The U.S. Geological Survey Flagstaff Science Campus 

Providing Expertise on Planetary Science, Ecology, Water Resources, 

Geologic Processes, and Human Interactions with the Earth

The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Flagstaff Science 

Campus is focused on interdisciplinary study of the Earth 

and solar system, and has the 

scientific expertise to detect 

early environmental changes 

and provide strategies to minimize possible adverse effects on 

humanity. The Flagstaff Science 

Campus (FSC) is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, which is situated 

in the northern part of the State, 

home to a wide variety of landscapes and natural resources, 

including (1) young volcanoes 

in the San Francisco Volcanic 

Field, (2) the seven ecological 

life zones of the San Francisco 

Peaks, (3) the extensive geologic record of the Colorado 

Plateau and Grand Canyon, 

(4) the Colorado River and its

perennial, ephemeral, and

intermittent tributaries, and (5) a

multitude of canyons, mountains,

arroyos, and plains. More than

200 scientists, technicians, and

support staff provide research,

monitoring, and technical

advancements in planetary geology and mapping, biology and

ecology, Earth-based geology,

hydrology, and changing climate

and landscapes. Scientists at

the FSC work in collaboration

with multiple State, Federal,

Tribal, municipal, and academic

partners to address regional,

national, and global environmental issues, and provide scientific

outreach to the general public.

Astrogeology Science Center

Established in 1963, the Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) began by supporting the 

geologic training of the astronauts headed to the Moon. Today, ASC scientists conduct 

innovative fundamental research across the Solar System as an integral part of the international planetary science community. This research drives where future planetary missions go and the kinds of instruments those missions carry. ASC is also a world leader 

in developing the software, cartography, photogrammetry, and spatial data infrastructure 

needed to map planetary bodies. 

The maps and tools produced by the ASC are essential for a wide range of activities 

conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), perhaps 

most notably the landing site selections for the Mars rovers. 

Photographic 

“selfie” of the 

Mars Exploratory 

Rover Curiosity. 

Photograph provided by NASA.

Southwest Biological Science Center

The Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) provides expertise in terrestrial 

and river system biology and ecology in the arid Southwest. SBSC researchers provide data on the ecology and distribution of native and nonnative plants, biological 

soil crusts, and fish and wildlife species as well as on the consequences of soil disturbance and sediment movement. One area of SBSC research focuses on monitoring the 

Colorado River ecosystem below Glen Canyon Dam in Grand Canyon National Park, 

including long-term studies of hydrology, fisheries, and cultural resources. SBSC uses 

its expertise to provide vital science-based information to partners like the Bureau of 

Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service to help manage, 

conserve, and rehabilitate ecosystems in arid regions.

Southwest Biological Science Center scientists in the field, investigating biological soil 

crusts near an automated CO2 chamber (left) in Arizona, and capturing aquatic insects on the 

Colorado River (right). Photographs by Jennifer LaVista and Dallana Garcia-Peña, USGS.

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Fact Sheet 2017–3051

June 2017
Arizona Water Science Center

The Arizona Water Science Center (AZWSC) provides essential information on 

the hydrology of the southern Colorado Plateau, Transition Zone, and Basin and Range 

physiographic provinces of Arizona, including the effects of dams and diversions of 

the Colorado River and its tributaries, ground- and surface-water use, as well as water 

availability and quality. A network of streamflow gages are maintained to monitor 

base flow of perennial streams, observe extreme hydrologic events such as floods, and 

measure long-term changes in flow that may be affected by human population growth 

or climate change. Hydrologic data collected from surface-water (for example the Verde 

and Colorado Rivers) and groundwater (local and regional aquifers) monitoring sites are 

provided to the public and to partners responsible for managing water resources. These 

partners use the data collected by the AZWSC to make science-based decisions for 

water use and its sustainability in northern Arizona and the southwestern United States. 

Arizona Water Science Center scientists retrieve an instrument that measures water 

temperature, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and fluorescence 

on Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah. Photograph by Dave Anning, USGS.

Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Scientists in the Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center 

(GMEGSC) apply geology-based research to a wide variety of science issues in the 

western United States. A major research focus of the group is mapping the geology, 

stratigraphy, and geomorphology of the lower Colorado River corridor (from Hoover 

Dam to Imperial Dam), where surface water and groundwater provide millions of 

Americans with water, energy, and recreation. Another focus is documenting and 

monitoring landscape changes on the Navajo Nation caused by increasing erosion and 

sediment mobility as a result of drought and land use. For example, GMEGSC scientists 

have conducted research to better understand the processes of sand-dune migration, 

which can threaten human health, housing, agriculture, and transportation by changing 

the amount and location of sand and dust in the air. Detailed geologic data and information maintained by GMEGSC have long-term societal benefits by providing a framework for future studies of hazards, water resources, and land management issues for 

policy decisions. 

A geologist with the Geology, Energy, Minerals, and Geophysics Science Center hiking 

in the Bouse Formation near Mesquite Mountain, in western Arizona. Photograph by Phil 

Pearthree, Arizona Geological Survey.

Western Geographic Science Center

The Western Geographic Science Center (WGSC) conducts research on the environmental and societal consequences of a changing landscape. WGSC develops tools and 

models to help decision-makers with local and Federal governments better understand 

complex scientific information so that they can make the best policy decisions possible. 

For example, WGSC scientists work with the San Carlos Apache Nation in Arizona 

to help them manage their natural resources by providing training to Tribal staff on 

remote sensing methods that incorporate data from satellites, light detection and ranging 

(LiDAR) technology, and unmanned aerial systems. WGSC scientists have also assisted 

the National Park Service with understanding potential effects of climate change on 

wildlife habitat in park lands. WGSC scientists apply their expertise globally and have 

developed 30-meter derived cropland extent maps for places such as Africa, using 

Landsat satellite images to better understand food and water security issues.

Western Geographic Science Center 

personnel surveying for Dall sheep in the 

alpine tundra of Denali National Park, 

Alaska. Photograph by Dennis Dye, USGS.

USGS Library

The Flagstaff Science Campus is home to 

one of only four branches of the USGS library 

system. The library’s holdings provide one of the 

most complete collections of materials related to 

space and planetary research, as well as a sizable 

inventory of publications relating to Earth science and the geology of the southwestern United 

States, particularly the Grand Canyon. The library 

serves USGS scientists and visiting researchers.

By Robert J. Hart, R. Greg 

Vaughan, Kristin McDougall, Todd 

Wojtowicz, and Prasad Thenkenbail

Edited by Katherine Jacques and 

Claire M. Landowski

Layout by Suzanne C. Roberts

For More Information:

U.S. Geological Survey

Flagstaff Science Campus

2255 N. Gemini Dr.

Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Tel: (928) 556-7000 

https://arizona.usgs.gov/FSC ISSN 2327-6916 (print)

ISSN 2327-6932 (online)

https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20173051