Description of the infrastructure

The Kiel-Indoor facility at IFM-GEOMAR consists of 12* mesocosms with ca. 1.4 m³ volume in 4 * separate temperature-regulated rooms. Temperature can be programmed within a range from 2 to 25 °C. The temperature program can mimic present day seasonal pattern as well as patterns from future climate scenarios. Similarly, the impact of episodic events such as cold fronts and heat waves on sea surface temperature can be mimicked. (*after summer 2010 probably only 9 units in 3 temperature controlled rooms)

Each mesocosm has a separate, programmable light unit that can mimic seasonal patterns of day-length and surface irradiance and different scenarios for under-water light attenuation. The mesocosms have gentle stirring mechanisms that effectively generate an even distribution of plankton. the mechanism has not harmed any phyto- or zooplankton organisms tested so far. Within those mesocosms, experiments of up to 4 weeks can be performed without creating wall growth artefacts that are too severe.

	Read more about the Kiel-Indoor facility or click on the picture to see a presentation (by Aleksandra Lewandowska)