doi:10.7916/d8-pz16-3v34Oral history interview with Jack E. Oliver 1997Oliver, J. E. (Jack Ertle), 1923-2011oral historiessound recordingssound recording - nonmusicalSeismologySeismometersOliver, J. E. (Jack Ertle), 1923-2011Columbia UniversityLamont-Doherty Earth ObservatoryChildhood, Massillon, Ohio: influence of football coach, Eagle Scout, early interest in physical sciences; United States Naval Reserve 1943-46; Columbia College: Physics B.S. 1947, summer work at Naval Research Laboratory 1947, M.A. 1950, Ph.D. 1953; work with Maurice Ewing on atmospheric acoustics and geophysics, thesis on seismology; Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory [LDEO]: social life, sports, continental drift debate, work on Arctic sea ice, innovation in two dimensional model seismology, influence of Russian work, mid-1950s surface wave research, influence of Ewing’s empiricism; International Geophysical Year: installation of worldwide network of long-period seismographs; involvement with nuclear test ban treaty; seismology and plate tectonics; growth of seismology department at LDEO: design of seismology building; uppermantle project at National Science Foundation; Seismological Society of America President 1964-65; development of LDEO seminars; women in seismology; chairman of LDEO geology department 1969-71; move to Cornell University 1971; lunar seismograph program.