Papers concern his career at Lehigh University, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Geophysical Observatory, and the University of Texas. They document his research in marine geophysics, particularly submarine topography, crustal thickness, turbidity currents, and sediment mapping, using seismology, gravity measurement, photography, coring, and other methods. Ewing is well-known for his theory of ice ages, his exploration of mid-ocean ridges, and his work in geophysical instrumentation. Includes material from his student days at Rice University. Papers include correspondence, manuscripts of publications and lectures, shipboard notes and logs, research notes, notes on conferences, administrative records, teaching material, and photographs.