Somov, Mikhail Mikhailovich (1908–1973)

Somov, Mikhail Mikhailovich (1908–1973) – was a Soviet oceanologist, polar explorer, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, and Hero of the Soviet Union. In 1928 he started to work as a turner in a mechanical workshop of Far Eastern University and in 1929 entered shipbuilding department of Far Eastern Polytechnic University (FEPU) but, however, did not finish his studies, returning to the mechanical workshop. In 1933 took a job in Pacific Research Fisheries Centre (TINRO) and spent 6-month sailing on the vessels of scientific expeditions. After that S. resumed his studies on the second course of FEPU and took a job in the Directorate for Navigation Security. In 1937 graduated from Moscow Hydroreclamation Institute and was sent to Central Forecast Institute, where he continued his studies of the North Cape Current thermal regime. Since 1938, when he participated in ice reconnaissance for the first time, S. casts in his lot with the Arctic Region. In 1939 S. took part in convoying of “Josef...