Long-Term Monitoring

Indian Ben Wash, Scottsdale, AZ

Urban stormwater

The CAP LTER has been monitoring stormwater runoff at the outflow of the Indian Bend Wash to investigate stormwater dynamics and watershed functioning in aridland, urban environments.

Weather stations: Papago Park and Lost Dutchman State Park

CAP LTER operates two, 10-m micrometeorological stations in Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert, monitoring wind, solar radiation, temperature, humidity and precipitation since fall 2010.

Tres Rios wetlands with open water surrounded by cattails and other marsh plants.

Tres Rios Wetlands dynamics

As urban areas grow, especially in arid regions, constructed treatment wetlands like Phoenix’s Tres Rios become crucial for wastewater management. CAP LTER studies how these wetlands manage water and nutrients, revealing unique “biological tide” effects where plant transpiration drives surface water flow, enhancing nutrient removal efficiency.

Tempe Town Lake water quality

Tempe Town Lake, a 224-acre reservoir created in 1997, features steel gates for river flow and supports community and economic growth. CAP LTER monitors its water quality, revealing complex carbon cycling and impacts from climate and management.

Salt River biodiversity

The Salt River in Phoenix, altered by dams and canals, has had active restoration efforts and unintended wetlands. CAP LTER monitors birds and herpetofauna to assess these areas’ effectiveness.

Central Arizona Project Canal at Tatum Blvd Phoenix at sunset.

Regional water quality monitoring

Since 1998, ASU and regional water providers have improved water quality by monitoring algae-related issues in reservoirs and canals, aiding treatment plants and optimizing operations.

Phoenix Area Social Survey

Every five years, the Phoenix Area Social Survey studies local views on environmental issues and neighborhood traits. Linked to ecological monitoring, PASS helps analyze social-biophysical data.

Veetles

Ground-dwelling arthropods

CAP LTER has been monitoring arthropods since 1998 using pitfall trapping across diverse habitats in Phoenix. This long-term program aids ecological studies of urban and desert environments.

Hedgehog cactus flowers

Ecological Survey of Central Arizona

CAP LTER investigators are testing the hypothesis that distinct biogeochemical pathways result from elevated inorganic nitrogen and organic carbon deposition from the atmosphere to the land.

Desert fertilization experiment site

Desert fertilization experiment

CAP LTER investigators are testing the hypothesis that distinct biogeochemical pathways result from elevated inorganic nitrogen and organic carbon deposition from the atmosphere to the land.