Newton, Oliver 1973-07-10
Oliver Newton, agricultural meteorologist, relates the history and function of his branch of meteorology. He expresses attitudes toward weather modification and current meteorological and agricultural research projects.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Oliver Newton
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: July 10, 1973
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 55 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Background, early life,
Work with Weather Service examined,
World War II experience in research with atomic radiation mentioned,
Origin, function of Agricultural Weather Service,
Policy, attitude toward long-range forecasting expressed,
Discussion of private weather consultants,
Anecdote on misguided report concerning Texas hurricane,
Relationship to news media expressed,
Attitude toward weather modification given,
Comments on limits of hail suppression, rain increase,
Russian experiments mentioned,
Hail suppression (continued).
Tape 1, Side 2: 1950s drought remembered,
Retention of soil moisture examined,
Events of career traced,
Function of agricultural advisory meteorologist explained,
Relationships between plant breeding and weather explored,
Efforts to decrease evaporation on the Plains discussed,
Water recharge and alternatives studied,
Irrigation problems examined,
Water importation cost cited,
Plains water problem discussed.
Range Dates: 1940s-1973
Bulk Dates: 1950s-1973
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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