Martin Knudsen - the oceanographer

Martin Knudsen was introduced to hydrography (i.e., physical oceanography) when, at a young age, he was appointed to undertake the physical and chemical investiga­tions on the Danish "Ingolf" expedition in 1895 and 1896 to the waters around Iceland and western Greenland. He was a Danish Delegate to the Stockholm Conference, which entrusted him with the task of an experimental revision of the existing hydro- graphical tables. This work resulted in Knudsen’s Hydrographical Tables, used the world over for three-quarters of a century. Knudsen introduced the use of standard seawater for salinity determinations, and was in charge of the Standard Seawater Service from 1908 to 1948. He designed new versions of instruments, such as burettes, pipettes, reversing thermometers, water bottles, and bottom samplers. Knudsen was attached to ICES Headquarters from 1902 to 1948 in various capacities: Hydrographical Assistant, editor, Hydrographic Consultant, and Chef du Service Hydrographique. He was a Danish Delegate to the Council during 1902-1947, Vice- President during 1933-1947, and Chair of the Hydrography Committee from its estab­lishment in 1925 until 1947.

Article from Marine Science Symposia Vol. 215 - 100 years of science under ICES. To access the remaining articles please click on the keyword "MSS Volume 215".