Biosphere 2 is an experimental facility located in Tucson, Arizona. The heart of the facility is the glass dome housing 3.14 acres of land. Within the dome there are five major regions, each region attempting to model a major biome on the earth. The aim of the facility is to study the climatic changes going on in the earth and their effects on the various biomes. Although a profit organization, it has been leased to the University of Arizona for conducting their research experiments for an astonishing $100 a year. The major biomes modeled in Biosphere 2 are the ocean with coral reef, tropical rain forests, savannah, desert and orchards. The climate within each biome needs to be akin to the climate of the biome on planet Earth. Hence the climate within the dome needs to be maintained carefully and meticulously, with temperature and air quality (humidity, dust particles etc) being two important variables to control. To maintain the needed climate the Biosphere 2 houses an impressive and wide array of instruments.
Modeling the various regions of the earth is no small feat. The Biosphere 2 has done a remarkable job in identifying the key biomes and their characteristics and recreating them in a limited space. The technical aspects and instruments involved in controlling the climate inside the dome is immensely complex and it’s amazing to see the lengths they have gone in doing so. Two of the biomes that struck me were the tropical rain forest and the orchards. As I entered the tropical rainforest the air was a few degrees cooler and humid. The air was filled with the scent of plants that it was so refreshing. The orchard contained a number of fruit trees and it was a wonderful sight seeing the fruits hanging at various stages of ripening. The fruits looked so fresh and colourful.
Modeling the various regions of the earth is no small feat. The Biosphere 2 has done a remarkable job in identifying the key biomes and their characteristics and recreating them in a limited space. The technical aspects and instruments involved in controlling the climate inside the dome is immensely complex and it’s amazing to see the lengths they have gone in doing so. Two of the biomes that struck me were the tropical rain forest and the orchards. As I entered the tropical rainforest the air was a few degrees cooler and humid. The air was filled with the scent of plants that it was so refreshing. The orchard contained a number of fruit trees and it was a wonderful sight seeing the fruits hanging at various stages of ripening. The fruits looked so fresh and colourful.
A visit to the Biosphere 2 got me thinking about the vastness and diversity of the earth. The various natural phenomena on earth over centuries have sustained mankind. Its time to be gracious and grateful and reflect upon the damages caused by man on our environment. Its time for us to act, and to do our bit in reciprocation. On the whole the Biosphere 2 is a commendable experimental facility and a refreshing sight amidst the Arizona desert land.
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