Welcome To Biosphere 2
Exploring Earth’s future to understand today’s environment and prepare for life beyond our planet.
Recently Featured
Inside the evolution of Biosphere 2, from '90s punchline to scientific playground
World-Class Research
Biosphere 2 supports cutting-edge research in sustainability and ecosystem conservation, offering a unique platform to study Earth’s complex systems and test bold ideas for sustaining life—not just on our planet, but beyond it.
Education Programs
Through immersive programs and hands-on learning, Biosphere 2 engages learners of all ages—from kindergarteners to graduate students—fostering curiosity, scientific literacy, and environmental stewardship through dynamic educational experiences in a one-of-a-kind research setting.
LEARN MORE
Partners
The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 programs offer unique collaboration opportunities for both the UA and its 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 Finding: 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.
Explore the Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO)
Explore the Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO) – the world’s largest indoor Earth science experiment. LEO helps scientists understand what happens to rainwater in dry, mountainous regions: how much of it makes its way downstream for human use, and how its quality changes along the way. The project also explores how increasing complexity in the landscape—such as vegetation growth and soil development—affects water flow and quality over time.
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.
Significant Research Finding:
- Studies of insect behavior and desert plant physiology under elevated CO₂ highlighted ecosystem-level responses in marginal environments.
- CAM plant systems failed to recapture CO₂ lost via soil respiration after drought, suggesting limits to arid ecosystem carbon recovery.
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.
Connect with us on Social Media
Connect with us on Instagram to see what is going on at Biosphere 2.
YouTube
Connect with us on YouTube to learn more about our research initiatives.
TikTok
Interact with us on TikTok to learn more about Biosphere 2 science & history.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get our Inside the Impact e-newsletter delivered to your inbox every month to stay connected, get the latest announcements, and receive exclusive, inside knowledge of what’s new at Biosphere 2!