Final answer:
The author embarked on the Arctic expedition with the ship 'Fram' for scientific exploration, aiming to reach the North Pole by utilizing the ocean currents and possible sled travel, eventually turning back and focusing on survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author of 'Adrift on an Ice-Pan' set out on the trip that led to him being stranded due to a combination of professional duty and exploration.
In 1893, Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen embarked on a journey toward the North Pole with the ship 'Fram'.
The purpose of the expedition was scientific exploration, taking advantage of the Arctic Ocean currents to reach the geographic North Pole.
Nansen and his team were prepared for various outcomes, including the potential to travel by sleds over the ice if necessary.
Approximately 400 miles short of their goal, Nansen and his colleague Johansen turned back, facing the harsh reality of survival in the icy wilderness.