Meteor Expedition
In what was the first modern oceanographic survey, 123 German officers, scientists, and crew crossed the Atlantic 13 times during 1925-27. They completed a complex study devised by Alfred Merz, which included over 67,000 soundings and documented currents, slinity, temperature, oxygen, etc. They also conducted plankton tows, collected bottom samples, and did atmospheric and geologic studies. The Notgemeinschaft der Deutschen Wissenschaft issued two ribboned silver medals (the second added a laurel wreath at the suspension).
I recently encountered this 40 mm medallion with the same design, which bears the mark of the Bavarian state mint on the edge. Does anybody know if this is yet another award or a commemorative piece with more general distribution?
A postscript: Merz planned a major exploration of the Pacific but had to abandon the project as the German economic depression killed financial support for the project.
[ 19 August 2001: Message edited by: Histaria ]
I recently encountered this 40 mm medallion with the same design, which bears the mark of the Bavarian state mint on the edge. Does anybody know if this is yet another award or a commemorative piece with more general distribution?
A postscript: Merz planned a major exploration of the Pacific but had to abandon the project as the German economic depression killed financial support for the project.
[ 19 August 2001: Message edited by: Histaria ]