Lakes of Ounianga
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A high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis, reaching nearly 40%, was discovered among populations living around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ounianga Lakes in Chad. This finding challenges the assumption that such water-borne diseases are limited to tropical regions, highlighting significant public health risks even in desert environments. The study employed a cross-sectional survey, focus group discussions, and environmental sampling to detect <em>Schistosoma haematobium</em> and <em>S. mansoni</em>, confirming infections through molecular genetics and identifying intermediate host snails (<em>Bulinus truncatus</em>) that facilitate local transmission. While <em>S. mansoni</em> infections were detected, the absence of its intermediate hosts suggests limited relevance. Qualitative data underscored the morbidity burden of urinary schistosomiasis and the lack of access to diagnostics or treatment in this remote region, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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A groundbreaking study reveals significant gender-based differences in diet among victims of the 79 CE Vesuvius eruption at Herculaneum, offering unprecedented insights into ancient Roman society. By analyzing stable isotope values of amino acids from bone collagen using Bayesian models, researchers reconstructed the diets of 17 adults with high precision. The findings indicate that males and females had differential access to marine and terrestrial foods, challenging historical assumptions about food distribution in Roman communities. This method also provides a benchmark for comparing ancient diets to modern populations, potentially shedding light on health implications.
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems
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Sentinel-2 satellite data proves effective for monitoring and hindcasting green macroalgae blooms in shallow coral reef lagoons, as demonstrated in a New Caledonia case study. The research found that spectral indices using blue and green bands, when paired with field observations, explained up to 64.9% of algal abundance variance, depending on seabed composition and data correction methods. Supervised image segmentation accurately captured two significant Ulva blooms in 2018, showcasing the potential of Sentinel-2 for real-time and historical monitoring of these nuisance events.
Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California
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2021 —
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A novel methodological approach in environmental history, termed 'collective and from below,' offers a pathway for territorial redefinition and community autonomy in the Gulf of California (GoC). This method leverages multiactoral and intercultural collaboration to construct historical knowledge that reflects diverse voices, enriching understanding of biocultural diversity and socio-ecological challenges. The approach also highlights the efforts of communities and organizations in addressing power asymmetries that have historically exploited the region's resources. By contextualizing the GoC's history of exploitation alongside its ecological significance—including its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and key contributor to Mexico's fisheries and tourism—the study provides tools for legitimizing struggles in defense of this vital marine ecosystem.
Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans
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A unique park within the Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans, now part of Yurii Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, combines three distinct landscape styles—Italian garden, French regular park, and English landscape park—reflecting its layered historical development. This study reveals how the park's design evolved through different periods, shaped by landscape designers and clergymen, while analyzing its current challenges and proposing innovative solutions to enhance its cultural and economic viability. Notably, the research introduces the concept of a symbolic Bible garden, aiming to create a new tourist attraction that preserves the site's heritage while integrating modern landscape techniques.
Site of Palmyra
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Archaeological data from Palmyra, Syria, reveals the dynamic trajectories of its elites through history. The Palmyra Portrait Project, analyzing nearly 4,000 portraits and over 300 tombs, combined with evidence of trade and building activity, sheds light on the rise and fall of this ancient oasis city's ruling class. The study identifies key historical events—such as wars or plagues—that correlated with shifts in elite behaviors, offering a nuanced understanding of Palmyra’s socio-political landscape. This approach bridges archaeological records with historical narratives, providing insights into the resilience and adaptability of Palmyra’s elites amid adversity.
Phoenix Islands Protected Area
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Historical whaling records reveal that the Phoenix Archipelago, now home to two large Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), was once a critical sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) habitat. Analysis of 19th-century data shows these whales were present year-round in the region, with hotspots identified within the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) and near Howland and Baker islands, suggesting long-term ecological significance. While modern surveys are lacking, anecdotal evidence indicates that MPAs may support population resurgence, though not to pre-whaling levels. This study underscores the importance of historical baselines for measuring MPA effectiveness in marine conservation efforts.
Rideau Canal
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Global canal systems, spanning over 63,000 km, face significant biodiversity challenges due to fragmentation and human-mediated disturbances such as poor water quality and invasive species. A study on Canada’s Rideau Canal highlights the need for coordinated governance that balances historical preservation with ecological conservation. The research identifies key threats—user conflicts, pollution, shoreline development, and invasive species—and advocates for a shift from fragmented management to a unified, multi-stakeholder approach. This model could serve as a blueprint for other historic waterways worldwide, addressing both biodiversity loss and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Ogasawara Islands
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A novel perspective on the historical development of Japanese nationality and identity emerges from the study of the Ogasawara Islands, revealing how legal status and debates over Japanese identity evolved during critical periods. This research highlights the often-overlooked translingual and transcultural diversity among Japanese nationals in these Pacific islands, offering unique insights into the emergence of notions of nation, empire, and citizenship in Japan. By focusing on the lives of individuals who lived through formative times, the study bridges gaps in understanding race and ethnicity in Asia and its connections to the Pacific.
Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura
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Hohle Fels Cave, a significant site in the Swabian Jura, offers unparalleled insights into Central European late Middle and early Upper Paleolithic culture. Dating between 42,000 and 35,000 years B.P., the cave contains over 90,000 lithic artifacts, faunal remains, and notable mobile art objects like flutes and beads. As part of UNESCO World Heritage 'Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura' since 2017, Hohle Fels also serves as a geosite within the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark. This dual status fosters collaborative management efforts, integrating cultural heritage with geological significance to develop shared protection programs and monitoring measures.
Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System
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A pivotal advancement in mining technology occurred at the Rammelsberg mine with the introduction of hoisting chains in 1565, replacing hemp rope for more efficient and durable ore transportation. This innovation marked a significant leap forward in deep-mine operations, setting the stage for further developments in steam hoisting during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Subsequent improvements in rope manufacture, engine design, and drum shapes enhanced the functionality of steam winders, enabling more effective and automated ore extraction processes. The study highlights the evolution of hoisting mechanisms as a critical factor in the efficiency and scalability of mining operations, particularly in historic sites like Rammelsberg.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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Neolithic settlements around Çatalhöyük, Turkey, were less vulnerable to flooding than previously thought. A multi-method approach combining sedimentological reconstructions, climate and vegetation proxies, and hydrological modelling revealed that crops in the region experienced more evenly distributed flooding throughout the year with relatively unerosive flows. The study also highlighted significant interannual and decadal variability, suggesting that subsistence patterns at Çatalhöyük were resilient to drought conditions, enabling the settlement to thrive for over a millennium. This interpretation aligns with archaeological evidence of diverse plant and animal remains.
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
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2021 —
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Holographic visualization of large-scale point clouds demonstrates impressive fluidity and detail retention, even at high zoom levels. This breakthrough was achieved using the Euclideon Hologram Table©, which processes 3D surveys from multiple scales—architectural (e.g., Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan), environmental (e.g., Ghesc village in Ossola valley), and micro-scale (e.g., cuneiform clay tablet). The study validated the workflow from 3D modeling to holographic rendering, assessing file formats, performance, and detail visibility. While the results show strong potential for immersive exploration of cultural heritage, further research is needed to enhance visualization quality and interactive capabilities.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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A male Siberian musk deer (Moschus moschiferus L.) in Central Sikhote-Alin maintains a small, consistent home range (1.02–1.1 km²) with a core activity area where it spends over 84% of its time. This behavior is driven by social dynamics, including interactions with neighboring males and the distribution of females, rather than food availability, which exceeds dietary needs by 60–300 times. The study, conducted from 2014 to 2015 using snow tracking, radiotracking, and habitat analysis, revealed that musk deer movements form a structured pattern with 'patrolling belts' and a central system linking activity cores, aligning with terrain and plant community boundaries. These findings highlight the importance of social factors in shaping territorial behavior and movement strategies in this species.
Longobards in Italy. Places of the Power (568-774 A.D.)
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Horse burials in Lombard Italy, introduced during the migration of the Lombards in 568 AD, served as cultural symbols representing unique status rather than solely reflecting a warrior's role. Unlike traditional associations with warriors, these burials included young women and non-warrior males, suggesting horses were emblems of social standing in death. The study focuses on the necropolis of Spilamberto, highlighting its unique association of horses with young ladies. Through analysis of human and equine remains, the research argues that horse burial customs were borrowed from warfare symbolism but primarily functioned as status markers, irrespective of an individual's involvement in warfare during life.
Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai
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The horse's hoof motif, prevalent in the art of ancient nomads, served as both a pictogram and a symbol of social or ethnic identity. This study reveals that the motif originated in the Mongolian Altai during the late Bronze Age, spreading across Asia before disappearing by the 3rd century BC. The hoof was depicted schematically on petroglyphs and items like ladles, cheek-pieces, and buckles, with regional variations in its use. The earliest representations were found in Altai, suggesting a significant role for Asian territories in its development. By the second half of the 7th century BC, the motif had spread to the Middle East, transforming into an additional detail in animal figures. The research identifies specific cultural and stylistic areas where the hoof motif was prominent, including Sayano-Altai, Dnieper-Kuban-Caucasus-Iran, South Ural (a buffer zone), Khakass-Minusinsk Hollow, and Kazakhstan. The study suggests that the motif may have been associated with royal Scythians, a nomadic group influential in the formation of archaic Scythian culture.
Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago
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Researchers document the presence of three horseshoe bat species—Marshall's, Pearson’s, and the least horseshoe bats—in the mangrove ecosystems of Cat Ba National Park, a key component of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. This marks the first recorded observation of these bats in such habitats within the park, with Pearson’s horseshoe bat identified as the most common species. The study combines morphological and acoustic analyses to characterize each species, while also highlighting the ecological significance of mangrove forests for bat research and conservation efforts.
Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
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Hosios Loukas, a Byzantine monastery near Delphi, stands as the most complete and significant monastic ensemble of medieval Byzantium. Renowned for its exceptional architecture and monumental decoration, the monastery's Katholikon church houses an unparalleled collection of mosaics and frescoes, featuring over 160 portraits of saints and twenty narrative compositions. These artistic works, combined with polychrome marble ornamentation, showcase the pinnacle of Byzantine craftsmanship. The site also includes structures such as cells, towers, a warming house, and a refectory, recently restored by the Greek Archaeological Service. Hosios Loukas' significance lies in its preservation and the intricate program of decorative arts that have captivated scholars for over a century.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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Wrangel Island harbors a surprisingly rich hoverfly (Diptera, Syrphidae) fauna of 16 species, with nine recorded for the first time on the island and one, <em>Platycheirus pullatus</em>, new to the Palearctic region. The study, based on specimens collected from 1972 to 2019 using various methods, reveals that the island's hoverfly community is dominated by Arctic species, with a third consisting of widespread tundra inhabitants. Notably, the central, warmer part of the island—an enclave of typical tundra subzone—hosts the highest diversity (12 species), including four newly documented in the 21st century during a period of climate warming. While most species are rare (singletons), <em>Parasyrphus groenlandicus</em> is common, with others like <em>P. tarsatus</em>, <em>Eupeodes curtus</em>, and <em>Platycheirus aeratus</em> showing localized abundance. This fauna, shaped by Pleistocene history, exceeds expectations for Arctic islands, suggesting Wrangel Island's unique ecological significance.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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Research reveals that the Nyangatom agro-pastoralists in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley have significantly increased their reliance on temporal migration, herd diversification, and flood cultivation to adapt to rising drought frequency since 1987. Multi-nominal logistic regression identified key determinants of adaptation success, including age of household head (negative), livestock ownership, crop productivity, off-farm income, and access to climate information (all positive). Barriers such as intermittent conflicts and limited livelihood options hinder adaptation efforts. The study underscores the need for long-term, risk-reducing strategies like rangeland management, water harvesting, and small-scale irrigation, alongside improved education, extension services, and pastoral policies, to enhance adaptive capacity in vulnerable communities.
Le Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene
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2021 —
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Sparkling wine producers adopting the 'Rive' sub-appellation for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco (CVPP) significantly boost their market share, driven by younger, smaller wineries with strong wine tourism and targeted promotional strategies. Structural factors like human capital, pressure tank sizes, competitive positioning, and hospitality efforts were key to choosing the Rive designation, while cellar door sales, firm size, and foreign markets (e.g., UK and US) fueled its market growth. This finding underscores the potential of sub-appellations in enhancing the value of heroic viticulture, supporting promotional strategies for UNESCO-listed sites like CVPP, and fostering wine tourism—highlighting a model for sustainable economic development in heritage contexts.
Aksum
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Tourism seasonality significantly impacts hotel revenue and occupancy rates, particularly for small hotels in developing destinations. A study of 14 hotels in Aksum, Ethiopia, found that off-months lead to substantial drops in revenue, yet staff-related costs remain manageable due to the size of these establishments. Hotels mitigate these effects by diversifying products to cater to both peak-season tourists and local markets, as well as increasing supply during high-demand periods. This research provides valuable insights into the economic challenges faced by small hotels in developing tourism destinations and offers practical strategies for addressing seasonality.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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Descendants of Auschwitz survivors in Israel often replicate the progenic tattoo—originally assigned to inmates by Nazi authorities—as a form of personal and collective memorialization. This act reflects evolving interpretations of Holocaust memory, shifting from a symbol of victimization to one of resilience and remembrance. The study traces this phenomenon through intergenerational storytelling, revealing how descendants navigate private and public narratives around the tattoo's meaning. By analyzing genealogies of the tattoo, the research highlights its role in both individual identity and broader cultural commemoration, offering insight into the enduring legacy of trauma and memory.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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Environmental carrying capacity, not labor availability, likely limited local self-sufficiency in the Pergamon microregion during its transition from the Hellenistic to Roman Imperial periods. Researchers developed a transparent, reproducible model to assess agricultural production relative to environmental suitability and workforce, using topographic derivatives to create a carrying capacity index. Findings suggest that strategic investments, such as terrace construction, could have enhanced self-sufficiency. This study lays groundwork for understanding socio-ecological resilience in historical landscapes, with future research needed to explore system dynamics under varying environmental and cultural pressures.
Białowieża Forest
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Lichens prove to be highly sensitive indicators of forest naturalness, with their species richness significantly correlating with the degree of protection and historical features of forests. A study conducted across the Białowieża Forest in Poland demonstrated that lichen diversity was highest in the 100-year-old Białowieża National Park (BNP) and decreased in managed stands, while bryophyte diversity did not show a clear dependence on management regimes. The research involved sampling epiphytic and epixylic bryophytes and lichens from 180 plots representing different management/protection regimes and habitat types. It found that relic species of primeval forests and red-listed species were more frequent in protected areas, particularly in BNP for lichens and nature reserves for bryophytes. Structural features such as deadwood volume, undergrowth plant richness, tree layer diversity, shrub cover, and herb layer cover exhibited strong correlations with cryptogam species richness and cover. The study highlights the potential of lichens, especially, as reliable ecological indicators of forest status.
Heard and McDonald Islands
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A very low but plausible risk exists for hull fouling marine invasive species to establish in East Antarctica, including its subantarctic islands, under current and future climate change scenarios. A machine-learning model identified four species as potential immediate threats and five more as risks by the end of this century, with <em>Asterias amurensis</em> posing a threat across all locations studied. The research used gradient-boosted machine learning (XGBoost) to assess environmental suitability based on sea surface temperature, salinity, nitrate levels, and pH, revealing that while adult survival is possible, successful reproduction and establishment remain unlikely due to limited propagule pressure. These findings underscore the need for a precautionary approach, emphasizing surveillance and monitoring in this pristine region.
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
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Greater Bridgetown, Barbados, demonstrates significant capacity for resilience against coastal hazards such as sea-level rise and storm surges, but this potential is hindered by institutional neglect, limited stakeholder engagement, and insufficient investment. The study identifies that while historical urban development and governance structures shape vulnerability, proactive adaptation strategies—including infrastructure protection and cross-sector collaboration—could substantially reduce risks. Using a qualitative survey and an adaptive urban governance framework, researchers analyzed the interplay between national policies, urban morphology, and local stakeholder initiatives to assess how these factors either mitigate or exacerbate coastal vulnerabilities. The findings underscore the need for prioritization of climate adaptation in small island developing states, where urban resilience is critical yet often overlooked.
Lake Baikal
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Despite its global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Baikal faces mounting threats to its ecosystemic health due to human activities and climate change. While the lake's deep waters remain pristine, shallow coastal zones near settlements and industrial sites are experiencing significant degradation, impacting water quality and biodiversity. The study highlights that political, economic, and social factors contribute to cascading environmental consequences, including pollution sinks, water level management challenges, and forest maintenance issues. These pressures threaten the survival of Lake Baikal's unique endemic species and its ecological integrity. The research underscores the urgent need for effective conservation strategies to mitigate these risks and preserve this ancient and irreplaceable ecosystem.
Land of Frankincense
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A mid-Holocene expansion of tropical woodlands, including frankincense (Boswellia sacra) and Terminalia trees, occurred in southern Arabia, coinciding with human landscape modification. This period, from 6 to 4.7 thousand years ago, saw increased groundwater storage and potential wildfires, suggesting a semi-arid but continuous vegetation cover that contrasted with today's arid conditions. The study used fossil pollen and stable isotopes from rock hyrax middens in Wadi Sana, Yemen, to reconstruct ecosystem changes during this critical transition. Findings indicate human management likely promoted Terminalia woodlands, while frankincense may have supported ancient resin trade networks. After 1 thousand years, desert conditions emerged, marked by increased sedge abundances and the decline of grasses and trees.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
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Increased water scarcity due to drought is driving Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) into human-populated areas within the Greater Calakmul Region of southeastern Mexico, heightening human-tapir conflicts. Despite no direct correlation between annual precipitation and tapir sightings over an 11-year period (2008–2019), tapir incursions spiked in 2019, a year marked by the lowest rainfall (626.6 mm) in the past decade. Tapirs were the most frequently observed species at waterholes and apiaries, suggesting intensified competition for limited resources. Community-based monitoring from 2016 to 2018 further documented these conflicts, emphasizing the need for alternative water sources to mitigate threats to tapir conservation and broader wildlife viability in drought-prone regions.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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A groundbreaking study reveals that human activities have been the dominant geomorphic agents shaping landscapes since the rise of early urbanism, with lasting impacts visible even today. Using advanced lidar mapping, researchers analyzed the Teotihuacan Valley in Mexico, uncovering previously unrecognized features and documenting the destruction of archaeological sites due to modern mining operations. This multi-scalar approach links past, present, and future landscape dynamics, providing a critical geospatial database for informed stewardship decisions. The findings underscore the need to balance urban development with the preservation of heritage landscapes, offering valuable insights for policymakers and archaeologists alike.
Pyrénées - Mont Perdu
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Hunting ghosts: on spectacles of spectrality and the trophy animal reveals how trophy hunting in the Spanish Pyrenees creates 'spectacles' that detach animals, like the extinct bucardo (Pyrenean ibex), from their ecological contexts. The study uses Jacques Derrida’s concept of spectrality and Guy Debord’s theory of the spectacle to analyze how taxidermy and photography transform ghostly figures into symbols of human mastery over landscapes. It argues that the absence of the bucardo, already elusive by the 19th century, was marked through trophies, which inferred its presence while removing it from temporal realities. A typology of spectral sensing—mourning, marking, and working—is proposed to frame how ghosts are culturally interpreted. The research highlights the material implications of hunting on extinction narratives and the role of visual technologies in shaping these spectacles.
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
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A long-standing Tamil community in Melaka, known as the 'Chitty,' has played a significant but underrecognized role in shaping the city's sociocultural and economic landscape over seven centuries. Despite their marginal numbers, the Chitty have demonstrated remarkable adaptability through hybridity, allowing them to navigate shifting political, economic, and demographic dynamics. However, their ethnic visibility has diminished due to the influx of newer Indian migrants, leading to a paradoxical 'ethnic invisibility' despite their historical contributions. The study combines historiography and ethnographic observations to highlight this community's enduring yet overlooked legacy in Melaka.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
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A novel hybrid lineage of Sempervivum tectorum (Houseleek) has emerged in the Massif Central, France, through homoploid hybridization between Rhine Gorge and Pyrenean lineages. Genotyping-by-sequencing revealed hybrid admixture, while ecological niche modeling demonstrated a distinct niche for this new lineage, characterized by intermediate or extreme traits compared to its parents. Species distribution models suggest parapatric distribution during its likely origin in the Quaternary, with reproductive isolation potentially driven by differential climate responses. This study highlights hybridization as a key mechanism for speciation and ecogeographical displacement.
Durmitor National Park
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Researchers discovered and described a new species of long-palped water beetle, Hydraena dinarica, within Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. This finding was achieved through a collaborative expedition involving citizen scientists, students, and taxonomists, who collected specimens from diverse aquatic habitats across the park using fine-meshed nets and manual substrate checks. The study integrated morphological species delimitation with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, primarily conducted in the field via the MinION-based ONTrack pipeline, to validate the new species and compare it to closely related congeners within the H. saga/H. emarginata complex. Additionally, five other Hydraena species were recorded near Durmitor National Park, including the first DNA barcodes for two endemic or regionally significant species: H. biltoni (endemic to Montenegro) and H. morio. The study also highlighted challenges in DNA barcoding due to low or zero sequence divergence among recently diverged Hydraena species, providing insights into the genetic complexity of this genus.
Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve
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A hydraulic review reveals that the current flood protection measures in Bardejov, Slovakia, are insufficient to mitigate even historical flood events like the 2010 disaster. Using mathematical modeling of open channel flow—both steady and unsteady—researchers assessed the impact of existing phase I protections on proposed phases II and III, which extend upstream and downstream. The study, conducted in HEC-RAS software, identified critical gaps in flood defense along the Topľa River, particularly in areas not yet addressed by ongoing projects. Proposed adjustments to these measures were validated through simulations, demonstrating their potential to control extreme flooding. This work underscores the need for comprehensive, multi-phase flood infrastructure to safeguard Bardejov's central residential area.
The Dolomites
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A unique hydrochemical profile distinguishes dolomite karst basins in humid subtropical zones, marked by HCO3-Ca·Mg type water, unlike the HCO3-Ca type found in limestone or shale areas. A study of 215 water samples from the Shanmuhe and Huangzhouhe Basins within China's Shibing Dolomite Karst World Natural Heritage Site revealed that ion concentrations like EC, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO3⁻, and their ratios increase as water transitions from allogenic upstream regions to dolomite karst areas downstream. Seasonal variations show minimal fluctuation in ion concentration, with slight dilution during rainy seasons, while rainfall import remains low, indicating limited human impact on hydrochemistry. The research highlights that geological factors, particularly lithology, primarily control water chemistry through rock weathering and water-rock interactions.
Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region
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A comprehensive hydrochemical analysis reveals that arsenic (As) and boron (B) concentrations in waters from the arid Arica and Parinacota Region, northern Chile, are primarily controlled by geothermal water mixing and freshwater interactions at high altitudes. The study found that 72% of sampled waters exceeded the World Health Organization's provisional guideline for arsenic (>10 μg/L), affecting 44% of drinking water sources. Elevated salinity (EC > 0.75 mS/cm) and boron levels (>0.75 mg/L) were also widespread, impacting 80% and 89% of samples, respectively. The research identified distinct geochemical processes influencing As and B concentrations, with the highest arsenic levels (~21 mg/L) associated with circum-neutral Na-Cl waters in the Camarones basin, while lower levels (~5 mg/L) were linked to acidic SO4 waters in the Lluta basin. Evaporative concentration and sediment-water interactions further contributed to downstream arsenic enrichment. This study provides a conceptual model for understanding water quality challenges in northern Chile, offering insights into geochemical processes that shape regional hydrochemistry.
Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley
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Recent water level rises in Kenya's Great Rift Valley lakes—ranging from 21% to 123% since 1984–2009—can be attributed primarily to increased rainfall rather than anthropogenic or geological changes. A hydrometeorological analysis of Lakes Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru, Solai, Elementaita, and Naivasha revealed that a minor increase (0.4–2%) in mean annual effective rainfall explains the observed phenomena, despite concurrent rises in evapotranspiration. The study's 'Integrated Catchment Response' framework demonstrates that changes in catchment properties or underground permeability are unnecessary to account for these trends.
Danube Delta
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Microplastic pollution in the Danube Delta exhibits distinct spatial patterns influenced by hydrodynamic processes. Research reveals higher concentrations of microplastics in areas adjacent to the main distributaries (Kilia, Sulina, and St. George), which serve as primary pathways for plastic transport from the River Danube to the Black Sea. The study integrates previous microplastic data with hydrological measurements, demonstrating that discharge and current speeds significantly affect microplastic abundance and morphology. These findings highlight the role of hydrodynamics in shaping regional-scale aquatic pollution, offering insights into the behavior and distribution of microplastics in sedimentary systems.
South China Karst
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Riverine carbon cycling in karst regions exhibits high sensitivity to climate change, with hydrological and biogeochemical processes playing pivotal roles. A study on the Guijiang River, South China, revealed that high discharges during warm-wet seasons accelerate solute transport and organic carbon mineralization, leading to significant CO2 consumption (760.4 × 10³ mol/km²/year), far exceeding global averages. Stable carbon isotope analysis of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ¹³C_DIC) showed that biological carbon contributes up to 53% of DIC, influencing temporal carbon dynamics. The research highlights the critical impact of climate variability on chemical weathering and carbon fluxes in karst areas, emphasizing the need for further investigation into these processes under changing climatic conditions.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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The outburst of Zonag Lake in Hoh Xil, Tibetan Plateau, in 2011 triggered significant and lasting changes to the regional hydrological ecosystem, threatening the ecological health of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Research using remotely sensed data (2000–2020), meteorological observations, and field surveys revealed that the event altered lake connectivity, increased sandstorm activity, and degraded vegetation, particularly in lambing and Tibetan antelope habitats. Downstream Yanhu Lake reached record high levels, necessitating emergency diversion measures to prevent overflow. These changes pose risks to infrastructure—including the Qinghai-Tibet highway and railway—as well as fluvial geomorphology in the Yangtze River's northernmost sources, underscoring the event's far-reaching environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes
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A groundwater-recharged lake in the Badain Jaran Desert, China, has undergone significant hydrological changes over the past 140 years, primarily driven by increased evaporation due to rising temperatures. The study, which analyzed sediment cores from Sayinwusu Lake using radiometric dating and mineral content analysis, revealed two distinct evolutionary periods: a low-productivity phase (1880–1950) and a rapid increase in primary productivity and salinity beginning in the 1950s. Despite regional precipitation increases, evaporation effects have dominated lake dynamics in this hyper-arid environment. This research provides critical insights for projecting future changes in desert groundwater-recharged lakes.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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Extreme hydrological events in the last decade, including high discharges, have significantly altered the Plitvice Lakes' system. Research reveals that while Kozjak Lake previously experienced decreasing discharges with rising water levels and growing tufa barriers (pre-1990s), post-2001 trends show increased discharges, falling water levels, and shrinking barriers due to erosion. Water losses from the lake system remain stable but occur during low-water periods, influenced by both surface flow and underground hydrological conditions. This study provides a methodological framework for analyzing similar karst systems formed by tufa deposition.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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2021 —
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A groundbreaking discovery in the 1980s revealed that hypogenic karst processes, driven by ascending groundwater rich in carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, play a significant role in cave formation at depth. This study identifies sulfidic groundwater as a key agent in dissolving carbonate bedrock, leading to the creation of spectacular caves through sulfuric acid speleogenesis. While many Great Basin caves formed under hypogenic conditions before the current topography developed, evidence of this process is often obscured by later meteoric infiltration and calcite speleothems. By analyzing speleogenetic features such as folia, mammillaries, and metatyuyamunite, researchers can infer the earlier hypogenic stage. Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park provides a unique example where a low-permeability capstone preserved early speleogenetic features, offering valuable insights into these processes.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2021 —
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Researchers have identified <em>Hyptis lavoisierifolia</em>, a new species within the Hyptis subsect. Pachyphyllae, endemic to the Chapada dos Veadeiros region in Brazil's Cerrado biome. This discovery brings the subsection's total to five species, all restricted to this unique area. The study employed taxonomic analysis, leveraging morphological and molecular data to distinguish <em>H. lavoisierifolia</em> from its congeners. The finding underscores the rich biodiversity of Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park and contributes to our understanding of the region's flora, particularly within the Lamiaceae family.
Villa d'Este, Tivoli
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2021 —
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A groundbreaking study introduces innovative topographic maps of the renowned Villa d'Este gardens in Tivoli, leveraging advanced Spaceborne Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). These maps, developed using cutting-edge satellite data processing techniques, offer unprecedented precision and detail in visualizing the intricate landscapes of historic Italian villas. The research, building upon the 2017 methodology by Yamazaki et al., demonstrates how modern remote sensing can enhance our understanding and preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By applying these sophisticated DEMs, the study provides a new perspective on the topographical features that define the gardens' historical significance and aesthetic appeal.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2021 —
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A novel educational approach using sound as a tool to interpret cultural landscapes has been developed for UNESCO World Heritage Sites Mantua and Sabbioneta. This interdisciplinary project, part of the MOBARTECH research initiative, engaged local communities in co-constructing knowledge through school-based activities. The result is a citizen-focused toolkit that integrates sustainable tourism with heritage education, offering new insights into how auditory experiences can enhance understanding and preservation of cultural landscapes. The study highlights the potential of sound-based methodologies to bridge gaps between academic research, community engagement, and educational practices.
Rock Drawings in Valcamonica
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2021 —
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A new analysis of the Great Rock of Naquane (NAQ1) in Valcamonica, Italy, reveals unique Iron Age weaving scenes that suggest a connection to mythological or divine figures. The study, based on recent tracing and documentation, identifies seven vertical looms—five with weights and two without—alongside complete weaving scenes, including tools like a loom sword, basket, stands, and a human figure wrapping skeins. These findings, dated to the 8th–7th century BCE, indicate Valcamonica's integration into broader cultural networks during the Iron Age. The research also links the site's name, Naquane, to the female figures of Aquane/Anguane, possibly representing an ancient triadic divinity akin to Greek Moirai or Norse Norns, associated with weaving and destiny. This interpretation is supported by comparative epigraphic and archaeological evidence from Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
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2021 —
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Anjana Khatwa, a distinguished science presenter and museum learning professional, has significantly impacted geoscience education and outreach over 15 years. Her leadership in developing the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site's education program has been recognized with the prestigious RH Worth Medal 2021 for her services to geoscience. This profile highlights her dedication to driving change within the sector through innovative educational initiatives, freelance consulting, and her role as Engagement Lead with Wessex Museums.
