Terry Deshler
Papers
1
Total Citations
223
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1
About
Terry Deshler is a leading atmospheric scientist whose research has fundamentally shaped our understanding of stratospheric aerosols and their climatic effects. His work centers on the microphysics of polar stratospheric clouds, volcanic aerosol injections, and the role of these particles in ozone depletion and climate forcing. Deshler’s most impactful contribution is his landmark 2014 study quantifying total volcanic stratospheric aerosol optical depths, which demonstrated that small-to-moderate volcanic eruptions—often overlooked—have significantly contributed to the post-2000 slowdown in global warming. This paper, with over 220 citations, provided critical evidence that volcanic aerosols are a key driver of decadal climate variability. Beyond this, Deshler is renowned for his long-term balloon-borne measurements in Laramie, Wyoming, spanning more than three decades, which offer the most continuous in situ record of stratospheric aerosols. His meticulous observations have been instrumental in validating satellite data and refining climate models. A pioneer in field measurements, Deshler’s work has directly informed assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), cementing his legacy as a cornerstone researcher in aerosol-climate interactions.
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