Skip Navigation Links

Welcome to the Southwest Biological Science Center

Welcome to the Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC), the newest of the 17 science centers that are a part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Biological Resources Discipline.

Ecological Diversity in the Southwest

The Southwest is one of the most ecologically rich and diverse areas of the United States. In Arizona alone, ecosystems vary from Sonoran and Mojave desert habitats to alpine tundra atop the San Francisco Peaks. Similar topographic and ecologic diversity is exhibited throughout the region, including Utah. Along with its spectacular natural values, the southwest is also home to explosive population growth. This growth leads to increased competition for natural resources, especially water.

Contact the Center Director

Recent Products

  1. Bowker, M.A., M.E. Miller, J. Belnap, T.D. Sisk, and N.C. Johnson. 2008. Prioritizing conservation effort through the use of biological soil crusts as ecosystem function indicators in an arid region. Conservation Biology. [Journal Article]
  2. Miller, M.E. 2008. Short-term effects of mechanical land treatments on soil stability and wind erosion in dryland ecosystems. Presented at the joint annual meeting of the Geological Society of America and the Soil Science Society of America, Houston, TX, October 2008. [Presentation with Abstract]
  3. Paxton, E.H., M. Sogge, T. Theimer, J. Girard, & P. Keim. 2008. Relevant Invasive Species Program Goals and Invasive Species Related Highlights & Key Findings and Accomplishments. http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1117/. [Open-File Report]
  4. Paxton, E.H., M. Sogge, T. Theimer, J. Girard, & P. Keim. 2008. Using Molecular Genetic Markers to Resolve a Subspecies Boundary:the Northern Boundary of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher int the Four- corner States. USGS, Michael Diggles.URL:http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1117/. [Open-File Report]
  5. Bowker, M. A., J. Belnap, V. B. Chaudhary, N. C. Johnson. 2008. Revisiting classic water erosion models in drylands: The strong impact of biological soil crusts. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 40(9):2309-2316. [Journal Article]

Recenct Updates IconRecent Updates

10-11-2007

Jobs in SBSC

Interested about Jobs in SBSC? This new page provides great links to help you find jobs within USGS.

07-26-2007

Arizona Cooperative Weed Management Area Map 2007

Arizona Cooperative Weed Management Area Map 2007 added to SWEMP