Over the past decade wireless sensor network has become a rapidly expanding technology that has strong applications. It is regarded as an extension of traditional remote sensing technology. In this paper

a review is presented on some recent development in wireless sensor networks during the past 2—3 years and the progress on their applications to various environmental fields including global change and ecological studies

soil conditions

air quality

water quality and hydrological and marine studies

precision agriculture and target tracking. The primary challenges encountered in the development and applications of wireless sensor networks have been summarized. Some future research priorities on the application of this technology have been suggested.