Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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2023 —
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A genomic analysis of 144 woodland caribou from 11 populations across a 200,000 km² area surrounding Jasper National Park (JNP) reveals that the region likely represents a metapopulation with historically high gene flow. This suggests that multiple founder sources would be suitable for a proposed conservation breeding program to prevent local extirpation of JNP caribou, an endangered species in Canada. However, population structure and adaptive divergence analyses indicate that JNP caribou are genetically closest to populations in the BC Columbia range, which also exhibit sufficient genetic diversity for conservation breeding. The study recommends collaboration among jurisdictions to implement this program, aiming not only to recover JNP caribou but also to support other peripheral populations at risk.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
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2023 —
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A comprehensive geo-environmental analysis of the Eastern Coast Watersheds of Maranhão (ECWSM) reveals critical insights into the region's natural potential and vulnerability to anthropogenic changes. The study, utilizing geotechnologies and secondary data, maps key components such as altimetry, declivity, soils, vegetation, water resources, geology, and geomorphology, providing a detailed characterization of the ECWSM within the Western Atlantic Hydrographic Region. This mapping contributes significantly to environmental zoning and land management planning in the region, which interfaces with the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The analysis highlights the ecological potential and biological productivity of conservation units within these watersheds, supporting traditional economic activities while revealing proxies of Holocene landscape evolution. The research underscores the importance of integrating geological, hydrological, and climatic data to understand the complex interactions shaping the region's environment.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2023 —
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Researchers have identified the prevalence of C16 homodrimanes, specifically those with biological configuration 8α(H), in hydrothermal oil from Uzon Volcano Caldera, Kamchatka. This finding suggests that bicyclic sesquiterpanes are likely derivatives of this oil. The study also revealed a correlation between thermal maturity and the relative content of C15 drimanes, leading to the proposal of a novel sesquiterpane maturity index. The investigation utilized GC-MS techniques to analyze the composition and relative content of C14–C16 bicyclic sesquiterpanes in oil seeps from thermal springs.
Mount Huangshan
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2023 —
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A comprehensive analysis of the Lingshan-Huangshan complex in South China reveals that Nb and Ta enrichment in the Huangshan deposit is closely linked to highly fractionated magma and elevated volatile elements, particularly fluorine (F) and lithium (Li). The study, using petrography, geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and mineral compositions, found that different phases of the complex formed around 133.4–132.7 million years ago. These phases exhibit geochemical affinities to A-type granites, originating from the Proterozoic crust with some input of juvenile or mantle-derived materials. The research suggests that the decreasing Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios, along with increasing Hf, Th, U, Y in zircon and Rb, Nb, Ta in mica, indicate significant fractional crystallization, especially in the late phases. This process, combined with the enrichment of F and Li, enhances the solubilities of Nb and Ta in the melt, contributing to their concentration in the Huangshan deposit.
Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina
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2023 —
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Geodiversity serves as a pivotal driver for sustainable development and tourism in the Chapada Diamantina, Brazil. The study highlights how the region's geological and geomorphological features—such as caves, waterfalls, and abandoned prospector villages—have shaped its economic and cultural dynamics across two distinct cycles: mineral exploration and later, ecotourism. However, the findings underscore a critical threat to this dynamic: unchecked destruction of these geosites could collapse the region's development momentum. To mitigate this risk, the research advocates for robust geoconservation measures, including the establishment of conservation units (UCs), which are essential for preserving the region's unique natural heritage while sustaining its economic and social vitality.
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
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2023 —
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Geotechnologies, particularly geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data infrastructures (SDI), have proven invaluable in environmental history for visualizing the dynamic interplay between society and the environment over time. This study demonstrates their application in analyzing historical cartography and toponymy within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis, spanning Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. By leveraging these advanced tools, researchers can process diverse environmental data, providing standardized and flexible access to temporal and geographical studies. The approach highlights the potential of SDI in making complex historical landscapes accessible for comprehensive analysis.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2023 —
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A study on the Anderson's crocodile newt, Echinotriton andersoni, reveals significant geographic variation in skull morphology across its range in the Central Ryukyus, Japan. Using geometric morphometrics, researchers identified distinct differences between populations from Okinawa Island and those from Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima Islands, with Taiwanese specimens showing a closer resemblance to females from Amami-Oshima. This finding highlights previously unexplored morphological diversity within this endangered species, which is known for its high genetic variation among islands.
Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains
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2023 —
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The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains host some of Earth's oldest well-preserved sedimentary strata, the Moodies Group (~3.22 Ga), offering a unique window into early Archean surface processes and microbial life conditions. The ICDP BASE Project drilled eight inclined boreholes (November 2021–July 2022) through these steeply inclined strata, yielding an unweathered, continuous core record of up to 3.7 km thickness. This high-resolution sedimentary archive—complemented by tunnel sampling and surface mapping—preserves evidence of tidal deltas, coastal plains, microbial mats, and early diagenetic features, providing unprecedented insights into Paleoarchean environmental dynamics. The project's extensive core repository (Berlin) and public exhibition in Barberton highlight its dual role as a scientific endeavor and educational resource.
The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright
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2023 —
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A new geological interpretation reveals that Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic organic architecture, is intricately linked to the local Pennsylvanian bedrock. The study identifies the Fallingwater sandstone member within the Pottsville Formation as a distinct unit deposited in shoreface or tidal flat environments, characterized by trace fossils and ripple marks. It demonstrates that natural fractures in the bedrock influenced the orientation of Bear Run and the waterfalls' edges, while synclinal thickening suggests Alleghanian deformation shaped its deposition. The research proposes that Fallingwater’s building stone was quarried from a 2-meter-thick zone near the house, with its architecture harmonizing with the three-dimensional landscape of the valley, stream, and waterfall.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2023 —
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Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park harbors some of the world's oldest and most diverse caves, with Khe Ry cave dating back 32 million years. The park's geological history is marked by complex stratigraphic units ranging from Devonian to present-day, including granite, terrigenous rock, thin-bedded limestone, and massive limestone. Tectonic activity has played a pivotal role in shaping the cave systems, with four major fault systems creating deep faults that influence cave formation. Exogenous processes, such as travertine floods, chemical washing, and mechanical abrasion, contribute to the unique landscapes within these caves, including stalactites, stalagmites, spiral mushroom islands, and gem pebbles. This study highlights the intricate interplay between endogenous and exogenous geological activities in forming the park's remarkable cave systems.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2023 —
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Research on the Namovskoye deposit in Southern Sikhote-Alin reveals that its gold-bismuth mineralization is linked to Early Cretaceous monzonitoid magmatism, occurring alongside significant tectonic activity along the Central Sikhote-Alin fault. U-Pb dating of ore-bearing dikes confirms their age at 103 million years. The deposit's ores contain native gold alongside high concentrations of silver (Ag), bismuth (Bi), and copper (Cu). A diverse array of bismuth minerals—including sulfides, tellurides, sulfotellurides, and intermetallic compounds—was identified, along with silver minerals such as cerargyrite, acanthite, and hessite. The study suggests a mantle source for the ore mineralization and classifies the deposit within a transform continental margin setting, providing new insights into its geological positioning.
Škocjan Caves
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2023 —
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Research at Škocjan Caves, Slovenia, introduces the concept of 'karst stratigraphical windows' to describe surface exposures of older carbonate strata due to karst processes and collapse dolines. This discovery highlights how detailed geological mapping in karst areas can uncover hidden stratigraphic boundaries, providing deeper insights into subsurface structures. Unlike tectonic windows, these features arise from karst erosion and doline formation, offering a new perspective on understanding geological layers in regions with limited outcrops. The study emphasizes the importance of examining collapse dolines during surface mapping to enhance the comprehensiveness of geological data.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2023 —
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A new study reveals the volcanic activity timeline of Jeju Island's coastal region around Seogwipo, using 40Ar/39Ar dating to determine lava flow ages ranging from 107.4±1.5 ka to 826.3±3.0 ka. The research identifies nine distinct lava flows and five sedimentary layers, providing precise depositional age constraints for the Seogwipo Formation (429.9±4.4 ka to 427.3±1.4 ka). The findings suggest that volcanic activity during this period was linked to structural movements in a extensional tectonic environment around Jeju Island. The study also highlights the need for further geophysical exploration to better understand the island's early volcanic structure.
Takht-e Soleyman
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2023 —
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Gold mineralization at the Barout Aghaji deposit, located within Iran's Takht-e Soleyman region, exhibits characteristics of both orogenic and intrusion-related gold deposits. The study reveals that low-salinity fluids derived from metamorphic rocks mixed with high-salinity fluids possibly sourced from granitic gneisses during syn- to post-tectonic magmatism. Fluid inclusion analysis indicates homogenization temperatures ranging from 199–446°C, with a mode of 270–300°C, and salinities varying between 0.8–49.02 wt% NaCl Equiv., suggesting complex fluid dynamics. Sulfur isotope data (δ³⁴S values of +2.9 to +7.1‰) further supports a metamorphic origin for sulfur. The research integrates field observations, geochemistry, and stable isotopes to elucidate the deposit's ore genesis.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2023 —
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A groundbreaking study using geometric morphometric (GMM) analysis reveals that Neolithic communities in Çatalhöyük (central Anatolia, Turkey) cultivated hexaploid naked wheat around 7000 BCE, while those in Kouphovouno (Peloponnese, Greece) likely grew a tetraploid wheat resembling 'unimproved' durum. This challenges previous assumptions about the spread of free-threshing wheats (FTWs) into Europe and provides the first reliable archaeological distinction between these ploidy levels using grain morphology. The research offers new insights into early agricultural practices and the cultural significance of FTWs in Neolithic societies, suggesting shifts over time in their perceived value or sustainability.
Viñales Valley
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2023 —
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A comprehensive analysis of Viñales National Park (VNP) has identified 20 geosites of significant geological interest, with the Viñales Valley and Santo Tomás Polje ranking highest for their geoheritage value. Using advanced geomatic tools—including digital terrain modeling and virtual itineraries—the study mapped key geomorphological features such as poljes, valleys, and mountain fronts to assess their potential for geotourism and conservation. The research employed a multi-layered approach, integrating relief, drainage, slope, lithology, and geomorphology data to evaluate sites based on criteria from the Spanish Institute of Geology and Mining. Findings highlight the park's diverse geological landscapes, with values ranging up to 1050 for the Viñales Valley, underscoring its importance as an aspiring UNESCO Geopark.
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)
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2023 —
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Non-destructive geophysical and geomatic methods offer a transformative approach to documenting, researching, and protecting Jordan's rich archaeological heritage. A two-decade synthesis of projects across seven key sites, including Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a), demonstrates their effectiveness in uncovering buried structures and assessing preservation states. This method provides an up-to-date overview of Jordan’s cultural landscape, supporting restoration efforts while preserving invaluable historical traces. The study underscores the potential of these techniques to prevent destruction and loss, offering a robust framework for heritage conservation.
Via Appia. Regina Viarum
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2023 —
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Geophysical surveys have successfully identified remnants of the ancient Appian Way, Rome's first highway built in 312 BC, in southern Puglia. The study employed a comparative approach using gradiometric and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) measurements to highlight the route of this historic road, which once stretched 644 km from Rome to Brindisi. The findings provide valuable insights into the preservation and detection of archaeological structures, contributing to our understanding of one of Europe's earliest and most significant transportation networks.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
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2023 —
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Georgia's forests, particularly those within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, exhibit significant biodiversity and ecological challenges. The study highlights the presence of both native species like longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), as well as nonnative invasive plants such as chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), and nepalese browntop (Microstegium vimineum). The research employs a combination of field surveys, photographic documentation, and collaborative efforts involving agencies like the Georgia Forestry Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. Key findings underscore the importance of managing invasive species to preserve native ecosystems while acknowledging the ecological value of managed forests, such as thinned longleaf pine stands.
Meteora
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2023 —
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A geospatial tool has been developed to manage historical hiking trails, combining authoritative and crowdsourced data for sustainable preservation. This methodology, tested at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora, integrates professional surveys with multimedia documentation into a relational database using ArcGIS Pro. The tool features advanced functionalities such as pop-ups, dynamic trail profiles, and multimedia information, while also supporting continuous feedback and efficiency monitoring. It aims to address overcrowding and ensure the long-term sustainability of this globally significant site, with potential for broader application across Greece's historic trail network.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2023 —
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Venice faces significant threats from tidal flooding due to the narrowing gap between land and sea levels, exacerbated by climate change-induced sea-level rise and subsidence. The historic city's preservation demands innovative geotechnical solutions, such as tilting gate foundations and drainage system improvements, particularly in vulnerable areas like Piazza San Marco. This work delves into the complex hydro-mechanical behavior of Venice's sensitive silts, offering a comprehensive analysis of environmental challenges and mitigation strategies essential for safeguarding this cultural heritage.
Aksum
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2023 —
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Aksum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Ethiopia, stands out as a critical hub for geotourism, blending geological wonders with rich historical and religious heritage. The study highlights that integrating geosites—such as the Axum Stele quarry, volcanic mountain chains, rock-hewn churches, and archaeological sites—alongside historical landmarks is pivotal for developing sustainable tourism in Tigray. This approach not only enhances visitor engagement but also preserves Ethiopia's unique environmental and cultural legacy. The research employed a combination of literature reviews, fieldwork, data collection, and the creation of geotourism maps to underscore the importance of geotourism knowledge in shaping the main tourism corridor of the region.
Wartburg Castle
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2023 —
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The Reformation's trajectory diverged significantly between Electoral Saxony and the domain of Duke Johann, with distinct outcomes in urban centers across both regions. Volker Joestel's study reveals that while the reformation movement in Electoral Saxony waned rapidly due to complex interactions between theology and social realities, it persisted for two more years in Thuringia. This contrast underscores the nuanced relationship between religious reform and societal dynamics during Luther's tenure at Wartburg Castle in 1521/22.
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
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2023 —
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Renaissance art, particularly Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper,' employs gestures and facial expressions to convey complex psychological messages. This study reveals that the behavioral psychology evident in these depictions predates modern theories, with Jesus' tranquility serving as a bridge between dynamic biblical narratives and static artistic rendition. By analyzing gestures, postures, and expressions through a case study of 'The Last Supper' and reviewing related literature, the research demonstrates how art transcends mere representation to deliver layered meanings rooted in psychological principles.
Dja Faunal Reserve
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2023 —
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A comprehensive camera-trap survey in the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroonrevealed critical insights into the distribution and behavior of two highly threatened pangolin species. The study recorded 768 images of giant pangolins (Manis gigantea) across 57 sites and 2282 images of white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) across 137 sites, indicating distinct yet overlapping spatial patterns. Giant pangolins were largely confined to the reserve's core, while white-bellied pangolins dominated the northeast, east, and south regions, with lower occupancy in areas near human settlements like the Hydromekin Dam and Sud-Cameroun rubber plantation. Both species exhibited high diel activity overlap but differed in peak activity times, with evidence suggesting fine-scale behavioral avoidance by white-bellied pangolins. This research highlights the vulnerability of these species to habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic pressures, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts within protected areas.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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2023 —
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A novel GIS-based method for environmental susceptibility zoning effectively predicts visitor counts and assesses environmental impacts in protected areas, with moderate accuracy. Applied to Plitvice Lakes National Park—Croatia's oldest and largest national park—the approach integrated route density and historical visitor data over 20 years, identifying the central part of the park as the most vulnerable due to high visitor load, primarily within moderately restricted zones. The study demonstrated that while current environmental susceptibility is stable, these findings offer critical insights for adaptive park management strategies.
Lena Pillars Nature Park
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2023 —
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A rare and significant discovery of mass proliferation of benthic epilithic macrocolonies of the cyanobacterium <em>Gloeotrichia cf. natans</em> has been documented for the first time in water bodies within the continuous permafrost zone of the Buotama River, Lena Pillars Nature Park, Yakutia (Russia). This finding expands our understanding of this species' ecology and habitat preferences, which differ from more commonly studied planktonic cyanobacteria. The study characterizes the environmental conditions and chemical composition of the water, providing insights into the ecological niche of <em>Gloeotrichia cf. natans</em>. Importantly, no cyanotoxins (microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxins, or anatoxin-a) were detected in the biomass using advanced analytical methods, including liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and PCR techniques.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
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2023 —
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Frankish patrons during the Crusader era strategically manipulated biblical narratives and foundation legends to assert legitimacy, prestige, and construct identity. The study examines how biblical typology was exploited in crusader written sources and visual culture, notably through monumental works like the western lintel of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, mosaics in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and capitals from the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. Additionally, it explores how the Military Order of the Hospital of Saint John incorporated elaborate foundation legends into their pictorial cycles, exemplified by the mural cycle in the Hospitaller church at Emmaus (Abu-Ghosh). The research combines textual analysis with visual and monumental landscape examination to reveal the complex interplay between spirituality, art, and identity construction.
Mount Etna
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2023 —
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Mount Etna's eastern flank exhibits significant seaward motion, with deformation rates reaching up to 60 mm/year along the Pernicana fault, highlighting ongoing flank instability as a dominant process. This finding was derived from a GNSS-based analysis of long-term volcanic deformation (2004–2018) using 32 reference stations in Sicily to isolate volcanic signals from tectonic background noise. The study also detected minor contraction at the volcano's base and slight uplift, suggesting complex interactions between magmatic doming, local, and regional tectonics. Contrasting deformation patterns—radial inflation/deflation on the northwestern flank versus vigorous seaward motion on the eastern side—further underscore Etna's dynamic instability.
Socotra Archipelago
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2023 —
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A new record of the goatfish species <em>Parupeneus heptacantha</em> is documented in the Socotra Archipelago, highlighting its biodiversity and distributional biogeography. The study identifies 12 species from two genera, with only one species, <em>Upeneus</em>, showing very low diversity. Biogeographically, three distinct Arabian units—Red Sea, Gulf, and Socotra—are recognized, with the Socotra unit more closely resembling the western Indian Ocean than other Arabian regions. The findings contrast with broader coastal fish and coral biogeographic patterns, suggesting Arabia may not form a discrete pan-Arabian region within the Indian Ocean. This research contributes to understanding the complex biogeography of Mullidae in the Arabian region.
Göbekli Tepe
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2023 —
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Göbekli Tepe, located near Şanlıurfa, Turkey, is a prehistoric megalithic site featuring at least 20 monumental round structures with T-shaped pillars. A striking discovery from ongoing excavations reveals over 40 animal depictions on these pillars, predominantly featuring mammals such as snakes, foxes, wild boars, and birds like ducks, cranes, and vultures. Additionally, representations of bulls, lions, donkeys, sheep or goats, insects, and spiders have been identified. These findings suggest a rich symbolic or ritualistic significance, potentially offering insights into early human beliefs and cultural practices during the Neolithic period.
Mount Taishan
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2023 —
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A monumental study reveals the evolution of the Jade Maiden, a deity worshipped at Mount Taishan (Tai Shan), from her modest origins to widespread cult status across North China between 1000 and 2000 CE. Susan Naquin's work demonstrates that the goddess's success stemmed not from bold innovation but from gradual adaptation to local material conditions, ensuring her familiarity through varied representations in stone, wood, clay, bronze, and iron. Naquin's meticulous analysis of temple architecture, material sources, and technical skills offers a novel framework for understanding religious change over time. The study challenges conventional narratives by emphasizing the role of material culture in shaping divine familiarity, providing a methodologically rigorous approach to studying religious diffusion.
Amiens Cathedral
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2023 —
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Gothic cathedrals, symbols of medieval architecture and cultural heritage, became poignant subjects in the visual narratives of World War I and II. Amateur photographs from these periods depict the devastation wrought by conflict on iconic sites like Amiens Cathedral, Reims, Rouen, and Rotterdam's Sint-Laurenskerk, offering a stark contrast to their pre-war grandeur. These images, alongside earlier ones, provide a unique lens to explore the 'Traditional Church in Modern Culture,' revealing how medieval monuments were perceived and documented during the 20th century. The study leverages these visual records to bridge historical and cultural discourses, contributing to the understanding of how societies grappled with the destruction of their heritage while reflecting on its enduring significance.
Mount Huangshan
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2023 —
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Official heritage projects often exacerbate displacement and dispossession of local communities, undermining grassroots values and cultural practices. This study reveals how 'heritage fever' can function as epistemic violence, eroding locals' ontological and affective ownership of their cultural lifeworlds. Through ethnographic case studies across China—including Mount Huangshan—researchers demonstrate that heritage discourses, driven by state, entrepreneurial, and translocal interests, frequently marginalize local communities, particularly in urban planning and space management. The findings highlight the need for heritage justice to balance global/national capitalism pressures with grassroots needs, emphasizing the importance of local agency in preserving cultural ecology and identity.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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2023 —
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park, often celebrated as 'America's best idea,' has a hidden architectural legacy that excludes Black Americans. A preliminary analysis reveals marginal or absent representation of Black voices in park archives, promotional materials, and exhibits, perpetuating the perception of the park as an unwelcoming 'White' space. This study, using archival reviews and racial composition data, suggests that historical segregation and racism may have deterred Black visitation, contributing to a broader understanding of how landscapes are racialized. The findings underscore the need for narrative-driven deconstruction to dismantle such exclusions.
Serra da Capivara National Park
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2023 —
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A positive correlation between terrestriality and stone tool use diversity has been identified in wild capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) at Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil. The study found that increased time spent on the ground—accounting for 41% of their behavior—was linked to a more diversified use of stone tools, supporting the hypothesis that terrestriality enhances tool innovation opportunities. Using scan sampling over 23 months, researchers recorded substrate use and behaviors, revealing age-related differences in terrestriality while noting no sex-based variation. Compared to another capuchin population with a limited tool repertoire, these monkeys exhibited significantly higher ground use (43% vs. 27%), reinforcing the connection between terrestriality and tool complexity.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey at the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in Rome reveals new insights into the evolution of the basilica's core, particularly around the tomb of St. Paul. Conducted collaboratively by Dartmouth College, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CNR, and the Vatican, the study combines high-resolution GPR imaging with archival analyses to visualize subsurface structures in 2D time-slices and 3D isosurfaces. The findings, interpreted alongside archaeologists and historians, enhance understanding of the basilica's development from the 4th century to modern times, shedding light on its historical and liturgical significance as a pilgrimage destination for popes and potentates.
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
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Ground remote sensing surveys at the Etruscan necropolis of Monte Abatone, Cerveteri, Italy, have successfully identified a network of circular and rectangular features corresponding to buried tomb structures. Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) with multiple antenna frequencies (400 MHz, 300/800 MHz, and a multichannel stepped frequency system), researchers mapped approximately twelve hectares of unexplored necropolis between 2018 and 2021. The processed GPR data revealed distinct reflections linked to chamber or pit tombs, providing new insights into the spatial organization of this ancient Etruscan site.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2023 —
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Ground-runoff harvesting (GRH) emerges as a promising, sustainable solution to address freshwater scarcity on Mediterranean islands. A study in Ibiza demonstrated that GRH can capture significant volumes of water from extreme rainfall events, filling a 40 m³ tank in just one hour during a 65 mm/h precipitation event. Using a curve-number-based rainfall-runoff model, researchers estimated that installing GRH systems across Ibiza's forested areas could harvest approximately 1.31 million cubic meters of freshwater annually—equivalent to about 5% of the island's total freshwater budget. This approach offers an inexpensive and scalable method to increase water availability in isolated households, particularly in drought-prone regions with limited groundwater resources.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2023 —
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A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey with 400 MHz antennas effectively mapped groundwater level variations, revealing a significant drop from 1.68 meters in May to 3.35 meters in August within a preserved 'campo sujo' area of the Cerrado ecosystem in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Brazil. The study combined GPR data with electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to create a hydrogeophysical model that correlated well with direct measurements from monitoring wells and soil horizons mapped in trenches. This non-invasive approach demonstrated its potential for characterizing shallow subsurface structures and assessing the impacts of human occupation on groundwater levels in similar geoenvironmental settings.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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Size-selective harvesting significantly alters the life history and demography of the bloody cockle, Senilia senilis. Research comparing harvested populations in Bijagós Archipelago (Guinea-Bissau) with unexploited ones at Banc d'Arguin (Mauritania) revealed that harvesting leads to denser but smaller-sized, older populations with lower standing biomass and reduced growth rates. At Bijagós, annual growth is threefold lower, and size-for-age is half compared to Banc d'Arguin. Environmental factors such as mangrove productivity at Bijagós and seagrass characteristics at Banc d'Arguin also influence population dynamics. These findings highlight the profound impact of harvesting on shellfish populations, offering critical insights for sustainable management in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Aldabra Atoll
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A 40-year study at Aldabra Atoll reveals significant insights into the growth rates and projected ages at sexual maturity for immature green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). Analyzing capture-mark-recapture data from 1981 to 2021, researchers found that green turtles exhibit a mean annual growth rate of 3.2 cm/year, with the highest growth in larger size classes (50–69.9 cm), while hawksbill turtles show a non-monotonic growth pattern, peaking in the same size class but declining in the largest (70–79.9 cm). The study suggests that both species may spend over 8 and 18 years, respectively, foraging at Aldabra. These findings underscore the importance of long-term monitoring for understanding population dynamics in remote marine protected areas.
Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas
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2023 —
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A recent analysis highlights the pressing need for balanced conservation and accessibility strategies to safeguard Sardinia's unique archaeological heritage, particularly its domus de janas and nuraghe sites. These structures, recognized for their distinctive decorative elements and cultural significance, face challenges in legal protection, maintenance, and public access. The study, conducted by the Superintendency of Culture, evaluates current conservation projects and proposes guidelines to enhance the recognition process while ensuring sustainable access. By examining the legal status, ongoing initiatives, and future plans, this research aims to provide a comprehensive framework for preserving Sardinia's archaeological assets without compromising their accessibility.
Quebrada de Humahuaca
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2023 —
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Early 19th-century transformations in the indigenous communities of Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, were marked by shifts in power dynamics, militarization, and emerging citizenship processes. A key finding is the significant role of indigenous military participation during the wars of independence, which reshaped local governance structures and cacicazgos (chiefdoms). The study highlights how the implementation of suffrage further altered these relationships, reflecting broader societal changes. Using historical analysis, the research examines archival records to trace these transformations, offering insights into the complex interplay between war, politics, and indigenous autonomy during this pivotal period.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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Grasslands dominate the habitat use of common elands (Tragelaphus oryx) in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, with over 85% of their activity concentrated in these areas during both dry and wet seasons. This preference for grasslands is accompanied by a significant variation in diet composition, primarily feeding on Themeda triandra while rarely consuming Vachellia tortilis or Hibiscus aponeurus. The study, conducted through direct field surveys along 82 pre-established transects, highlights the importance of habitat management and reducing anthropogenic activities to mitigate competition with livestock and enhance eland conservation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2023 —
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Researchers found that native mice, particularly the species Peromyscus nudipes, are significantly more abundant and diverse in montane forests compared to paramo habitats within the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves. The study, conducted across four microhabitats—paramo-bush, paramo-Chusquea, montane forest-bush, and montane forest-Chusquea—revealed that the more complex vegetation structure of montane forests provides better conditions for mice, offering greater diversity in food resources and shelters. P. nudipes accounted for 85% of all captures, highlighting its dominance in these ecosystems. The findings underscore the importance of habitat structure in shaping rodent abundance and richness, contributing valuable insights to conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like Costa Rica's highlands.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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2023 —
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Habu snakes (Protobothrops flavoviridis) from adjacent Japanese islands exhibit significant variation in thoracic aortic vasoreactivity. Researchers found that Tokunoshima Habu display stronger contractile responses to angiotensin II, acetylcholine, and noradrenaline compared to Amami-Oshima Habu, with higher affinities for the first two substances—a previously unreported response to acetylcholine in snakes. This suggests intraspecific physiological divergence potentially driven by ecological differences between the islands. The study employed isolated aorta experiments to assess vasoreactivity, providing insights into how local environmental factors may influence snake physiology.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
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2023 —
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A significant discovery of a Middle Low German translation of the first German report on Brazil, printed by Joachim Löw in Hamburg in 1564, has been made within the Plantin-Moretus Museum's collection in Antwerp. This text, along with simultaneous Middle Dutch translations from Amsterdam and Antwerp, sheds light on the geographic, cartographic, and nautical significance of these seafaring cities during the 16th century. The study focuses on the functional role of these texts, examining their contributions to navigation and exploration during a pivotal era of maritime expansion.
Hanseatic City of Lübeck
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2023 —
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Original letters from the late 15th century reveal Lübeck's pivotal role in negotiating Anglo-Hanseatic relations during a period of escalating conflict. Analysis of merchant correspondence between Cologne, Bremen, Münster, Danzig, and Lübeck demonstrates that negotiations extended beyond major trading cities to include those with lesser representation in England, while also highlighting Lübeck's strengthened leadership within the Hanseatic League during crisis. The study contextualizes these documents within broader geopolitical tensions, offering new insights into diplomatic preparations of the 1490s.
Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement
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2023 —
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A study on Kulangsu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic international settlement, reveals that natural sounds—such as birdsong and sea waves—enhance visitors' experiences more effectively than artificial or mechanical sounds. Using data from 195 interviewees, researchers found significant relationships between the harmonious degree of sound sources (SHD) and visiting experience indicators, including soundscape perception, visual landscape satisfaction, and overall impression. Natural sounds were strongly linked to pleasant and comfortable perceptions, while mechanical sounds contributed to eventful and varied soundscapes. Structural equation modeling further showed that natural sounds had the most substantial positive impact on both soundscape and visual landscape perception, with human and mechanical sounds also playing significant roles in shaping visitors' experiences. These findings suggest that targeted management of soundscapes—integrating natural, human, and mechanical elements—could significantly improve the multi-sensory experience for visitors to historic scenic areas.
