German Atlantic Expedition

German oceanographic survey

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June 29, 2026

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The German Atlantic Expedition, conducted from 1925 to 1927 aboard the research vessel Meteor, was a groundbreaking oceanographic survey. This expedition, led by German oceanographer Georg Wüst, was the first to study an entire ocean basin and remains one of the most extensive oceanographic surveys ever undertaken.12

The Meteor traversed the South Atlantic 14 times, using sonar to map the seafloor and measuring salinity and temperature at various depths. The data collected allowed Wüst to develop the first comprehensive understanding of the Atlantic Ocean's physical structure and deep circulation, revealing its complex temperature and salinity stratification. This expedition established Germany as a leader in marine research.12

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Georg Wüst
…as chief oceanographer on the German Atlantic (1925–27) expedition. He was also in charge of the International Gulf Stream (1938) expedition. The Atlantic expedition, conducted from the research vessel “Meteor,” was the first study of an entire ocean, and it remains one of the most extensive oceanographic surveys ever undertaken.…
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…as chief oceanographer on the German Atlantic (1925–27) expedition. He was also in charge of the International Gulf Stream (1938) expedition. The Atlantic expedition, conducted from the research vessel “Meteor,” was the first study of an entire ocean, and it remains one of the most extensive oceanographic surveys ever undertaken.…
Read More