedition
- Personal Life and Current Work
Biography of Susan Solomon
Susan Solomon is an American scientist and a specialist in atmospheric chemistry. She is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the European Academy of Sciences, and the Academy of Sciences of France. Solomon closely collaborates with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Early Life and Interest in Science
Solomon developed an interest in science at a young age after watching "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau." In high school, she achieved third place in the state science fair with a project on calculating the percentage of oxygen in a gas mixture.
Education and Specialization
In 1977, Solomon graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree. She then pursued her studies at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Ph.D. in chemical sciences in 1981. Solomon specialized in atmospheric chemistry during her time at Berkeley.
National Ozone Expedition
In 1986, Solomon led the National Ozone Expedition to McMurdo Sound in Antarctica. The expedition aimed to study the state of the ozone layer over Antarctica. During the research, the scientists discovered a significantly higher level of chlorine oxide in the atmosphere, which could be attributed to the impact of freon. Solomon later found evidence suggesting that volcanic activity could also accelerate the process. Her research formed the basis of the U.N. Montreal Protocol, an international agreement focused on protecting the ozone layer by phasing out the use of harmful chemicals.
Personal Life and Current Work
In 1988, Solomon married Barry Sidwell. Currently, she leads a research group on the chemistry and climate processes at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She has also served as a co-chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's first working group.
