Have you ever wondered what causes rain, thunder, or lightning? Katsuko Saruhashi had lots of questions about these things, and she decided to learn about geochemistry to help answer these questions!
Let’s learn about geochemistry and the work of Saruhashi!
Introduction:
During a storm, have you ever seen a flash of lightning in the sky and wondered how it forms? Or have you seen raindrops falling all around and wondered what causes rain? That’s exactly what Katsuko Saruhashi had questions about, and what sparked her interest in the science of geochemistry! Geochemists study the chemical composition of the earth to help us understand the processes that keep our planet running. Today, we’re going to take a look at the world of geochemistry and the work of Saruhashi!
Early Life:
Ever since she was little, Katsuko Saruhashi had an inquisitive mind. After watching raindrops roll down window sills as a child, she became curious about what causes rain. These questions and her enthusiasm for science led her on her way to becoming a geochemist. Soon enough, she landed a job in the Geochemistry Laboratory at the Japan Meteorological Institute. But before that, she had to quit her job to attend university at the Imperial Women’s College of Science. It took a little convincing for her parents to be supportive of furthering her education, but in the end, her mother was the one in favor of this choice. After seeing women struggle to support themselves on their own during World War II, her mother felt that becoming financially independent as a woman was important.
Contributions:
In her work at the Geochemistry Laboratory, Saruhashi took a deep dive into ocean chemistry. She measured carbon dioxide in seawater using what is now known as Saruhashi’s Table. This was her method for measuring carbonic acid in water based on temperature, pH levels, and chlorinity. Through her research, Saruhashi learned that the Pacific Ocean releases a large amount of carbon dioxide— even more than it absorbs. What does this mean? For oceanographers, this shows that the ocean may not be able to help fight climate change. Sasurashi’s discovery makes it clear that reversing the effects of global warming is more important than ever. In her research, Sasurashi also found a way to track and measure radiation levels in the ocean. She found that the radioactivity in the oceans can spread across the world and contaminate our waters. Her findings led to bans on nuclear experimentation in the ocean, protecting our planet and people from the harmful effects of radiation.
“I worked hard. I concentrated entirely on learning how to do science. But that was not an effort I made as a woman to compete against men. I knew that by working hard, I could slowly unwrap the secrets of nature … this was such a joy … the sheer joy I enjoyed as a researcher.”
Saruhashi’s Vision
An accomplished scientist and feminist, Sasurashi saw a world where men and women would be given equal opportunity to contribute to the world of science.
She was the first woman to be added to the Science Council of Japan and decided she would build a space for more women in her field to be recognized. In 1958, she created the Saruhashi Prize- an annual award for young female scientists and role models.
“The prize highlights the capabilities of women scientists. Each winner has not only been a successful researcher, but a wonderful human being as well.”
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