Selected USGS studies
in the Desert Southwest
Our Dynamic Desert
Landscape - Southwest Deserts
http://desert.wr.usgs.gov
Project will document ecosystem process, climate history, hazard susceptibility,
and surface process information in the desert southwest by preparing a series
of multipurpose surficial geologic map databases with integrated properties
data. (Dave Miller) [Ecosystem, climate, geology, Southwest, Mojave]
Impacts of Climate Change and Land Use on the Southwestern United States
http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/sw/
Multi-Program studies seeking to understand how climatic characteristics
and land use have influenced surficial geologic processes that modify landscapes
and ecosystems on the arid Southwest. (Elliott Spiker and others) [Climate,
landuse, ecosystem, Southwest, Mojave, Colorado Plateau]
Eolian Sand Transport Pathways in the Mojave Desert
http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/sw/eolian/
A concept that has emerged in recent years is that there are distinct sand
transport pathways in the Mojave Desert, where eolian sand is moved between
basins. (Dan Muhs) [Sand, geology, Mojave, Colorado River]
Recent Alluvial History of the Southern Colorado Plateau http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/sw/scpalluvial/
(Richard Hereford) [Surface water, geology, climate, Colorado Plateau, Arizona]
Reactivation of Stabilized Sand Dunes on the Colorado Plateau http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/impacts/geology/sand/
(Dan Muhs and Josh Been) [Sand, vegetation, climate, Colorado Plateau, Southwest]
Forecasting Changes in the Southwest under Future Climatic Scenarios http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/sw/modeling.html
[Climate, geology, Southwest]
USGS Southwest Web Workshop on climate change and landuse http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/
A collection of web papers on Southwestern landscape issues. [Climate, landuse,
Southwest]
Southwest Climate Impact Meteorological Stations (CLIM-MET) http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/sw/clim-met/
[Climate, wind, Southwest, Utah, California]
Geothermal Industry Temperature Profiles from the Great Basin
http://wrgis.wr.usgs.gov/open-file/of99-425/webmaps/home.html
This Open-File report provides downhole temperature data from geothermal
prospects throughout the Great Basin. (Sue Priest) [Geophysics, Great Basin]
Climate, Land Use, and Environmenal Sensitivity (CLUES) http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/clues/
Project investigates vegetational response to climatic change, and vegetation-land
surface impacts on climate change. The project involves calibration of the
modern relations between the range limits of plant species and climatic
variables, relations that are then used: 1) to estimate past climatic fluctuations
from paleobotanical data for a number of time periods within the late Quaternary;
2) to 'validate' climate model simulations of past climates; 3) to explore
the potential influences of land cover changes on climate change; and 4)
to estimate the potential future ranges of plant species under a number
of future climate scenarios. (Bob Thompson) [Climate, landuse, vegetation,
Great Basin]
Southwest Ground-water Resources
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/az165.html
This study will assess ground-water flow, regional aquifers, and effects
of climate variations throughout the desert southwest (Stanley Leake) [Groundwater,
climate, Southwest]
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC)
http://fresc.usgs.gov
A science center of the USGS engaged in research throughout the western
states. Site includes project lists on: 1) Status and trends; 2) Wildlife;
3) Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; 4) Ecosystems; 5) Exotic species; 6)
Endangered and at-risk species; 7) Contaminants; 8) Biological information,
management and delivery; 9) Application of scientific information to management.
[Biology, ecosystem, Southwest, National Parks/Monuments]
Response of Semi-Desert and Desert Vegetation to Predicted Climate Change:
Regional Gradients in the Arid Southwest http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/brd_global_change/proj_65_arid_gradients.html
A regional study addressing the following: 1) How will plant species distribution
potentially shift during projected climate change? 2) What geographic areas
are vulnerable to shifts in species composition during projected climate
change? 3) What is an effective change detection procedure for resource
managers to monitor projected climate changes? The research will take place
across an ecosystem gradient that includes the broad longitudinal, latitudinal
and elevation variation between the eastern Mojave Desert and the Western
Colorado Plateau. (Kathryn Thomas) [Vegetation, climate, ecosystem, Southwest,
Mojave, Colorado Plateau]
Interactions of Cattle Grazing and Climate in Semi-arid Ecosystem Function
http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/brd_global_change/proj_62_cattle_grazing.html
Study will examine rangeland health by evaluating soil, vegetaion and biological
characteristics. (David Pyke) [Ecosystem, landuse, climate, Southwest, Colorado
Plateau, Great Basin]
USGS Geology in the Parks
http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/usgsnps/project/home.html
http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/wgmt/nationalparks/NatParks.html
Geologic mapping and related studies in National Parks. Mojave National
Preserve, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Death
Valley National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument, Yosemite National
park, and more. (Bonnie Murchey, Melanie Moreno) [Geology, Southwest, National
Parks/Monuments, CA]
Vulnerability and Recoverability of the Mojave Desert Ecosystem http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/MojaveEco/
This site includes abstracts, articles, studies in progress, and other information
related to the Mojave Desert Ecosystem Science Program. (Dave Miller) [Ecosystem,
climate, geology, Mojave, California, Southwest]
Southern
California Areal Mapping Project (SCAMP) http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/wgmt/scamp/scamp.html
SCAMP is a cooperative mapping project between the USGS and the California
Division of Mines and Geology. The project provides a variety of geologic-information
products for public access in southern California-including geologic and
geophysical maps and reports that describe the geologic setting and geologic
history of southern California. These maps and reports are providing a foundation
for specialized investigations of geologic hazards and earth resources,
and can be used for land-use planning decisions that involve earth-science
data. (Doug Morton) [Geology, geophysics, landuse, California]
Geologic Framework of the Central Death Valley Region http://wwwflag.wr.usgs.gov/USGSFlag/Land/GeoMap/DeathVal/index.html
(Debra Block) [Geology, groundwater, Death Valley, California]
Dust Studies in Southern Nevada and California Deserts http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/MojaveEco/dustweb/dusthome.html
(Marith Reheis) [Dust, wind, Southwest, Nevada, California]
California Water Resources Homepage
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/
Site includes current conditions, water data, programs, and publications.
[Hydrology, California]
Simulation of Ground-water Flow in the Mojave River Basin http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/wri/wri014002/
The proximity of the Mojave River ground-water basin to the highly urbanized
Los Angeles region has led to rapid growth in population and, consequently,
to an increase in the demand for water. To better understand the relation
between the regional and the floodplain aquifer systems and to develop a
management tool that could be used to estimate the effects that future stresses
may have on the ground-water system, a numerical ground-water flow model
of the Mojave River ground-water basin was developed, in part, on the basis
of a previously developed analog model. (Stamos, Martin, Nishikawa, and
Cox) [Groundwater, Mojave, California]
Ground-water Resources of the Mojave River Basin, California
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects00/ca497.html
Improve understanding of ground-water and surface-water relations in the
Mojave River Basin; quantify recharge from ephemeral streams, regional ground-water
flow, and land subsidence. (Peter Martin) [Groundwater, California, Mojave]
The Study of Hydrologic Factors Affecting Survival of the Riparian Forest
along the Mojave River
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects00/ca515.html
Document current extent, biodiversity, and biomass of the riparian forest
along the Mojave River; document changes to the forest using historical
information; determine source(s) of water used by the forest; determine
relations between forest productivity and stress and water availability.
(Gregory Lines) [Surface water, vegetation, Mojave, California]
Infiltration of Water from Intermittent Streams in the Western Part of
the Mojave Desert, California
http://water.wr.usgs.gov/projects00/ca551.html
Most recharge to alluvial aquifers in the SW occurs as infiltration along
mountain fronts from intermittent streams. Several sites have been selected
to study recharge under a range of climatic, geologic, and hydrologic conditions.
(John Izbicki) [Surface water, Mojave, California]
Ground-water Resource Investigations, Edwards Air Force Base, California
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects00/ca477.html
Develop a ground-water-flow model; determine the ground- water-flow paths
in relation to existing pumping centers and known areas of subsurface contamination;
define water types for different aquifers; develop a long-term ground-water
monitoring program; identify sites for development of future well fields;
determine the influence of ground-water withdrawals and declining ground-water
levels on the areal extent and amounts of land- surface subsidence and the
extent and cause(s) of fissures, cracks, and potholes on the lakebed. (Tracy
Nishikawa) [Groundwater, Mojave, California]
Measurement and Analysis of Potential Land Subsidence in Coachella Valley
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects00/ca517.html
Characterize the distribution and potential of subsidence in the lower Coachella
Valley. (Devon Galloway) [Subsidence, hydrology, Colorado River, Mojave,
California]
Antelope Valley Ground-water Study
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects00/ca532.html
Document current conditions of the ground-water system and develop a preliminary
ground-water flow model. (David Leighton) [Groundwater, Mojave, California]
Aquifer Storage and Recovery Program, Lancaster, California http://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects00/ca535.html
Long-term ground-water use in the Lancaster area of Antelope Valley has
resulted in about 200 feet of water-level decline and almost 7 feet of land
subsidence. This project will study feasibility of artificial recharge by
analyzing land-surface elevation changes measured during 1994 injection
tests. (Steve Phillips) [Groundwater, subsidence, Mojave, California]
Chloride Deposition in Southern California
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects00/ca546.html
This study, part of the USGS Southwestern Ground-water Project initiative,
will attempt to quantify chloride deposition rates in the arid Southwest
and use the data to estimate ground-water recharge rates or time since recharge.
(John Izbichi) [Groundwater, surface water, California]
Characterization of the Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Recharge
Mechanisms in the Desert Southwest
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects00/ca548.html
Determine the relationship between climate and physiographic features, including
soil and bedrock properties, that lead to specific mechanisms of recharge
in the Mojave Desert and then map out the occurrence of those mechanisms
over the region. (Alan Flint) [Surface water, hydrology, climate, Mojave,
California, Southwest]
Water-Supply Sustainability in the Joshua Tree and Copper Mountain Ground-Water
Subbasins
http://ca.water.usgs.gov/projects00/ca565.html
Improve the understanding of the geohydrologic framework of the Joshua and
Copper Mountain subbasins, determine the distribution and quantity of recharge,
and develop a ground-water flow model. (Alan Flint) [Groundwater, geology,
National Parks/Monuments, Mojave, Southwest]
Death Valley Regional Ground-water Flow Model
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/nn103.html
A study to develop a comprehensive 3D hydrogeologic framework and ground-water
flow model of the Death Valley region, including the Yucca Mountain area.
(Frank D'Agnese) [Geology, hydrology, groundwater, Death Valley, California,
Nevada]
Where Desert
Meets City: Vulnerability and Recoverability of the Mojave Desert Ecosystem
http://wrgis.wr.usgs.gov/MojaveEco/
USGS conducts a Mojave Desert Ecosystem Science Program as part of its
Place-Based Studies Program, to improve scientific understanding of desert
ecosystem processes and apply that understanding to land management needs.
The site provides access to a variety of digital maps and publications
about the Mojave Ecoregion. (Susan Benjamin) [Biology, vegetation, ecosystem,
mapping, Mojave California]
Baseline Water Quality in Joshua Tree National Park http://fresc.usgs.gov/text/research/detail.asp?Project_ID=95
The objectives of this study were to: 1) map all water sources in the
park, with an emphasis on critical sources, 2) document the basic water
quality of selected water bodies, including natural and disturbed tanks,
natural and disturbed springs, and reservoirs, and 3) establish a long-term
program of water-quality monitoring. (Gary Larson) [Surface water, hydrology,
National Parks/Monuments, California]
Conditions Favoring and Retarding Cheatgrass Invasion of Arid Lands in
the Southwestern U.S.
http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/sw/cheatgrass/
Conduct integrated geologic and ecologic studies to provide basic understanding
of the patterns and causes of cheatgrass invasion at two areas in the
southwestern US: Canyonlands Province of the central Colorado Plateau
(Utah), and the Mojave Desert. (Gary Larson) [Vegetation, geology, soils,
Mojave, Utah, Southwest]
Geographic Variation and Environmental Determinants of Reproductive Output
in the Desert Tortoise
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/hq/reprod.htm
(Western Ecological Research Center, Jeff Lovich) [Ecology, fauna, National
Parks/Monuments, Mojave, California]
Nevada Geology · Las Vegas Urban Corridor/Nevada Test Site Project
http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/wgmt/lasvegas/lvmap.html
Project applies geologic and geophysical techniques to solve urban growth
problems in a rapidly growing urban population center, and addresses national
issues related to environmental restoration at the Nevada Test Site (NTS).
The Lake Mead and Las Vegas 1:100,000-scale maps are the centerpieces
of project work in the urban corridor. Mapping focuses on gathering groundwater
and geologic hazard information in the Las Vegas, Clark County vicinity
as well as throughout the NTS. (Vicki Langenheim) [Geology, geophysics,
hydrology, Nevada, Basin and Range]
Vulnerability and Recoverability of the Mojave Desert Ecosystem http://wrgis.wr.usgs.gov/MojaveEco/GhostFact4.pdf
Site provides a brief overview of the Mojave Desert Ecosystem Science
Program. (Leonard Gaydos) [Ecosystem, climate, geology, Mojave, Southwest]
USGS Geology
in the Parks
http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/usgsnps/project/home.html
http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/wgmt/nationalparks/NatParks.html
Geologic mapping and related studies in National Parks. Lake Mead National
Recreation Area and more. (Bonnie Murchey, Melanie Moreno) [Geology, National
Parks/Monuments, Nevada, Southwest]
Recent Flooding and Environmental Change in Las Vegas Wash
http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/sw/fluvial.html
(John Whitney) [Surface water, climate, Nevada]
Dust Studies in Southern Nevada and California Deserts
http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/MojaveEco/dustweb/dusthome.html
(Marith Reheis) [Dust, soils, wind, Nevada, California, Southwest]
Quantitative Paleoclimatic Reconstructions from Late Pleistocene Plant
Macrofossils of the Yucca Mountain Region
http://greenwood.cr.usgs.gov/pub/open-file-reports/ofr-99-0338/
(Bob Thompson and others) [Climate, biology, Great Basin, Basin & Range]
USGS Activities in Nevada Homepage
http://nevada.usgs.gov/
Site includes data, water related activities, and publications. [Hydrology,
groundwater, surface water, Nevada]
Amargosa Desert Research Site
http://nevada.usgs.gov/adrs/
USGS investigations at this Research Site have provided long-term benchmark
information about the hydraulic characteristics and soil-water movement
for both natural-site conditions and simulated waste-site conditions in
an arid environment. [Hydrology, soils, Basin & Range, Nevada]
Las Vegas Valley Well Networks
http://nevada.usgs.gov/gw/lvv_table.htm
Site includes ground-water levels throughout the Las Vegas Valley, and a
list of USGS publications on the Las Vegas Valley. [Groundwater, Nevada]
USGS/DOE Studies in Nevada
http://nevada.usgs.gov/doe_nv/
Includes studies at the Nevada Test Site (NTS), Yucca Mountain Program (YMP),
Environmental Restoration Program (ERP), and Hydrologic Resources Management
Program (HRMP). [Hydrology, groundwater, surface water, Nevada]
Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC)
http://fresc.usgs.gov/
A science center of the USGS engaged in research throughout the western
states. Site includes project lists on: 1) Status and trends; 2) Wildlife;
3) Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; 4) Ecosystems; 5) Exotic species; 6)
Endangered and at-risk species; 7) Contaminants; 8) Biological information,
management and delivery; 9) Application of scientific information to management.
[Biology, ecosystem, Southwest, National Parks/Monuments]
Geologic Assessment of Coal in the Colorado Plateau: AZ, NM, and UT
http://greenwood.cr.usgs.gov/energy/coal/PP1625B/
(Mark Kirschbaum) [Minerals, geology, Colorado Plateau, Utah, New Mexico]
Western Lake Catchment Systems - Bear Lake Region
http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/lacs/
Project will create records of past climate change for the Bear Lake region,
including changes in precipitation (rain and snow) patterns during the last
10,000 years and seek to understand human influences on sediment deposition,
chemistry and life in the lake. (Dave Miller, Richard Reynolds, and others)
[Climate, ecosystem, geology, Utah]
Utah Water Resources Homepage
http://ut.water.usgs.gov/
Site includes water data, programs, and resources. [Hydrology, Utah]
Great Salt Lake
http://ut.water.usgs.gov/greatsaltlake/index.html
Information on the lake, salinity, ecology, water-surface elevations, and
more. [Ecology, surface water, Utah]
Southwest Biological Sciences Center
http://www.usgs.nau.edu/
USGS biological studies of the Colorado Plateau region are now conducted through the Southwest Biological Sciences Center at
Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. See their website for current and ongoing biological research in the region.
Inventory of Reptile and Amphibian Species - Northern Colorado Plateau
National Park Service
http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/noframe/r257.htm
This project provides information on reptiles and amphibians at 16 NPS units
on the Colorado Plateau, in Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming. (Charles
Drost) [Fauna, habitat, National Parks/Monuments, Colorado Plateau, Utah]
The Holocene and Pleistocene vegetation history of the Grand Canyon
http://www.usgs.nau.edu/global_change/grdcany.html
This study used plant parts collected from fossil and recent packrat middens
to reconstruct past grazing impacts on presettlement range vegetation. (Kenneth
Cole) [Landuse, soils, vegetation, National Parks/Monuments, Utah]
USGS Geology
in the Parks
http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/docs/usgsnps/project/home.html
http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/wgmt/nationalparks/NatParks.html
Geologic mapping and related studies in National Parks. Sunset Crater National
Monument, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and more. (Bonnie Murchey,
Melanie Moreno) [Geology, National Parks/Monuments, Arizona]
Cenozoic Evolution of the Colorado River System: Grand Canyon Symposium
2000
http://wwwflag.wr.usgs.gov/GCSymposium/
Site includes symposium abstracts, geochronology, Colorado River system
chronology of events, bibliography, index of Grand Canyon are geologic maps,
and more. (Sue Beard) [Geology, hydrology, Grand Canyon, Arizona]
Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona
http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/grandcan/dam.html
[Hydrology, Colorado River, Arizona, Utah]
Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center
http://www.gcmrc.gov
The Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) studies the effects
of the operation of Glen Canyon Dam on downstream resources within the Glen
Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park. Resource
areas include biological, cultural and physical, Information technology
includes databases, GIS, a library, surveying and remote sensing. (Barry
Gold) [Biology, hydrology, ecosystem, Colorado River, Arizona]
Geologic Assessment of Coal in the Colorado Plateau: AZ, NM, and UT
http://greenwood.cr.usgs.gov/energy/coal/PP1625B/
(Mark Kirschbaum) [Minerals, geology, Colorado Plateau, Arizona, New Mexico]
Desert Winds Geomet Site at Gold Spring, Northeastern AZ
http://geo-nsdi.er.usgs.gov/metadata/open-file/95-78/metadata.faq.html
objectives are twofold: (1) to provide the detailed field measurements needed
to carry out quantitative studies of wind as an agent of surface geologic
change; and (2) to establish a baseline for defining the "normal" range
of climatic conditions that can be expected to occur on a decadal time scale,
in areas considered representative of the major American deserts. (Paula
Helm) [Wind, dust, climate, Arizona, Great Basin] · Use of Remotely Sensed
Image Data to Automatically Map Wind Erosion Vulnerability (Eolian Mapping)
and Rainfall Mapping http://terraweb.wr.usgs.gov/TRS/projects/eolian/ (Pat
Chavez) [Wind, climate, vegetation, Arizona, Southwest, Mojave]
Southwest Mineral and Environmental Investigations
http://geopubs.wr.usgs.gov/open-file/of99-544/
The project integrates new and existing geologic, geophysical, and geochemical
data and imagery to provide three-dimensional visualizations of the upper
Santa Cruz River and San Pedro River basins, southeastern Arizona. (Mark
Gettings) [Geology, geophysics, Sonoran Desert, Arizona]
Arizona Water Resources Homepage
http://az.water.usgs.gov/
Site includes current stream flow conditions, water date, project listing,
publications, GIS data, education and outreach. [Hydrology, Arizona] · Descriptions
of Active WRD Projects in Arizona http://az.water.usgs.gov/azprojects.html
[Hydrology, groundwater, surface water, Arizona]
Arizona Surface Water Stations
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/az001.html
Surface-water data collection and archiving. (Chris Smith) [Surface water,
hydrology, Arizona]
Ground-water Stations
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/az002.html
Ground-water data collection to provide a general definition of aquifer
systems, their boundary conditions and evaluation of stress on the system
in time and space. (Bert Duet) [Groundwater, hydrology, Arizona]
Black Mesa Monitoring Program
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/az028.html
Monitoring program established to collect hydrologic data in the Black Mesa
area in order to determine the long-term effects of industrial and municipal
ground-water withdrawals on the N aquifer. (Blake Thomas) [Groundwater,
hydrology, Arizona, Colorado Plateau]
Grand Canyon Sediment Transport
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/az121.html
Development of models capable of accurate predictions of stage, discharge,
sand transport, and bed evolution on the Colorado River. Models will provide
tools for evaluation of the effects of various dam-operation scenarios on
the riparian-zone sand deposits in Grand Canyon. (Julia Graf) [Surface water,
hydrology, Grand Canyon, Colorado River, Arizona]
Hydrogeologic Assessment of South Rim Area, Grand Canyon National Park
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/az176.html
A study to: 1) determine if local or regional recharge contribute to selected
south rim springs issuing from the regional limestone aquifers and 2) develop
baseline water-chemistry information for selected springs. (Stephen Monroe,
Bob Hart) [Ground water, hydrology, Grand Canyon, Arizona]
Evaluation of Visitation and Recreational Use on Water Quality in Side Canyons
of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona-Utah
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/az179.html
A study to: 1) assess the physical and chemical characteristics of selected
side canyon waters and 2) identify the need for additional side-canyon water
quality investigations and design a program for monitoring water quality
in side canyons. (Bob Hart) [Surface water, landuse, National Parks/Monuments,
Arizona, Utah] · Assessment of Sediment Chemistry in the Colorado River
Delta of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona-Utah
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/az180.html A study to: 1) assess and describe
the recent sediment accumulation, particle size and stratigraphy, and chemical
composition of the Colorado River Delta and 2) assess the chemical characteristics
of the sediment-water interface of the lake bed material and sediment pore
waters of selected cores from the Colorado River. (Bob Hart) [Surface water,
hydrology, Utah, Arizona]
Development of Improved Estimates of Ground-water Recharge from Ephemeral
Streams in the Southwest
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/az172.html
The objective of this project is to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations
of natural recharge beneath an ephemeral stream in the Southwest. (John
P. Hoffmann) [Groundwater, surface water, hydrology, Southwest, Arizona]
Land Subsidence and Water Level Fluctuations in South-central Arizona
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/00240.html
From the 1940's to the mid-1980's, water-level declines of several feet
per year in ground water resulted in measurable land subsidence in Eloy,
Avra Valley, and Tucson. Even though water levels have recovered significantly
with the advent of CAP water to supplement ground water, aquifer compaction
and land subsidence have continued. (Daniel Evans) [Subsidence, groundwater,
hydrology, Sonoran Desert, Arizona]
Hydrogeologic Investigations of the Sierra Vista Subwatershed of the
Upper San Pedro Basin, Cochise County, Southeast Arizona
http://az.water.usgs.gov/projects/17801.html
Objectives include: 1) Better quantify recharge rates and distributions;
2) Better describe stream-aquifer interactions; 3) Better describe seasonal
changes in water levels on a regional basis; 4) Better describe geometry
and lithology of the stream alluvium and underlying basin fill; 5) Determine
the causes of reduced runoff from the subwatershed; and, 6) Develop a new
ground-water flow model for the subwatershed. (Don Pool) [Hydrology, groundwater,
surface water, Sonoran Desert, Arizona]
Southwest Biological Sciences Center
http://www.usgs.nau.edu/
USGS biological studies of the Colorado Plateau region are now conducted through the Southwest Biological Sciences Center at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. See their website for current and ongoing biological research in the region.
[Biology, ecosystem, Southwest, Colorado Plateau, Arizona]
Holocene and Pleistocene Vegetation History of the Grand Canyon
http://www.usgs.nau.edu/global_change/grdcany.html
Project to reconstruct the Holocene history of vegetation in the Grand Canyon
and elsewhere on the southern Colorado Plateau. (Kenneth Cole) [Climate,
vegetation, Grand Canyon, Arizona]
Southwest Exotics Plant Mapping Project
http://fresc.fsl.orst.edu/research/projects/7510.htm
Exotics/invasive plant database and website for the southwest region which
can be applied to monitoring the applicability of control methods. (Kathryn
Thomas) [Vegetation, biology, Southwest, Arizona, Colorado Plateau]
Past, Recent and Twenty-First-Century Vegetation Change in the Arid Southwest
http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/brd_global_change/proj_64_packrat_middens.html
This project will generate information on the dynamics of vegetation change
in the past, present, and future. It will determine the relative sensitivity
of vegetation to change in habitats ranging from hyper-arid deserts near
sea level to forested boreal habitats of mountaintops. (Kenneth Cole) [Climate,
habitat, vegetation, Arizona, Southwest]
Paleoecological Projects at the Colorado Plateau Field Station: Holocene
and late Pleistocene Vegetation Change
http://www.usgs.nau.edu/global_change/Paleoecology.html
(Kenneth Cole) [Vegetation, biology, climate, Colorado Plateau, Southwest,
Arizona]
Southwest Willow Flycatcher Projects
http://www.usgs.nau.edu/swwf/index.html
(Mark Sogge) [Fauna, ecology, Arizona, Southwest, Grand Canyon]
Amphibian and Reptile Diversity on the Colorado Plateau
http://biology.usgs.gov/s+t/noframe/r257.htm
The National Park Service (NPS) has begun a program to inventory vascular
plants and vertebrates in NPS units. This project will provide information
on reptiles and amphibians at 16 NPS units on the Colorado Plateau, in Utah,
Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming. (Tim Graham) [Fauna, biology, habitat, National
Parks/Monuments, Arizona]
Southwest Strategy Scientific Information Work Group
http://swstrategy.org/
A cooperative effort among federal agencies involved in resource management
to foster collaboration with each other, with the public, and with tribal,
state, and local governments. The goal is to maintain and restore the cultural,
economic, and environmental quality of life in Arizona and New Mexico. (Charles
van Riper) [Landuse, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico]
Global Change Projects at the Colorado Plateau Field Station http://www.usgs.nau.edu/global_change/
[Climate, biology, vegetaion, Southwest, Colorado Plateau, Arizona]
Middle
Rio Grande Basin Study
http://rmmcweb.cr.usgs.gov/public/mrgb/mrgbhome.html
http://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/html/mrgb/
Study is a 5-year effort by the USGS to improve the understanding of the
hydrology, geology, and land-surface characteristics of the Middle Rio
Grande Basin. NMD's roles for the MRGB Study are: (1) provide scientific
information for MRGB land use and water resource planning, (2) produce
base cartographic data for geologic mapping and enhancing the Ground-water
Flow Model, (3) characterize landscape processes and develop techniques
for determining change, (4) research prediction methods in order to forecast
which areas are likely to urbanize, (5) model alternative land use scenarios
for sustaining the region's urban development, and (6) establish an Internet
site for disseminating USGS MRGB Study information. [Hydrology, groundwater,
geology, New Mexico]
Impacts of Climate Change and Land Use on the Southwestern United States
http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/info/sw/
Multi-Program studies seeking to understand how climatic characteristics
and land use have influenced surficial geologic processes that modify landscapes
and ecosystems on the arid Southwest. (Elliott Spiker and others) [Climate,
hydrology, geology, New Mexico, Southwest] o Rio Puerco Basin http://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/html/puerco/
Current research is aimed at unraveling the relative importance of climate
and weather, vegetation disturbance by grazing, and intrinsic cycles of
sediment movement within the Rio Puerco's channels. Project to develop extensive
geographic information and use it for analysis of erosion pattern and process,
is the responsibility of the Rocky Mountain Mapping Center. RMMC is also
responsible for placing information from all tasks on the Web (see http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/rio_puerco/
where geographic data from the project may be downloaded). (Ray Watts) [Climate,
hydrology, geology, New Mexico, Southwest]
Geologic Framework of the Middle Rio Grande Region, New Mexico
http://rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/public/mrgb/mrgbhome.html
Task 1. Geologic framework for Middle Rio Grande Basin ground-water systems
(V.J.S. Grauch) Task 2. Compilation of small-scale geologic maps and geologic
synthesis reports (David A. Sawyer) Task 3. Geologic mapping at 1:24,000-scale
and related topical science studies (team) Task 4. Geophysical analysis
and hydrogeology in intrabasinal faults (V.J.S. Grauch) [Geology, geophysics,
groundwater, New Mexico]
Rio Puerco Basin
http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/rio_puerco/puerco2/index.html
http://climchange.cr.usgs.gov/rio_puerco/
Current research is aimed at unraveling the relative importance of climate
and weather, vegetation disturbance by grazing, and intrinsic cycles of
sediment movement within the Rio Puerco's channels. (Raymond Watts, Richard
Pelltier) [Climate, hydrology, geology, New Mexico]
Geologic Assessment of Coal in the Colorado Plateau: AZ, NM, and UT
http://geology.cr.usgs.gov/energy/coal/PP1625B/
(Mark Kirschbaum) [Minerals, geology, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah]
Water Resources of New Mexico (USGS) Homepage
http://nm.water.usgs.gov/
[Hydrology, biology, New Mexico]
Middle Rio Grande Basin Study
http://rmmcweb.cr.usgs.gov/public/mrgb/mrgbhome.html
Study is a 5-year effort by the USGS to improve the understanding of the
hydrology, geology, and land-surface characteristics of the Middle Rio Grande
Basin. [Hydrology, groundwater, geology, New Mexico]
Southwest Strategy Scientific Information Work Group
http://www.swstrategy.org/
A cooperative effort among federal agencies involved in resource management
to foster collaboration with each other, with the public, and with tribal,
state, and local governments. The goal is to maintain and restore the cultural,
economic, and environmental quality of life in Arizona and New Mexico. (Charles
van Riper) [Landuse, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico]
Southwest Exotics Plant Mapping Project
http://fresc.fsl.orst.edu/research/projects/7510.htm
Exotics/invasive plant database and website for the southwest region which
can be applied to monitoring the applicability of control methods. (Kathryn
Thomas) [Vegetation, biology, Colorado Plateau, Southwest]
Climate Change, Sediment Transport Capacity, Arroyo Development, and Vegetation
Change in Streams of the Southwestern United States
http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/brd_global_change/proj_59_arroyo_develop.html
#top Project is aimed at determining how climate and land use influence:
(a) the arroyo cycle, (b) associated vegetation changes, and (c) sediment
transport in the Rio Puerco watershed. (Jonathan M. Friedman) [Climate,
hydrology, vegetation, Southwest, New Mexico]
Sensitivity of Semiarid Forests and Woodlands to Climate-Induced Disturbances
in the Southwestern U.S.
http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/brd_global_change/proj_66_semiarid_woodlands.html
The overall objective is to assess the sensitivity of semiarid forests and
woodlands to climate-related disturbances, particularly drought and fire.
Because changes are expected to be most rapid and extreme at ecotones (the
boundaries between ecosystems), our work focuses on these areas. (Craig
Allen) [Vegetation, climate, ecology, Southwest, New Mexico]
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