Davis is situated in the Vestfold Hills — an ice-free area of about 400km2 of low-lying hilly country. The area is deeply indented by sea-inlets and studded with lakes and tarns of varying salinity.
Numerous islands fringe the coast with grounded icebergs beyond them. Davis is the largest coastal ice-free area in Antarctica, and has the greatest variety and number of lakes on the continent.
All activities at and around Davis are conducted to ensure environmental impacts are minimised.
One area in the region that merits special protection is Marine Plain, designated as an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) under the Antarctic Treaty System. Vulnerable to human impacts, the protection of this area is facilitated by the use of entry permits, and the requirement that all activities must be undertaken in accordance with the management plan for the area.
Davis wildlife
Wildlife seen at Davis includes: