Which of these vessels was NOT part of the 1850-51 British Arctic expedition searching for Sir John Franklin?
- Resolute
- Assistance
- Terror
- Intrepid
Correct Answer: Terror
Correct Answer Explanation: The Terror was one of the two ships that were part of Sir John Franklin’s expedition in 1845, and it was lost in the Arctic ice. The 1850-51 expedition was searching for Franklin’s ships, including the Terror.
The 1850-51 expedition was the first to discover the first winter quarters of Sir John Franklin’s expedition. Where was this site?
- Beechey Island
- Griffith’s Island
- Wolstenholme Sound
- Melville Bay
Correct Answer: Beechey Island
Correct Answer Explanation: The 1850-51 expedition made a major discovery by finding Franklin’s first winter quarters on Beechey Island. This discovery confirmed that the ships had not been lost at sea.
What type of ship provided a significant advantage in navigating the treacherous Arctic ice?
- Sailing ships
- Steam vessels
- Brigs
- Schooners
Correct Answer: Steam vessels
Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition used steam-powered vessels like the Intrepid and Pioneer. These ships had a significant advantage over sailing ships, as they could cut through ice with greater ease and speed, allowing them to maneuver more effectively in the challenging Arctic ice conditions.
What did the expedition discover that revealed details about the crew’s activities during their first winter?
- Navigation logs
- Personal journals
- Artifacts and graves
- Written messages
Correct Answer: Artifacts and graves
Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition discovered artifacts and graves on Beechey Island. These discoveries revealed information about the crew’s activities and the hardships they faced during their first winter in the Arctic.
What was the name of the vessel that was notoriously slow and difficult to maneuver in the ice?
- Resolute
- Assistance
- Intrepid
- Pioneer
Correct Answer: Resolute
Correct Answer Explanation: The Resolute was a sturdy sailing ship, but its heavy build and blunt bow made it difficult to break through ice, hindering its speed and maneuverability, often slowing down the expedition.
What is a large, flat sheet of floating ice called?
- Pack ice
- Iceblink
- Land-floe
- Floe
Correct Answer: Floe
Correct Answer Explanation: A floe is a large, flat sheet of floating ice. It is one of the many forms of sea ice that the expedition had to navigate through.
What is a dense mass of ice formed by the pressure of floes together called?
- Bay ice
- Floe
- Pack ice
- Land-floe
Correct Answer: Pack ice
Correct Answer Explanation: Pack ice is a dense mass of ice formed by the pressure of floes together. It can be incredibly difficult to navigate through, as it is constantly shifting and can crush ships.
What is a thin sheet of ice that forms in sheltered bays called?
- Pack ice
- Bay ice
- Land-floe
- Iceblink
Correct Answer: Bay ice
Correct Answer Explanation: Bay ice is a thin sheet of ice that forms in sheltered bays. It is often less dense and more easily broken than other types of ice, making it easier for ships to navigate.
What is a white glare on the horizon caused by the reflection of light off ice called?
- Iceblink
- Pack ice
- Land-floe
- Floe
Correct Answer: Iceblink
Correct Answer Explanation: Iceblink is a white glare on the horizon caused by the reflection of light off ice. It is a useful sign for explorers, as it indicates the presence of ice in the distance.
What are parallel ridges of snow formed by wind erosion called?
- Sastrugi
- Iceblink
- Pack ice
- Floe
Correct Answer: Sastrugi
Correct Answer Explanation: Sastrugi are parallel ridges of snow formed by wind erosion. They can make travel difficult, as they can be difficult to traverse, and they can also make it difficult to identify features in the landscape.
The expedition discovered that the “North Star” wintered in Wolstenholme Sound in 1849. How was this discovery confirmed?
- A written message found in a cairn
- Local Esquimaux reported seeing the ship
- The expedition’s navigation logs
- A personal journal entry from a crew member
Correct Answer: Local Esquimaux reported seeing the ship
Correct Answer Explanation: The expedition confirmed that the “North Star” wintered in Wolstenholme Sound in 1849 through reports from local Esquimaux, who had seen the ship and its crew. This confirms the importance of communication and interaction with the indigenous people in the Arctic region.
The expedition learned that the Esquimaux of Greenland are peaceful people with strong family ties. What aspect of their culture reinforces this?
- Their hunting methods
- Their unique clothing
- Their respect for the marriage bond
- Their winter dwellings
Correct Answer: Their respect for the marriage bond
Correct Answer Explanation: The Esquimaux of Greenland show a strong respect for the marriage bond and family ties. This is a key aspect of their culture that demonstrates their peaceful and family-oriented nature.
What is a hidden store of food or supplies called?
- Cache
- Cairn
- Land-floe
- Floe
Correct Answer: Cache
Correct Answer Explanation: A cache is a hidden store of food or supplies. It is important for explorers to have caches, as they can provide food and supplies during times of need.
What is a pile of stones used as a landmark or a place to mark a grave called?
- Cairn
- Cache
- Land-floe
- Floe
Correct Answer: Cairn
Correct Answer Explanation: A cairn is a pile of stones used as a landmark or a place to mark a grave. They can be helpful for navigation, as they can provide a visual reference point in the landscape.
What is a dried meat and fat mixture used as a food source for Arctic travelers called?
- Pemmican
- Cache
- Cairn
- Sastrugi
Correct Answer: Pemmican
Correct Answer Explanation: Pemmican is a dried meat and fat mixture used as a food source for Arctic travelers. It is highly nutritious and can be stored for long periods, making it a valuable food source for expeditions.
What is a narrow space between two pieces of ice where pressure is exerted called?
- Nip
- Pack ice
- Land-floe
- Floe
Correct Answer: Nip
Correct Answer Explanation: A nip is a narrow space between two pieces of ice where pressure is exerted. It can be extremely dangerous for ships, as it can crush them.
What happened to the “Pioneer” that resulted in several broken timbers and a deep dent in the hull?
- It was crushed by pack ice
- It ran aground on a shoal
- It was damaged by a severe nip in the ice
- It was struck by a rogue wave
Correct Answer: It was damaged by a severe nip in the ice
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Pioneer” was damaged by a severe nip in the ice, causing structural damage to the ship. This demonstrates the dangers of navigating through the ice and highlights the need for sturdy vessels.
What was the name of the American expedition that offered to share their provisions with the British expedition?
- The Grinnell Expedition
- The De Haven Expedition
- The Franklin Expedition
- The Ross Expedition
Correct Answer: The De Haven Expedition
Correct Answer Explanation: The De Haven Expedition, led by Lieutenant De Haven, was equipped by Henry Grinnell. The Americans generously offered to share their provisions with the British expedition, showing the spirit of international cooperation and support in the search for Franklin.
What was the name of the person who was a generous merchant who funded the De Haven Expedition?
- Lieutenant De Haven
- Adam Beck
- Henry Grinnell
- Sherard Osborn
Correct Answer: Henry Grinnell
Correct Answer Explanation: Henry Grinnell was a generous merchant who funded the De Haven Expedition, demonstrating his dedication to the search for Franklin.
The British and American expeditions signed a bond not to claim a £20,000 reward for finding Franklin. What does this demonstrate about their motivations?
- They were primarily focused on the scientific discoveries
- They were motivated by the potential for glory
- They were motivated by the desire to find Franklin’s crew
- They were motivated by the financial reward
Correct Answer: They were motivated by the desire to find Franklin’s crew
Correct Answer Explanation: The British and American expeditions signed a bond not to claim the reward, showing their selfless dedication to the search for Franklin and his men. They were driven by a humanitarian desire to find survivors, not by financial gain or personal glory.
What was the main reason for the “North Star” returning to England in 1850?
- It was damaged by ice
- It had run out of supplies
- It had failed to cross Baffin’s Bay in 1849
- It had found Franklin’s ships
Correct Answer: It had failed to cross Baffin’s Bay in 1849
Correct Answer Explanation: The “North Star” was unable to cross Baffin’s Bay in 1849, forcing it to return to England. In 1850, the “North Star” successfully navigated Baffin’s Bay and proceeded to Lancaster Sound.
What was the average speed of the “Pioneer” when it was steaming alone?
- 10 miles per hour
- 5 miles per hour
- 2 miles per hour
- 1 mile per hour
Correct Answer: 5 miles per hour
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Pioneer” could steam at a speed of five miles per hour when alone, making it a significantly faster vessel than the sailing ships.
How many tons of coal did the “Pioneer” and “Intrepid” carry in total?
- 100 tons
- 260 tons
- 500 tons
- 1000 tons
Correct Answer: 260 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Pioneer” and “Intrepid” carried a combined dead weight of 260 tons of coal, which was sufficient to tow the ships for over 3,000 miles.
The “Resolute” carried a crew of how many souls?
- 10 souls
- 30 souls
- 60 souls
- 100 souls
Correct Answer: 60 souls
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Resolute” carried a crew of 60 souls, including officers, seamen, and marines.
How many tons of coal did the “Intrepid” and “Pioneer” consume per day?
- 1 ton
- 3 tons
- 7 tons
- 10 tons
Correct Answer: 7 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Intrepid” and “Pioneer” consumed seven tons of coal per day, highlighting the importance of having a steady supply of fuel for the steam vessels.
How many ships were in the Arctic squadron?
- 4 ships
- 8 ships
- 12 ships
- 16 ships
Correct Answer: 8 ships
Correct Answer Explanation: The Arctic squadron consisted of eight ships, including two sailing ships, two steam vessels, and four brigs. This shows the scale and effort of the search for Franklin.
What was the total number of men involved in the search for Franklin?
- 100 men
- 200 men
- 500 men
- 1000 men
Correct Answer: 500 men
Correct Answer Explanation: The total number of men involved in the search for Franklin was over 500, including both British and American sailors. This highlights the widespread effort dedicated to finding Franklin’s lost expedition.
How many ships were lost in the whaling fleet in one disastrous year?
- 5 ships
- 10 ships
- 15 ships
- 28 ships
Correct Answer: 28 ships
Correct Answer Explanation: The whaling fleet was diminished by 28 ships in one disastrous year, highlighting the inherent dangers of the Arctic whale fishery and the harsh conditions faced by those working in the region.
How long were the ice-saws used to cut docks in the ice?
- 5 feet
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
- 20 feet
Correct Answer: 10 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The ice-saws used to cut docks in the ice were ten feet long, allowing for quick and efficient work.
How wide was the land-floe in Melville Bay?
- 5 miles
- 10 miles
- 20 miles
- 30 miles
Correct Answer: 30 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The land-floe in Melville Bay was 30 miles wide, posing a significant obstacle to the expedition and demonstrating the vast scale of the ice formations in the Arctic.
How many duck eggs were collected from one island?
- 50 duck eggs
- 100 duck eggs
- 170 duck eggs
- 200 duck eggs
Correct Answer: 170 duck eggs
Correct Answer Explanation: One hundred and seventy duck eggs were collected from one island, showing the abundance of animal life in these northern regions.
What was used to kill a bear by the expedition?
- A rifle
- A shotgun
- A waistcoat button and a knife blade
- A spear
Correct Answer: A waistcoat button and a knife blade
Correct Answer Explanation: A bear was killed with a waistcoat button and a knife blade, demonstrating the ingenuity of the crew in making do with limited resources and adapting to the challenges of the Arctic environment.
How long was the “Pioneer” beset in Melville Bay?
- 10 days
- 20 days
- 30 days
- 40 days
Correct Answer: 40 days
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Pioneer” was beset in Melville Bay for 40 days, highlighting the challenges of navigating the pack ice and the importance of patience and resilience when facing harsh conditions.
What happened to the “Pioneer” during a severe nip in the ice?
- It was crushed
- It was damaged
- It was lifted and pushed over the floe
- It was sunk
Correct Answer: It was lifted and pushed over the floe
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Pioneer” was lifted and pushed over the floe during a severe nip, showing the power and unpredictability of the Arctic ice. This highlights the immense forces at work and the need for careful navigation.
What was the purpose of the “North Star” wintering in Wolstenholme Sound in 1850?
- To search for Franklin’s ships
- To provide a base for the expedition
- To map the area
- To collect scientific data
Correct Answer: To provide a base for the expedition
Correct Answer Explanation: The “North Star” wintered in Wolstenholme Sound in 1850, providing a base for the expedition, allowing them to resupply and prepare for their continued search for Franklin.
How many miles did the “Pioneer” travel in 58 days during the spring journey?
- 100 miles
- 250 miles
- 500 miles
- 1000 miles
Correct Answer: 500 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Pioneer” traveled 500 miles in 58 days during the spring journey, showing the endurance of the crew and the effectiveness of their sledges, particularly considering the challenging conditions of the Arctic.