Central Arizona–Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER)
Website
http://caplter.asu.eduThe Central Arizona–Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) project is one of 26 long-term sites funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The CAP LTER site provides a unique addition to the LTER research by focusing on an arid-land ecosystem profoundly influenced, even defined, by the presence and activities of humans and is one of only two sites that specifically studies the ecology of urban systems. Biological, physical, engineering, and social scientists from Arizona State University and a wide range of local partners are working together to study the structure and function of the urban ecosystem, assess the effects of urban development on the Sonoran Desert, and define the impact of ecological conditions on urban development. The project also has an explicit commitment to engage the broader community in research efforts, both through K-12 education initiatives and through activities to engage citizens in CAP science.
Personnel
 Sharon Harlan Co-principal Investigator |  Dan Childers Director |  Christopher Boone Co-Principal Investigator |  Charles Redman Co-Principal Investigator |  B. L. Turner II Co-Principal Investigator |
 Stevan Earl Manager |  Monica Elser Manager |  Marcia Nation Manager |  Philip Tarrant Manager |
Funding
National Science Foundation, grant nos. BCS-1026865, DEB-0423704 and DEB-9714833
Timeframe
August 1997 - November 2016
Research Themes
Biodiversity and preservation of natural environmentBusiness practices and economics
Climate change and adaptation
Energy
International development
Policy and governance
Social and behavioral change, ethics
Urbanization
Water quality, use, and supply