Biosphere 2 Marine AlgaeBrandon Fergusson

Experiment

• Study effects of increasing atmospheric CO2 on marine organisms

Biosphere2 Ocean

Biosphere2 Ocean

Algae Data

• Over 60 species present

• Sampled almost monthly– Biomass per species

• Physical data every 15 minutes– Light

– CO2

• January 1998 – February 2003

Data Considered

• Total algae biomass

• Amphiroa fragillissima biomass

• Velonia aegagropila biomass

• Outside light

• Inside CO2

Total Algae Biomass, CO2, and Light (Jan '98 - Feb '03)

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Total Algae Biomass Avg Monthly CO2 Avg Monthly Max Light

2000 Algae, CO2, and Light

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Total Algae Biomass Avg Daily CO2 Max Daily Light

Standardized Data Jan '98 - Feb '03

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Amphiroa fragillissima CO2 Light

Standardized Data Jan '98 - Feb '03

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Velonia aegagropila CO2 Light

Correlations

Light CO2

Sample size (n) Correlation (r) Sample size (n) Correlation (r)

Total Algae 20 0.223 23 -0.041

A. fragillissima 20 0.391 23 -0.373

V. aegagropila 13 0.014 16 -0.013