The contribution of Alexander von Middendorff to the exploration of the Taymyr Peninsula in 1843

Abstract

Following a plan conceived by the arctic explorer K. M. Baer, which focused on a study of the limitations on growth in plants and animals as one proceeds north to and beyond the treeline, and with the support of the Imperial Russian Academy of Sciences, in 1843 Alexander von Middendorff mounted a remarkably successful expedition to the Taymyr Peninsula (Poluostrov Taymyr). Having established a base camp at Filipovskoye on the Boganida River, where members of the expedition carried out baseline studies in the areas of meteorology, botany, and zoology, Middendorff set off northward with a small party, travelling in company with nomadic Nenets reindeer herders. The party built a boat on the Verkhnaya Taymyra, then travelled down that river, across Lake Taymyr (Ozero Taymyr) and down the Nizhnaya Taymyra to the sea. Middendorff carried out a detailed survey of his route and collected geological, botanical, and zoological specimens. On the return route he almost died from starvation and exposure. His report on the results of the expedition represents a very impressive assemblage of data on the arctic environment, ranging from meteorology, geology, and permafrost studies to botany, zoology, and anthropology. It is appropriate to commemorate Middendorffs achievements on the 150th anniversary of his expedition.