Studying the forest subsurface is a challenge because of its heterogeneous nature and
difficult access. Traditional approaches used by ecologists to characterize the subsurface …

While semiarid forests frequently colonize rocky substrates, knowledge is scarce on how
roots garner resources in these extreme habitats. The Sierra San Miguelito Volcanic …

Ecosystem physical structure, defined by the quantity and spatial distribution of biomass,
influences a range of ecosystem functions. Remote sensing tools permit the non-destructive …

This special section stems from three sessions focusing on the “Remote Characterization of
Vegetation Structure” that were held at the fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union …

The structure of forests, the three‐dimensional arrangement of individual trees, has a
profound effect on how ecosystems function and cycle carbon, water, and nutrients. The …

Savanna ecosystems have long fascinated ecologists due to the codominance of trees and
grasses. This codominance is often explained by the vertical juxtaposition of rooting depths …

Drought and heat‐induced forest die‐off are being increasingly reported across the planet.
As vulnerable areas tend to have thin soils and poor water holding capacities, quantification …

The severe deforestation of Brazil's Atlantic Forest and the increasing effects of climate
change underscore the need to understand how tree species respond to climate and …

We review methods and models that help to assess how root activity changes soil properties
and affects the fluxes of matter in the soil. Subsections discuss (1) experimental systems …

Changes in global climate and land use affect important processes from evapotranspiration
and groundwater recharge to carbon storage and biochemical cycling. Near surface soil …