How did the Fram expedition improve knowledge of the Arctic Ocean?

The Fram expedition (1893–1896), led by Fridtjof Nansen, significantly advanced scientific understanding of the Arctic Ocean through a daring approach: intentionally freezing a specially designed ship into the pack ice to drift across the polar basin.12

Key contributions included:

• Discovery of a Deep Basin: Contrary to the popular belief that the Arctic Ocean was shallow, Nansen’s soundings revealed depths between 11,000 and 13,000 feet (3,300 to 4,000 meters). These findings marked the true discovery of the deep North Polar Basin.2
• Scientific Data Collection: The expedition yielded a "formidable amount of scientific data" regarding the drift of the ice, water conditions, and bottom contours of the ocean.12
• Validation of Drift Theories: By successfully navigating the Fram through the ice and emerging near Svalbard, Nansen proved that a vessel could survive the pressures of the ice pack, providing a stable base for long-term scientific investigation.12

This expedition stood as the primary source of knowledge regarding the Arctic Ocean's depths and dynamics until the 1930s.2