There are five different biomes within Biosphere2:
- Ocean with coral reef
- Mangrove wetlands
- Tropical rainforest
- Savannah grassland
- Fog desert
The Ocean Biome is 25 feet deep and has a coral reef, aquatic life, a beach and wave action.
The Fog Desert Biome
The Human Habitat
Each of the 8-person (4 men, 4 women) crew had a 2-story cabin within the Human Habitat section.
The staircase leading to the crew's library tower.
Under the entire complex are underground tunnels which house all the necessary mechanical, electrical, and plumbing devices required to sustain the complex Biosphere2.
There are two geodesic domes, known as lungs. Because Biosphere2 was originally designed to be isolated from the outside environment, there are no pressure relief values to regulate changes in pressure. It is possible, since Biosphere2 is so well sealed, that it could explode as the sun heats the air inside, causing air to expand. The lungs act as "variable expansion chambers" which compensate for the pressure changes within the facility. Underground tunnels connect the lungs to Biosphere2. Inside the lungs, a giant synthetic rubber membrane with a circular metal disk floats freely on a cushion of air and rises and falls as the air expands and contracts.
We were able to see the lungs in action, when the tour guide opened one of the outside doors. The large metal disk began to fall...cool!
Black portions is the synthetic rubber membrane. The circular disk (with legs) floats up and down with the changes in air pressure.
Additional photos of our visit are posted here.
