Biosphere 2, Part 1 |
Just north of Tucson, on land that was formerly a ranch, sits a unique Earth systems science research facility called Biosphere 2. The name is derived from Biosphere 1 — the Earth. The initial mission was to provide a completely enclosed habitat which would sustain a crew of humans with absolutely no provisions provided from outside — in a way, a simulation of what a trip to Mars would require. The view in this photo, along the path leading to the tour starting point, shows the beautiful surrounding countryside and a few support buildings. The facility was threatened with being bulldozed because of the challenges in operating it but currently the University of Arizona is in charge — doing ongoing biological experiments which can only be done in a facility this size.
|
Biosphere 2, in some ways, resembles a giant greenhouse. This stair-step, truncated pyramid actually encloses the tropical rainforest. On close examination, you will note that all that dark green stuff under the glass is actually living plants.
|
Continuing along the path to the tour starting point, we encounter a nice view of the crew living quarters and the "West Lung" — more on both buildings shortly.
|
Another view of the exterior of the tropical rainforest — one that is a good appetizer for the tour which is about to begin.
|
A closer view of the crew living quarters. The first mission consisted of eight members who were sealed into Biosphere 2 for two years. When you enter the door (slightly to the left of center) you note that it looks like a hatch on a submarine which must be completely sealed — and, in fact, the crew was sealed in.
|
The loft area above was a favorite meeting place for the crew — and they usually would share one meal a day up there. The view was quite nice and, psychologically, it put a small distance between themselves and the hardship they endured in the rest of the facility.
|
The first area toured is the tropical rainforest. It is warm, it is misty. The only thing lacking is the call of the wild animals that inhabit most rainforests.
|
There are spots along the path that really do take you to Brazil (which is the rainforest the planners attempted to copy).
|
On my initial glance, I thought the bright orange thing might be a snake — but it was actually just a brightly colored hose. Observing more closely, I realized this was a small maintenance cutout — which then made me think of Disneyland and the way maintenance facilities are hidden so that guests normally do not notice them.
|
It is hard to feel the immense size of this building without being there — the photos just do not convey the right feeling. However, with a size comparable to two and a half football fields, it remains the largest closed system ever created.
|
There are multiple areas that they call "biomes" like the tropical rainforest pictured above and the ocean shown here. I visited Biosphere 2 about 15 years ago and at that time the ocean seemed to be a bit more "oceany" (to coin a word). It now looks more like an algae-filled pond.
|
One thing I noticed both now and 15 years ago — no beach and no waves. But at least there is a boat in his photograph to give you a size perspective.
|
To be continued...
Life is good.