Biosphere 2

 

The story sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel – researchers locked in a closed dome (Biosphere) for 2 years to study the complex interactions of life systems with the possible use in space colonization – except that it really happened.

 

I have a vague memory of seeing a newscast back in 1993 as the doors of the Biosphere 2 (Earth is considered Biosphere 1) were opened and the 8 researchers emerged from their two years of isolation. Beyond that I remember very little about the project. The Hippygeek however, who is more science oriented, remembers more detail of the controversial experiment and was excited to visit the famed Biosphere now that it was opened to the public.

 

above: The fog desert biome.

 

The 200 million dollar experiment was controversial because of skepticism regarding the credentials of the researchers, the questionable research projects involved, politics and management disputes. Opinions of the project ranged from “the most exciting scientific project to be undertaken in the U.S. since President John F. Kennedy launched us toward the moon”  to  ” New Age drivel masquerading as science”.

 

above: The ocean and coral reef biome.

 

The Biosphere was designed with the following biomes; a rainforest, an ocean, a mangrove, a savannah, a fog desert, an agricultural system and a human habitat. The Biospherians were to grow their own food, recycle all water and waste and manage oxygen and carbon dioxide using plant material.

 

above: The dining room for the Biospherians.

 

During the first year of their confinement, the Biosperians lost significant weight and adjustments had to be made to improve food production. Their was also difficulty in maintaining the O2 and C02 levels. And, just like in the TV show Survivor, the researchers had interpersonal difficulties which divided them into two factions within the first year.

 

above: The Biospherians kitchen.

 

A second 10 month project starting in 1994 ended early due to management disputes. Since that time, the facility has had numerous owners and management and has even been considered for a housing development and resort. It’s long politically plagued history has finally come to a resolution with the purchase of the facility by the University of Arizona this year to be used for environmental research.

 

above: The mangrove biome.

 

We were able to tour each of the biomes although the biome where the researchers grew their food is now undergoing a transformation into a soil erosion research area.

 

above: Fruit trees from the original experiment are still growing.

 

The ocean tank could be viewed from above and below with underground windows and included an educational area for children. The fog desert and savannah had projects set up looking at plant mortality in response to climate change. I imagined the human habitat to be small and sparse but turned out to be quite spacious and nice.

 

above: Barrels with plants for evaluating plant mortality in different environments.

 

The most impressive area of the facility was in the basement. The complex heating, cooling, water recycling and “lungs” of the facility were overwhelming and it took a full staff to maintain the whole system while the Biospherians were living there. The tour guide took us down a small tunnel buried deep below the building which led to the “lungs”. Because it was a closed system, giant “lungs” or rooms with diaphrams had to be developed to accommodate for the expansion and contraction of the building during temperature changes. He opened a door to allow the pressure to change and we watched as the giant diaphram (it looked more like a flying saucer) decended from the ceiling toward the floor. To me, the facilities management seemed like a bigger project than the ones that were being carried out above ground.

 

below: In the “bowels” of the building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

above: Inside one of the building’s two “lungs”. The diaphram can be seen above.

 

Despite it’s dubious beginnings and unstable history, hopefully the results from this giant science project will teach human beings how to better manage their interactions and environments.

 

 

“In most people’s minds, Biosphere 2 was a fabulously expensive failure, a $200 million earth-in-a-bottle that choked on carbon dioxide and was overrun by ants.” Brandon Keim

“In our view, Biosphere 2 was a tremendous success,” Many people don’t realize that hundreds of papers were written about it.” Bill Dempster

 

 

 

 

 

 

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