Otto Neumann Sverdrup

Sverdrup, Otto Neumann

 Otto Neumann Sverdrup, arctic explorer (b at Bindal, Norway 31 Oct 1854; d at Oslo 26 Nov 1930). An experienced sailor and outdoorsman, he was introduced to arctic travel by Fridtjof Nansen, who invited him in 1888 to ski across Greenland's interior. From 1893 to 1896 Sverdrup was captain of Nansen's ship Fram when it made its celebrated drift across the top of the world. Sverdrup is known chiefly for his expedition to the ELLESMERE I area between 1898 and 1902. During 4 winters in the ice he discovered several islands W of Ellesmere and mapped large portions of the High Arctic. Eventually Canada claimed this territory and purchased Sverdrup's maps.