Eric & I Visit Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona

Eric & I visit Biosphere 2.

In 1991 eight people, (Biospherians) were sealed into this glass structure for two years to live off the plants and animals in the Savanna Grasslands, a Tropical Rainforest, Fog Desert, Mangrove Wetlands, and Ocean Biomes.  In 1991 eight people (Biospherians) were sealed inside the Glass Enclosure for two years to measure survivablity in the Tropical Rainforest, Fog Desert, Savanna Grassland, Mangrove Wetlands & Ocean.

Biosphereians harvested fruits, vegetables and relied on the Goats that lived in the enclosure.  They had experiments to conduct and Log Books to report the results. 

Much was learned and the one important mistake were made, and went unreported.  The soils chosen for Biosphere were rich in microbes that used more Oxygen that was anticipated.  As a result Carbon Dioxide levels rose.  Supplemental Oxygen was added to Biosphere without notifying the public, which showed intense interest in the experiment.  

 

 

 

Biospherians lost weight &

 Body Mass during their stay.

 

  It has been said that Biosphere 2

 became a Psychological

 Experiment

 

 

Thirty plus years on, Biosphere 2 is part of the University of Arizona.  Experiments, Internships and Conferences are conducted here, and visitors are welcome.

 

 

 

The Kitchen where meals were prepared.

The spacious Dining Room

Each Biospherian was assigned

 a two floor apartment.

Living space was on the first floor. 

Bedrooms ere on the second floor.

1990s Technology looks quaint

today.

Entering the Glass Enclosure...

Coffee

This was a prized drink

in the Biosphere.

Grapefruit

Fig

Eric & I see plants inside

the Glass Enclosure.

Eric stops to sniff a flower

next to the Datilollo.

I could spend hours taking

pictures here...

 

 

 

 

 

Red Mangroves protect our

coastlines from tidal erosion.

 

 

 

 

 

 Flowering Frankincense

 

Eric & I enter the Rainforest

Biome.

This area is lush & humid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeds from the Cacao Tree

are the source of Chocolate.

 

 

This flower is about 3 feet tall.

Biosphere 2 is diverse &

beautiful...

I'm glad we took the

time to visit

Biosphere 2.