A 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE RUSSIAN GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY EXPEDITION TO KAMCHATKA (1908–1910)

Vladimir Kotlyakov

doi:10.24057/2071-9388-2010-3-2-4

Abstract

For three centuries, the main task of geography in Russia was gathering information about the geographical features of the country. The unique image of the Russian Geographical Society (RGS) is largely due to its expeditionary activities. The RGS Kamchatka Complex Expedition of 1908-1910 was to explore and examine the flora and fauna of the Kamchatka peninsula, mainly in the area of volcanoes. The expedition to Kamchatka played a significant role in promoting science in the Russian Far East. Important scientific and public institutions were founded in this region as a result of this endeavor. Two institutions directly associated with the expedition are the Kamchatka branch of the RGS and the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences). These institutions are important members of the Russian scientific community and are well known around the world.

Highlights

For three centuries, the main task of geography in Russia was gathering information about the geographical features of the country
Baer and Admiral F.P
Head of the 1826–1829 Novaya Zemlya and around-the-world expeditions) joined the circle. These meetings were the predecessors of the Russian Geographical Society (RSG)

Summary

Introduction

The main task of geography in Russia was gathering information about the geographical features of the country. In 1843, a circle of statisticians and explorers, under the leadership of an outstanding statistician and ethnographer P.I. Keppen, began to gather regularly in St. Petersburg to discuss issues relating to statistical and geographical surveying of the territory of Russia. The famous naturalist and explorer K.M. Baer (his name is reflected in the names of the Caspian lowland landscape features, i.e., Baer mounds) and Admiral F.P. Litke These meetings were the predecessors of the Russian Geographical Society (RSG).

Results

Conclusion