Benton, George S., 1991-05-27

Oral history interview with George S. Benton, 1991. Interviewed by Earl Droessler. 3 sound cassettes (ca. 5 hrs.) : analog, mono + transcript (58 pgs.). AMS 73-75; two physical versions (one master, one copy). Forms part of American Meteorological Society Oral History Project. George S. Benton recalls his work for the Soil Conversation Service studying climatology in Ohio; his subsequent position as Observer for the Weather Bureau in 1939, and experiences in the aviation cadet program in meteorology, both as student and teacher, at the University of Chicago, 1942. He comments on the life and work of Rossby, both in designing university meteorology programs, and his immense influence on the science. He mentions his wartime role in the Operations Analysis Group for the Army Air Forces Weather Wing; describes the discovery of the jet stream by B-29 bombers; and recalls Ben Holzman's story about forecasting for the Trinity nuclear test. He remembers early attempts to forecast diffusion of radioactive fallout in the Northern Hemisphere; working for the Hydrometeorology Service; postwar teaching at Chicago and then Johns Hopkins. Next he describes the formation of ERL and ESSA and NOAA; his contribution to the establishment of laboratories, cooperative institutes, and research experiments like BOMEX. He reflects on the accomplishments of the American Meteorological Society; his association with the National Academy of Sciences; and the growing importance of UCAR and NCAR. Benton discusses science and national public policy with Earl Droessler; details his trip to the Soviet Union to investigate hail prevention efforts; and describes his appointment to the WMO, and a scientific trip to the People's Republic of China. He concludes by describing his youth and family, and recapping his career as a scientist.