Biosphere 2

A Visitors Guide
Emma Wride 10017593

Fig 1 Biosphere 2 Overlooked by the Santa Catalina Mountains

Biosphere 2 is a centre dedicated to Earth science research and education. A hours drive from Tucson, in Oracle, Arizona it is one of the worlds greatest engineering achievements. Situated 1,300 metres above sea level, at the base of the impressive Santa Catalina Mountains, Biosphere 2 is encompassed by a natural desert preservation area as shown in fig 1. The facility was built on land that in the 19th century, the 12707 square metre area was part of the Samaniego CDO Ranch. Now owned by the University of Arizona the centre is funded by the National Science Foundation as well as support from various grants and awards. Research projects and outreach programmes are achievable thanks to the generosity of the Philecology Foundation. The name Biosphere 2 was derived from the basis of planet Earth being the first biosphere. This mini ecosystem is enclosed under 203,881 cubic metres of sealed glass and 6,500 windows. Containing complex systems such as: Tropical rain forest, Ocean with a coral reef, Mangrove wetlands, Savannah grasslands, Fog desert The facility has 2 divisions; Biosphere 2 Earth Science where research teams investigate problems such as: Climate change, Origins of life, Growth and evolution Work is being developed on new isotope systems used to study ore deposits and tectonic processes that shaped Mexico. Biosphere 2 Institute research teams work includes: Quantum optomechanics, Atomic physics Theoretical quantum optics,

ultracold science These broad ranges of scientific fields combine the expertise of interdisciplinary talents conducting impressive scientific challenges, committed to understanding Earth and its future. Biosphere 2 has 1,742,400 square feet campus containing classrooms, offices and a conference centre dedicated to education, teaching and lifelong learning concerning planet Earth and issues related to systems on Earth. The centre is a flexible implement for: Industry, Planning and Management, Government, Public, Students and Teachers

Tour of Biosphere 2

Fig 2 Biosphere 2 Map Layout of the guided tour

Human Habitat The tour starts with the habitat kitchen. Here you will discover how the Biospherians lived, producing their own food, recycling their human waste into water and growing their own crops. Savannah Grasslands This area is split into 4 sectors Upper Savannah, Lower Savannah, Granite Slope and Quartzite Slope. A variety of grass species from the Florida Everglades along with vegetation from forests including various Acacia species are used to study atmospheric chemical balance. This scaled down version of the tropical savannahs imitates the biodiversity of these systems. Coastal Fog Desert This region was designed to replicate deserts such as the Baja California Peninsular found on the Pacific. The 1,400 square metre area is used for ecological research. Technosphere This section generates the condensate water, maintains humidity levels, removes particles from the air as well as heating and cooling the air to maintain the proper conditions for the living organisms. The mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems found here supply continuous power that responds in minuets to changes in the environment. Ocean 2,600000 litres is required to maintain 15 species of fish along with a variety of algae and invertebrate species. This unique system with its own coral reef allows biological and chemical research to be carried out that is difficult in these natural systems. Tropical Rainforest

Designed on the Venezuelan rainforest over a 150 species of plants allow research on topics such as climate change. Lungs These are used to control the air pressure expanding and contracting, this is necessary to stop Biosphere 2 exploding or imploding.

Directions to Biosphere 2
From the centre of Tucson Travel north to highway 77 and turn right at mile post 96.5. From Tucson International Airport Travel South-East to S Tucson Blvd, continue to S Park Avenue, follow directions to Miracle Mile then proceed to Oracle Road and turn right at mile post 96.5 From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Follow signs to interstate 10 East, proceed to highway 387 and travel towards highway 79 then turn left for highway 77, drive for 6 miles then take the turning for mile post 96.5

Fig 3 Map and Directions to Biosphere 2

References
Information for this visitors guide was taken from www.b2science.org/ - United States Fig 1 ctcd.group.shef.ac.uk Fig 2 geo.tcu.edu Fig 3 b2science.org