A biodome is an enclosed, human-made environment designed to replicate and sustain natural ecosystems. These structures create controlled conditions that allow diverse plant and animal life to thrive, mimicking the intricate balance found in various biomes across the planet.
Inside a Biodome
Biodomes are engineered with precise controls to maintain specific environmental parameters. Transparent materials, such as glass or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) panels, form the outer shell, allowing sunlight to penetrate while regulating internal conditions. Inside, advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems manage temperature and humidity levels, simulating the natural climate. Lighting systems supplement natural sunlight to ensure adequate light for plants.
These environments can host a variety of ecosystems, including lush rainforests, arid deserts, or even aquatic coral reefs. Biodomes often function as semi-closed systems to support life. This involves careful management of resources through processes like water recycling, where water is collected, purified, and reused. Plants maintain air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while decomposers aid nutrient cycling.
Why Biodomes Matter
Biodomes serve multiple purposes. They function as living laboratories, offering scientists controlled environments to conduct research that would be challenging in the wild. Researchers can study ecological interactions, plant growth patterns, and how ecosystems respond to changes like elevated carbon dioxide levels or temperature fluctuations, providing insights into climate change impacts.
These structures also play a role in conservation efforts by providing sanctuaries for endangered species and preserving biodiversity. They can facilitate captive breeding programs and research aimed at reintroducing species into restored natural habitats. Biodomes also act as educational platforms, offering experiences that raise awareness about biodiversity, ecological principles, and sustainable practices.
Notable Biodomes Around the World
Several biodomes worldwide demonstrate this architectural and ecological concept. The Eden Project in Cornwall, United Kingdom, is an example, featuring massive domes that recreate tropical and Mediterranean biomes. Its structures utilize hexagonal and pentagonal ETFE panels over a tubular steel framework.
Biosphere 2, located in Arizona, United States, is another large-scale example that once housed various simulated ecosystems, including a rainforest, savanna, and ocean. Initially built for research into space colonization, it is now primarily used by the University of Arizona for Earth systems science research. The Montreal Biosphere in Canada, originally the United States pavilion for Expo ’67, is a geodesic dome that now operates as an environmental museum. Other examples include the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, which recreate tropical montane and Mediterranean climates.