At the University of Arizona, B2 Earthscience is building a program to bridge the gap between laboratory- and field-scale studies, by utilizing the unique infrastructure of the Biosphere 2. Biosphere 2 offers unique opportunities for the exploration of complex questions in Earth Sciences because of its ability to combine varying scales, precise manipulation and fine monitoring, altogether in controlled experiments. First, it allows the control of environmental variables at a considerable spatial scale, such as in the different wilderness biomes represented under the glass. Second, it also permits the utilization of novel techniques and instruments that are not amenable to field studies. This ability for high resolution measurements and fine environmental manipulation is crucial for the development of experiments of more mechanistic nature. Therefore, Biosphere 2 has the potential to provide unique contributions to science in the understanding of how earth systems respond to environmental change.
In the past, research at Biosphere 2 resulted in significant contributions in aspects such as ecosystem responses to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations. Under the new administration by the University of Arizona, we intend to extend this approach to the study of water and temperature. By building upon the academic excellence of the University of Arizona and its large external scientific network in hydrology, geology, geochemistry, ecology, biology, physics, engineering and atmospheric sciences, we are developing a strong multidisciplinary team of researchers who are undertaking the design and deployment of top-notch science to address complex questions in environmental sciences.
The B2 Earthscience research group includes: staff scientists, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, research technicians, graduate fellows as well as many collaborating scientists from the University of Arizona and other institutions