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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.

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Recent Products

  1. Belnap, J., R. H. Webb, M. E. Miller, D. M. Miller, L. A. DeFalco, P. A. Medica, M. L. Brooks, T. C. Esque and D. Bedford. 2008. Monitoring ecosystem quality and function in arid settings of the Mojave Desert. Menlo Park, CA, U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigation Report 2008-5064, 119 pp. [Open-File Report]
  2. Hartley, A. E., N. Barger, J. Belnap and G. S. Okin. 2007. Dryland ecosystems. utrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, Soil Biology. P. Marschner and Z. Rengel, Eds. Berlin, Springer. 10: 271-308. . [Book Chapter]
  3. Lebron, I., M. D. Madsen, D. G. Chandler, D. A. Robinson, O. Wendroth and J. Belnap. 2007. Ecohydrological controls on soil moisture and hydraulic conductivity within a pinyon-juniper woodland. Water Resources Research 43(8): W08422. [Journal Article]
  4. Bowker, M. A., N. C. Johnson, J. Belnap and G. W. Koch. 2008. Short-term monitoring of aridland lichen cover and biomass using photography and fatty acids. Journal of Arid Environments 72: 869-878. [Journal Article]
  5. Belnap, J. 2008. Biological Crusts. Encyclopedia of Soil Science. R. Lal, Ed. New York, Taylor & Francis Group. 1:1: 1-4. . [Book Chapter]

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