Death Announcement: Devendra Lal (1929-2012)
Devendra Lal, a distinguished physicist who made significant contributions to geophysics and cosmic ray physics, passed away on December 1, 2022, at his San Diego home. He was 83 years old.
Born on February 14, 1929, in Varanasi, India, Lal completed his bachelor's and master's education at Banaras Hindu University. His pioneering PhD thesis research on cosmic ray physics was completed in 1960 at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay (Mumbai) and Bombay University.
In 1967, Lal became a professor of nuclear geophysics at Scripps, and before making Scripps his full-time academic home in 1989, he held appointments in India, first at the Tata Institute and then as professor and director of the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad.
Lal was renowned for the diversity and creativity of his research interests. His key contributions include pioneering studies in cosmic ray interactions with the Earth's atmosphere, the use of cosmogenic isotopes to understand geological and atmospheric processes, and bridging physics, geology, and atmospheric science.
One of Lal's most notable achievements was the development of methods using cosmogenic radionuclides (such as carbon-14, beryllium-10) to study processes such as soil erosion, sedimentation rates, and past solar activity. His work helped establish the field of using cosmic ray produced isotopes for earth sciences.
Lal's research also expanded to study mechanisms and rates of natural physical and chemical processes on Earth and in the solar system using radionuclides. This interdisciplinary approach highlighted the role of cosmic rays in geophysical and environmental phenomena, making a significant impact in atmospheric chemistry, geomagnetism, and climate studies.
In recognition of his innovative contributions, Lal received numerous international honours, including Fellow of the Royal Society, Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, and recipient of the V. M. Goldschmidt Medal of the Geochemical Society.
Plans to remember and celebrate Lal at Scripps are pending. Details will be posted on the Scripps website. A Devendra Lal Memorial Symposium, Part II video and a related image gallery are available for those who wish to honour his memory. A Devendra Lal Photo Slideshow is also available in PDF and Keynote formats.
Lal's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists, as evidenced by the Devendra and Aruna Lal Fellowship, which he and his wife endowed to support creative and exceptional Scripps graduate students.
- Devendra Lal's pioneering research in cosmic ray physics and its applications extended beyond Earth, delving into medical-conditions, such as studying the effects of cosmic radiation on human health in space-and-astronomy.
- Recognizing the importance of lifelong learning and education-and-self-development, Lal established the Devendra and Aruna Lal Fellowship to support exceptionally creative graduate students, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future scientists.
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