Physical Resources & Ecosystem Processes

Physical resources include the underlying rocks, soils, air and water that are integral components of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They also include geological features, such as volcanos, caves, canyons, and fossils that characterize the Southwest and help to tell the story of prehistoric life on earth.

Ecological processes, such as water and nutrient cycling, energy flow, and disturbance dynamics (e.g. fires, floods, droughts) have played a critical role in shaping the landscapes and ecosystems of the American Southwest.

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  Soils

  Soils are the basis of an ecosystem and sustain the living systems above and below the ground surface.

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  Surface Water & Groundwater Resources

  In the arid Southwest, groundwater plays a critical role in sustaining the flow of aboveground streams and rivers.

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  Weather & Climate

  Many ecosystem processes are affected by climate and weather, such as photosynthesis, respiration and nutrient cycling.