Alexander Fedorovich Middendorf (1815-1894)

A polar explorer, geographer, zoologist, botanist, and a pioneer of permafrost science. During his expedition to Northern Siberia from 1842 to 1845, he discovered the Putorana Plateau and became the first explorer of the Shantar Islands. He covered most of his northern routes with sled dogs. Middendorf's account of the expedition was the most comprehensive natural history description of Siberia at the time.