Seth Munson, Ph.D.
Seth Munson is an ecologist with the Southwest Biological Science Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. His research focuses on plant-soil interactions in dryland ecosystems and how these interactions are affected by climate and land use changes.
Much of Dr. Munson's research aims to understand the dynamics of dryland ecosystems at long temporal and broad spatial scales, and employs a multidisciplinary approach. His work seeks to improve the management of arid and semi-arid lands, including determining effective ecological restoration strategies, and is done in close collaboration with several land management agencies.
Check the Science Tab Below for a List of Current Research Projects.
Research Interests: Plant Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, Dryland Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Soil Erosion
Professional Experience
Research Ecologist, US Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, Flagstaff, AZ
Adjunct Faculty, Northern Arizona University, Department of Biological Sciences, Flagstaff, AZ
Adjunct Faculty, Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ
Jan 2011 - Dec 2013: Research Ecologist (Mendenhall Fellow), US Geological Survey, Geology and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver, CO
Dec 2008 - Jan 2011: Ecologist, US Geological Survey, Canyonlands Research Station, Moab, Utah
May 2004 - Nov 2008; Research Assistant, Colorado State University, Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, Fort Collins, CO
Sep 2002 – May 2004; Research Associate, University of New Mexico, Biology Department, Albuquerque, NM
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, May 2009
B.A. Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN, May 2001
Science and Products
An integrative ecological drought framework to span plant stress to ecosystem transformation
Wildfire risk and hazardous fuel reduction treatments along the US-Mexico border: A review of the science (1985-2019)
Climate sensitivity to decadal land cover and land use change across the conterminous United States
RestoreNet: An emerging restoration network reveals controls on seeding success across dryland ecosystems
Climate-induced abrupt shifts in structural states trigger delayed transitions in functional states
Dust deposited on snow cover in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, 2011-2016: Compositional variability bearing on snow-melt effects
The right trait in the right place at the right time: Matching traits to environment improves restoration outcomes
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 19 Report)
Ecological effects of establishing a 40-year oasis protection system in a Northwestern China Desert
Gaps and hotspots in the state of knowledge of pinyon-juniper communities
Assessing plant production responses to climate across water-limited regions using Google Earth Engine
Spatiotemporal patterns of cheatgrass invasion in Colorado Plateau National Parks
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
An integrative ecological drought framework to span plant stress to ecosystem transformation
Wildfire risk and hazardous fuel reduction treatments along the US-Mexico border: A review of the science (1985-2019)
Climate sensitivity to decadal land cover and land use change across the conterminous United States
RestoreNet: An emerging restoration network reveals controls on seeding success across dryland ecosystems
Climate-induced abrupt shifts in structural states trigger delayed transitions in functional states
Dust deposited on snow cover in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, 2011-2016: Compositional variability bearing on snow-melt effects
The right trait in the right place at the right time: Matching traits to environment improves restoration outcomes
Supporting the development and use of native plant materials for restoration on the Colorado Plateau (Fiscal Year 19 Report)
Ecological effects of establishing a 40-year oasis protection system in a Northwestern China Desert
Gaps and hotspots in the state of knowledge of pinyon-juniper communities
Assessing plant production responses to climate across water-limited regions using Google Earth Engine
Spatiotemporal patterns of cheatgrass invasion in Colorado Plateau National Parks
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.