![]() Homeward Bounders got a very warm welcome from everyone at Palmer and there were “guides” ready to show us the base. Gould carries helps scientist conduct marine research not only in the Antarctic Peninsula but all around the continent. ![]() Palmer transports both scientists and supplies to/from the base, and the Laurence M. Antarctic Program ships call into Palmer each season. Only 9 ships will have the chance to visit the station this season. We are quite lucky because the staff at Palmer has been very flexible with our timing, looking forward to our unique group of all women in science. Our tour gave us the opportunity to take a closer look. Seen from our boat, Palmer is a small community, with buildings of all shapes, sizes, and colors. People working at Palmer are very aware of the changes taking place. Randy mentioned that the glacier retreating behind the station has opened up a whole new area of land. The photo below shows a section of the glacier today. You can surely see the massive retreat of the glacier since 1975. This region of Antarctica has seen the fastest warming temperatures on earth and of course scientists are very interested in data related to climate change.īob and Randy shared the map below, which demonstrates the retreat of a glacier near Palmer, over a 35+ year span. Overall the Adelie population is shrinking, while populations of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins has been on the rise. While there used to be 15,000 nesting pairs of Adelies in this region, now only 1,900 nesting pairs remain. The Adelie penguin population is also closely monitored and of concern in the past few years because of its decline. ![]() They will use this small boat as a roving platform, enabling them to maneuver in the waters surrounding Palmer Station. They’ve been waiting for the ice to break free so they could go out to do some of their research. Scientists were preparing to head into the bay this morning. Whether collecting water samples, studying the temperature-salinity-current of the water, collecting sea creatures and fish to be studied, or monitoring/collecting other data…the science season at Palmer is a hectic period each year. Many instruments are deployed from zodiacs or small boats, which serve as moving platforms for science research. Divers are active at Palmer and the surrounding area, studying the benthic (bottom dwellers) creatures of the marine environment. Much of the research here revolves around marine science, but there is a whole array of work in physical and earth science as well. ![]() stations on the continent, located in Biscoe Bay, which is in the Bismarck Strait. Palmer Station is the farthest north of the U.S. Regardless of size, a great deal of great science research takes place here in the Antarctic Peninsula. stations…Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station (200 summer/50 winter) and McMurdo Station (1,000 summer/150 winter) this one is quite small. In the winter months, approximately 19 people (give or take depending on the needs of the station) call Palmer home during the long Antarctic winter. Throughout the summer season, October to nearly April here, approximately 45 people are stationed at Palmer as either science researchers or support staff helping to run the station. Located on Anvers Island (see map below), Palmer is occupied year-round. Several friends have worked there, so I had a bit of insight into life at this small station.įrom left to right: Randy, Bob (Palmer Station Manager), and Greg (our expedition leader). I have always wanted to visit Palmer Station. program and all of the amazing science research being done all over the continent and in the Southern Ocean. Antarctic Program has been such a huge part of my teaching career and it’s been a huge honor to represent three research projects as a member of education outreach and science communication teams. All of my previous science research education outreach work has been with the U.S Antarctic Program although I’ve been located at McMurdo Station, on the other side of the continent. As Station Manager Bob Farrell and lab manager Randy came on board our ship this morning, I felt a part of what they were introducing the Homeward Bound group to here at Palmer. Today’s visit to Palmer Station felt a bit like home to me. A Visit to Palmer Station…Felt a Bit Like Home
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