Cacti

We have been exploring the desert and the many different cacti that grow here. We first spent a day in the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix learning about the different cacti and plants that grow in the desert. The Botanical Gardens also had some very large unique free standing glass displays that looked like cactus.

Then we spent a day going thru Saguaro National Park that is next to Tucson. We took lots of pictures of the giant cacti. The saguaro is the largest cacti in the US and lives between 150 to 200 years. They generally start branches or arms after 75 years. So when I see saguaro with branches, I know it is at least 75 years. They are really are majestic.

We visited the BIOSPHERE 2 north of Tucson AZ:
The name “Biosphere 2” derives from the idea that it is modeled on Earth, the first biosphere.

Biosphere 2 facility
3.14 acre Biosphere facility
7,200,000 cubic feet of sealed glass, 6,500 windows
91 feet at highest point
sealed from the earth below by a 500-ton welded stainless steel liner
40-acre campus
300,000 sq. ft. of administrative offices, classrooms, labs, conference center, housing

Ecosystems under glass
Ocean with coral reef
Mangrove wetlands
Tropical rainforest
Savannah grassland
Fog desert

Mechanics of the Biosphere
The Biosphere was setup as a mini earth ecosystem and is totally contained except for electrical power is outside the sealed biosphere. There are living quarters, laboratories, food growing, and mechanical areas within the sealed Biosphere 2. The internal systems include water treatment, wastewater treatment, and air system. The biosphere has a large “lung” that allows the structure to be sealed and have changes in barometric pressure that normally occurs within our atmosphere.

Current Biosphere 2 Mission
To serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe.
· Catalyze interdisciplinary thinking and understanding about Earth and its future;
· Be an adaptive tool for Earth education and outreach to industry, government, and the public;
· Distill issues related to Earth systems planning and management for use by policymakers, students and the public.

Additional Information can be obtained from the website:
http://www.b2science.org/