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Terrestrial Ecophysiological Research Area Facility


Terrestrial Ecophysiological Research Area Facility: A terrestrial ecology laboratory within the Corvallis complex includes a number of greenhouse and field research modules.

Twelve extensively instrumented plant growth chambers or "terracosms" which researchers can use to examine the effects of environmental variables on a forest ecosystem comprise EPA's TERA facility. Ambient temperature, dew point, and CO2 concentration in each outdoor enclosure can be computer-controlled; and each terracosm is equipped centralized and independent analytical instruments and data-acquisition equipment. Scientists have used the TERA facility to investigate the potential effects of global climate change by exposing some of the terracosms to elevated levels of carbon dioxide and measuring rates of respiration, photosynthesis, litter decomposition, and above- and below-ground plant growth. The TERA facility offers an ideal setting in which to conduct long-term studies on the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients such as nitrogen and the effects of pollutants such as ozone on conifers and hardwoods.

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