Among the topics under investigation are (1) the identification and prediction of meaningful ecosystem parameters from remote-sensing observations, and whether this information can be related to productivity and the cycling of C, N, P, and water; (2) the development of ecosystem process models relating remotely sensed variables to desired functional processes in the cycling of C, N, and P within a system, and with atmosphere and water; (3) the identity and quantity of the trace gases being produced by the biosphere; (4) the effects of disturbances, which are abrupt (such as harvesting or fire) or subtle (such as stress or fertilization) on these processes and their spectral reflectance properties; (5) the effects of different intensities of disturbance on nutrient and carbon acquisition and decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems; (6) the forms in which C, N, and P are returned to the biosphere and the consequences for the biota; (7) the possible presence of specific compounds and biotic changes that are diagnostic of biological adjustment and health; and (8) prediction of the effects of habitat alteration on species composition.