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The American southwest deserts are fragile and active landscapes composed of specially adapted plants and animals capable of thriving in this water-limited environment. Increasing pressures from cities within and near the deserts are threatening the landscapes. Understanding how these landscapes operate, including their wildlife and vegetation, is essential for managing the lands to minimize threats and maximize sustainability.
USGS conducts several studies of importance for understanding the Desert Southwest, many of which focus on understanding a particular area or topic. Starting in 2001, the mission of this desert landscape study has been to characterize surface materials of the entire desert southwest. Research efforts focus on surficial mapping and evaluation of earth materials by:
This information will be condensed onto landscape maps, allowing land managers to better manage lands by, for example:
The landscape maps will integrate the diverse desert studies, allowing more consistent and effective management of these beautiful lands. Principal tasks in the project
Click here to see a 2004 progress report of surficial mapping associated with the USGS Surficial Geologic Mapping of the Southwest Project. |
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