TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Exciting developments are underway at the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2, where corals will soon be introduced into the ocean habitat for the first time under the university’s stewardship. This initiative, set for Wednesday, Feb. 4, aims to explore how corals from the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Keys respond to predicted future temperature increases.
Led by Diane Thompson, director of marine research at Biosphere 2, the project will see a team of scuba divers install young corals on a “Coral Ark” structure. This structure is part of a temperature-resilience experiment designed to advance understanding of coral adaptation to climate change.
Thompson will provide an overview of the project and its significance during the event.
This groundbreaking experiment is supported by recent upgrades at Biosphere 2, including a heat exchanger, circulation pump, and water-turbulence devices. These enhancements highlight the facility’s capacity for innovative scientific research.
The introduction of corals into the Biosphere 2 ocean habitat marks a significant step in advancing the scientific value of the facility and demonstrates its ability to collaborate with external institutions for large-scale research.
The event will be held at Biosphere 2, located at 32540 S. Biosphere Road, Oracle. The coral planting is from 1 to 3 p.m.