Climate Adaptation Science Centers
South Central CASC
South Central CASC researchers are working throughout the region to understand how future climate might impact streamflow and water availability in the Rio Grande basins, how Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout might fare as non-native trout populations increase, how tribal managers can best use science findings to prepare for the future, and much more.
Map of the South Central CASC showing consortium members. Click to enlarge.
Consortium
- University of Oklahoma (Host)
- Texas Tech University
- Louisiana State University
- Chickasaw Nation
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State University
- University of New Mexico
Key Documents & Reports
- Strategic Science Plan 2013-2018
- SC CASC Five-Year Review Report (2018)
- 2017 Annual Report
- 2016 Annual Report
- 2015 Annual Report
- 2014 Annual Report
- 2013 Annual Report
- 2012 Annual Report
- Fact Sheet (2012)
- Story Map: SC CASC Tribal Activities
Learn more on the South Central CASC consortium-led website
<< Learn more about the other regional CASCs
Related Content
Different Climate Scenarios Agree on Hotspots of Species Loss in Red River Basin
In a new study supported by the South Central CASC, researchers use species distribution models under a variety of climate change conditions to identify areas well suited for mitigation actions in the Red River Basin.
Rating Fire Danger from the Ground Up
A new article in Eos highlights the outcomes of a workshop hosted in April by the International Association of Wildland Fire and partially funded by the South Central CASC, focused on using soil moisture information to predict wildfire probability.
Gulf Coast Corals Face Potential Catastrophe
AAAS published an article detailing South Central CASC-supported research on Gulf Coast corals and the harm they face under a changing climate.
Steve Jackson, Director of the Southwest and South Central CASCs, Recognized as One of 2019's Most Highly Cited Researchers
Stephen Jackson, Director of the Southwest and South Central CASCs, is one of three USGS scientists recently recognized as one of 2019's Highly Cited Researchers by Web of Science.
Making Sense of Local Climate Projections
South Central CASC-affiliated researchers have developed hands-on training to improve planners’ and decision-makers’ confidence in incorporating climate model projections into their adaptation plans. EOS, Earth and Space Science News, published an article written by the researchers detailing this training and its successes.
CASC Presentations at the 2019 NAF Meeting
Are you attending the National Adaptation Forum (NAF) this spring in Wisconsin? Don't miss these presentations from staff and partners from across the CASC network!
CASC Presentations at the 2018 AGU Meeting
Are you attending the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting this year in D.C.? Don't miss these presentations from staff and partners from across the CASC network!
News from the Tribal Resilience Liaisons
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, the USGS, and Tribal organizations have collaborated to place Tribal Resilience Liaisons at the regional CASCs. Read on to meet the Liaisons and learn about their recent activities to promote resilient Tribal communities.
Supporting Native and Indigenous Community Climate Adaptation Efforts Across the Country
In recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day, we're exploring the ways in which the CASC network is supporting and partnering with Tribal nations and Indigenous communities to address science needs, build capacity, and inform climate adaptation planning.
South Central CASC University Director Renee McPherson receives AMS Charles E. Anderson Award
Dr. Renee McPherson, University Director for the South Central CASC, has been selected to receive the Charles E. Anderson Award by the American Meteorological Society.
10 Things You May Not Know About Drought
Learn about some of our efforts to address the challenges of drought with these 10 examples from across the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center network.
10 Things You May Not Know About Our Coasts
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New Name, Same Mission
Our program has a new name, but our mission hasn't changed. We are still hard at work delivering science to help fish, wildlife, water, land, and people adapt to a changing climate.
10 Things You May Not Know About Fish and Wildlife
Fish and wildlife play crucial roles across ecosystems and in human society. High animal diversity contributes to healthy ecosystems, and many species provide important economic benefits to our communities.
10 Things You May Not Know About Plants and Forests
Spring is here and in many places across the country, trees are beginning to bud, flowers are blossoming, and the world is starting to look a little more colorful. Look a little closer though and you’ll find that many plants are facing challenging times.
10 Things You May Not Know About the CSC Network
2018 marks the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center (NCCWSC). Read on to learn 10 things you might not know about NCCWSC and the Climate Science Centers!
CSC Presentations and More at the 2017 AGU Meeting
Attending the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting this year in New Orleans? Don't miss these presentations from staff and partners from our CSC network!
Changes in Rainfall, Temperature Expected to Transform Coastal Wetlands This Century
Changes in rainfall and temperature are predicted to transform wetlands in the Gulf of Mexico and around the world within the century, a new study from the USGS and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley concludes.
Historical Records Shed Light on 19th-Century Gulf Coast Hurricane Activity
Researchers, supported by the South Central Climate Science Center, used historical documents to identify 28 landfalling tropical cyclones between 1820 and 1915, including eight not captured by the NOAA hurricane database.
U.S. Tribes Work with Scientists Against Climate Change
The South Central Climate Science Center has been working with tribes to identify their unique vulnerabilities, help them cope with emergencies and develop long-term adaptation strategies.
No Picnic for Our Parks: How Climate Change Could Impact National Parks and the Species they Protect
From retreating glaciers in Alaska to severe drought in the Southwest, climate change is set to dramatically alter our national parks. Here are 10 CSC and NCCWSC projects that provide a snapshot of our work in national parks.
Free Course Available – Managing for a Changing Climate
Climate Science Center Offers Semester-Long Course
USGS Climate Change and Wildlife Program Receives Award for Leadership in Climate Adaptation
The USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center and Department of the Interior Climate Science Centers have been awarded honorable mention for the inaugural Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources for their outstanding work in raising awareness and addressing the impacts of climate change on the nation’s valuable natural resources.
Happy Mother’s Day to Moms of All Species
USGS wishes to honor all mothers, of all species. Many of our research findings have and are shedding light on the lives of non-human moms.
Eight Animals Feeling the Heat from Climate Change
From forest to grassland, desert to ocean, many wildlife species are already “feeling the heat” from climate change. Here are eight animals that provide a glimpse into how climate change is impacting wildlife across the country.
Supporting Transportation Research and Operations with Weather Hazard Datasets
Extreme weather conditions produce substantial strain on transportation systems. Scientists are developing weather hazard datasets, based on climate projections, to benefit transportation research and operations in the South Central U.S.
South Central Climate Science Center receives DOI Environmental Achievement Award
The South Central Climate Science Center is the recipient of the DOI 2015 Environmental Achievement Award for "Climate Science and Partnerships--Increasing Tribal Capacity for Climate Change Adaptation."
SC CSC Offers Summer Internships for Undergraduate Students of Underrepresented Minorities
During the summer of 2015, the South Central Climate Science Center (SC CSC) hosted a summer undergraduate internship opportunity for students of underrepresented minorities interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
Secretary Jewell Announces New Wildlife and Climate Studies at the South Central Climate Science Center
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced today that Interior’s South Central Climate Science Center is awarding nearly $550,000 to universities and other partners for research to guide managers of parks, refuges and other cultural and natural resources in planning how to help species and ecosystems adapt to climate change.
Researchers Work to Predict Sky Island Forest Vulnerability to Climate Change
Researchers worked to produce a generalizable framework for predicting tree species susceptibility to drought, climate change, and fire in the unique montane forests and woodlands of west Texas.
Causes of Toxic Golden Algal Blooms Determined
The causes of toxic golden algal blooms in Texas reservoirs are now better understood, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Interior’s Secretary Jewell Announces New Wildlife and Climate Studies for the South Central Climate Science Center
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced today that Interior’s South Central Climate Science Center is awarding about $1.2 million to universities and other partners for research to guide managers of parks, refuges and other cultural and natural resources in planning how to help species and ecosystems adapt to climate change.