SXSW 2020
Biosphere 2: Research to Save our Planet
Description:
If you want to study earth (Biosphere 1), you might design a miniature system. In 1987, this vision was born using steel, concrete, soil, sea water, and plants to build 5 biomes inside the Biosphere 2 (B2). Eight humans lived here for two years, testing the bounds of the built environment. While this unprecedented experiment fell short, the ideas were sound and the facility unique for understanding our own earth. Today, B2 is the world’s largest controlled Earth science laboratory, hosting more than 100K visitors annually, and permitting one-of-a-kind research addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges: sustaining Earth systems and quality of life. From the impact of rain on landscapes and society to restoring resilient coral reefs, B2 science can help us better comprehend our world.
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Takeaways
- How the scale of the Biosphere 2 laboratory fills in the gap between standard lab and field work, so we can study Earth systems we rely on for life.
- Why the Landscape Evolution Observatory project, a model landscape that has improved predictions of future water quantity and quality, matters.
- How can we use the B2 Ocean to build a “super reef”, and how will it react to environmental conditions like high temps, low pH and extreme events?
Speakers
- Joaquin Ruiz, Vice President of Innovation, Dean of the University of Arizona College of Science, Thomas R. Brown Chair and Director of Biosphere 2, Professor of Geosciences, The University of Arizona
- Diane Thompson, Assistant Professor, Department of Geosciences; Director of Marine Research, Biosphere 2, The University of Arizona
- John Adams, Deputy Director, Biosphere 2, The University of Arizona Biosphere 2
- Peter A. Troch, Professor of Surface Water Hydrology, Science Director of Biosphere 2 and Principal Investigator of the Landscape Evolution Observatory, LEO, The University of Arizona
Organizer
Misha Harrison, Dir, Creative Services & Brand Mgmt, The University Of Arizona
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