The Soviet Expedition to the Central Arctic, 1954

Abstract

Contains account based on published Russian material. An historical outline of expeditions to the central Arctic between 1937 and 1950 is given. The 1954 expedition, undertaken by the Soviet government and directed by V.F. Burkhanov, consisted of two drift stations (central Arctic station directed by A.F. Treshnikov, eastern Arctic by E.I. Tolstikov), "The High Latitudes Air Expedition" (under M.E. Ostrekin), and regular meteorological and ice observation flights of "flying laboratories" along the edge of the expedition area. Expedition started in Mar. 1954. Establishment on the ice pack of drift stations North Pole-3 and North Pole-4, their living conditions and equipment are described, with illustrations. The air expedition made about 12 landings in the North Pole region and completed its work in July 1954. Little is known of the meteorological flights. Personnel connected with the expedition are listed. An outline of scientific results in oceanography and hydrography (with description of the Lomonosov Range and other topographic features of the Arctic Basin floor), distribution and drift of ice, meteorology, and terrestrial magnetism is given.