Category
Controlled environment platforms
Capabilities
The Aber experimental exposure facility comprises 8 enclosed solardomes and 9 free-air ozone exposure (FAOE) rings. Each solardome encloses a 4m2 plot of vegetation and is independently controlled, allowing up to 8 different ozone treatments at high precision. Ambient air is filtered through charcoal and then injected with controlled amounts of ozone, with constant feedback from the points of release. All domes are ventilated at a rate of two air changes per minute. Three domes are also equipped to heat or cool the air above or below ambient temperature. Each FAOE ring surrounds a 13m2 plot of vegetation and uses an automated free-air release system to apply additional ozone to the plot, with varying release rates according to wind speed. All 9 FAOE rings can receive additional ozone, currently three FAOE rings are exposed to ambient air, whereas the other six rings can be exposed to enhanced levels of ozone. Temperature, humidity and photosynthetic active radiation are monitored in both systems.
Lifecycle
The Aber experimental exposure facility was developed in stages: (1) The solardome ozone system has been running since at least 1998, with various later upgrades of the operating system and physical hardware. (2) The free-air ozone exposure rings were constructed in 2014.
Uniqueness
The Aber experimental exposure facility is one of only a handful of solardome and FAOE facilities globally, and currently this is the only place where both types of facility are in operation (along with some small cabinets for very small scale studies). Globally, this facility has the best 'control' to achieve target concentrations over a diurnal cycle.
Partners
The Aber experimental exposure facility is operated by UKCEH.
Access
The Aber experimental exposure facility is available for use by other researchers, usually in collaboration with UKCEH: initial enquiries via Felicity Hayes at UKCEH Bangor.
Location
The Aber Solardomes are located around 10km east of UKCEH Bangor
Funding sources
The Aber facility is funded by: NERC National Capability SUNRISE programme; plus project grants.
Users
The Aber experimental exposure facility is used by UKCEH researchers plus UK and international project partners including: PhD students; visiting exchange students; visiting academics.
Scale
Area, city, farm, habitat
Last updated
09 April 2025 09:24
