Mesoscale oceanic circulation patterns are reasonably well-known. The extent of sea ice is highly variable in the area, with particularly severe ice conditions occurring roughly every seven to 10 years and lasting two to three years. The station consists of two major and several smaller buildings. Peak population is 43, including support personnel. Many Palmer-based research projects are undertaken in conjunction with the research ship Polar Duke.
Small boats support research near the station.
Adelie penguins dominate the seabird assemblage, but the islands and points of land in the area also support chinstrap penguins and south polar skuas. About 12,000 pairs of Adelie penguins are distributed among five main island rookeries within two miles of the station. The Adelies from Palmer Station are believed to winter in the pack ice of the Bellingshausen Sea near Palmer. About 600 pairs of south polar skuas reside on about a dozen islands in the vicinity. Our general approach capitalizes on populations of seabirds that are easily accessible near Palmer Station during a prolonged breeding season, and that sample the marine environment.