Welcome To Biosphere 2
Exploring Earth’s future to understand today’s
environment and prepare for life beyond our planet.
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World-Class Research
World Class Research
Discover how we're answering the world's most complex questions of today and tomorrow about sustainability, environmental conservation and our impact on our planet.
Education Programs
Learn how Biosphere 2's education programs and outreach impact everyone from the seasoned graduate student to the curious kindergartener.
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NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
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Industry Affiliates
The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 Industry Affiliates Program offers unique collaboration opportunities for both the UA and it industry partners, including the potential for research testbeds for rapidly advancing prototype and product development.
The World's Largest Earth Science Experiment
Explore a 3.14-acre living laboratory where cutting-edge research unfolds across diverse ecosystems—including a rainforest, ocean, mangrove, desert, and the Landscape Evolution Observatory.
Biosphere 2 features a diverse array of complex, interconnected biomes and active research systems. Unlike in the natural world, scientists at Biosphere 2 can precisely control and isolate environmental variables, allowing them to study interactions that are impossible to separate in nature.
Dive into the Ocean
We’ve gone headfirst into revitalizing our ocean system to be a premier research space for coral reef restoration. Learn about the revitalization process that’s currently taking place.
Significant Research Finding: The Biosphere 2 ocean was used to demonstrate how, under current atmospheric CO₂ levels, changes in ocean chemistry significantly slow coral growth.
Take Shelter in the Rain Forest
We know that rain forest plants have a lot to tell us about the world’s ecosystem. We use this system to listen carefully and inform integral changes to adapt to climate change.
Significant Research Find: A major discovery at Biosphere 2 showed that tropical plants in the rainforest stop absorbing more carbon dioxide from the air once levels reach about 600 parts per million—a threshold we’re on track to hit by 2050.
Discover the Desert
Our desert is uniquely set apart from the Sonoran desert that houses it. Designed to simulate an arid desert scrub ecosystem, the Biosphere 2 desert brings the coastal desert experience to you.
Get Lost Among the Mangroves
Take a trip to the tropics with our mangroves at Biosphere 2. This system allows us to look closely at two key types of wetlands and put plans to action for restoring these systems in the wild.
Uncover History in the Savanna
Explore the savanna and learn the history of how this system served as a hydrological transition zone designed to balance atmospheric chemistry between two uniquely different environments: the desert and the rain forest.
Experience Biosphere 2
Traverse the World of Biosphere 2
Explore our facility at your own pace with the Biosphere 2 tour app. Get access to rich history, never-before-seen photos, and a deep understanding of current research initiatives and their potential impact, all while staying socially distant and safe among other visitors.
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YouTube
Connect with us on YouTube to learn more about our research initiatives.
TikTok
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