Design and construction of complex mesocosmic systems

Mesocosms are partially closed experimental outdoor systems to be used for the simulation of biological, chemical and physical processes. Mesocosms provide an opportunity to bridge the methodological gap between laboratory experiments and field observations. They are an important part of climate research as they can help to experimentally simulate different future climate scenarios. With the system developed here, it is possible to create different water levels, currents and tides, change temperatures and control the pH value by adding CO2. The sensors are temperature, salinity, pCO 2 , pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and chlorophyll a. The ponds are filled with natural seawater and can accommodate various types of flora and fauna (algae, crustaceans, macro plankton, …). The impact of changing environmental conditions on these species can provide information about the impact of climate change.