Temple of Preah Vihear
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A qualitative analysis reveals that the prolonged Thailand-Cambodia territorial dispute over Preah Vihear Temple, despite being settled by the International Court of Justice in 1962, was exacerbated by Thai populist exploitation of unresolved issues, leading to violent clashes in 2011. The study identifies this dynamic as a critical factor in the failure of international adjudication to achieve lasting peace. It proposes that balancing conflict resolution with public education—enhancing social environments and adopting bottom-up approaches—could prevent such escalations and foster genuine peace between the two nations.
Archaeological Site of Ani
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Ani, once a bustling commercial hub on the Silk Road, experienced rapid deurbanization by the mid-fourteenth century due to the combined impact of merchant capital dominance and drastically increased taxation under Mongol rule. The study reveals that Ani's urban development was deeply intertwined with its mercantile and rentier regime, which flourished from interregional and intercontinental commerce. Using Ibn Khaldūn’s theories on (de)urbanization, the research traces Ani's trajectory from a thriving city under Georgian rule to its decline under Mongol hegemony, highlighting the contradictory symbiosis of taxation and capital in urbanization processes. This case study offers crucial insights into the Armenian merchant bourgeoisie's transition from medieval commerce to capitalist modernity.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2021 —
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A recent study on Kluane Lake (Yukon, Canada) reveals that mercury accumulation in lake sediments is strongly influenced by hydrological changes driven by climate. The research found that during the Slims River hydrological period (1650–2015), mercury was primarily delivered to the lake via organic matter and carbonate-rich sediments from glacially derived inflows, particularly Slims River. However, a climate-induced geomorphic change in 2016 led to the loss of this main inflow, suggesting potential shifts in mercury accumulation patterns. The study used sediment cores from two regions of the lake to analyze these changes, providing insights into how glacial inflows and complex hydrology control contaminant dynamics in northern lakes.
Mesa Verde National Park
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Acoustic monitoring at Mesa Verde National Park identified major noise sources, including vehicles and aircraft in backcountry areas and buildings/vehicles in frontcountry sites. The study established a baseline soundscape inventory using continuous sound pressure level (SPL) measurements, wind speed data, and digital audio recordings over two periods (2015–2016). Key findings include time-audible metrics for noise sources and ambient sound levels, with SPL measured as A-weighted, 1-second averaged values (LAeq, 1s). The research aims to support soundscape management planning by providing indicators and thresholds for acoustic environment protection. Results will also aid future comparative studies on park acoustics.
Messel Pit Fossil Site
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Messel Pit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Frankfurt am Main, Germany, offers unparalleled insights into a terrestrial ecosystem from Earth's last greenhouse climate phase during the Eocene, approximately 48 million years ago. This site preserves an extraordinary range of fossils—from algae to plants and animals—with remarkable detail, including iridescent insect coloration, bird plumage, reptile scales, and even organismic interactions such as predator-prey relations and reproductive behavior. The exceptional soft-tissue preservation at Messel is attributed to its oil shale sediment, which has a high water and organic content, enabling long-term conservation of vertebrate fossils through specialized transfer methods developed in the mid-20th century. Messel's species diversity in many groups surpasses that of similar areas today, making it a critical site for understanding life during a greenhouse climate.
Messel Pit Fossil Site
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Messel Pit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its paleontological significance, faced existential threats from potential waste disposal plans. Its designation as Germany's first Natural World Heritage geosite marked a pivotal moment, driven by collaborative efforts to balance geoheritage preservation with sustainable development under the 2030 Agenda. The establishment of a visitor center, supported financially by the State of Hesse, became a cornerstone for geoscience popularization through exhibitions, guided tours, digital media, and geotourism products. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated innovation, leading to web-based games like 'Deathly Paradise' and video projects, further enhancing engagement. This study highlights the transformative potential of long-term collaboration between UNESCO entities—geosites and geoparks—as a model for international best practices in geoheritage conservation and public outreach.
Saint Catherine Area
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2021 —
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A comprehensive metabolic profiling of the endangered plant Anarrhinum pubescens, endemic to South Sinai's Saint Catherine Area, has identified 27 distinct metabolites, including alkaloids, amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, vitamins, and a phenol. This study also successfully established efficient in vitro propagation protocols for mass regeneration of A. pubescens, achieving a shoot formation capacity of up to 100% with an average of 27.67 shoots per explant using nodal cutting-micropropagation on a specific medium. Genetic fidelity assessment confirmed high similarity (98% and 95%) among micropropagated clones using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights for the ex situ conservation of this rare plant and highlight its potential bioactive compounds.
Archipiélago de Revillagigedo
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2021 —
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Feral sheep on Socorro Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, exhibit significant metabolic adaptations to water scarcity. Research found that biochemical analytes such as total cholesterol (COL-T), triglycerides (TAG), urea, albumin (ALB), and others showed marked changes under restricted water intake, peaking at 14 days of limitation. These changes were linked to physiological responses like increased arginine vasopressin (AVP) and aldosterone (Aldo) levels, indicating dehydration coping mechanisms. Negative correlations between ALB with COL-T and TAG, alongside positive correlations among multiple analytes, suggest intricate metabolic adjustments. The study, analyzing 376 blood samples over three weeks, provides a foundation for developing accurate dehydration indicators in feral sheep populations.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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A rare case of metastatic carcinoma, potentially the oldest documented from ancient Egypt, was identified in human remains from TT110, Luxor. The findings suggest a young adult female, aged 25-40, likely suffered from late-stage breast cancer metastasis, given her age and sex. The diagnosis was confirmed through macroscopic and radiographic analysis of three bone fragments exhibiting osteolytic lesions, consistent with metastatic carcinoma or multiple myeloma. This discovery provides valuable insight into ancient Egyptian health and disease, contributing to our understanding of oncological history in the region.
Danube Delta
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A comprehensive study of methane emissions from the Danube Delta reveals significant spatial and diel variability, challenging previous assumptions about wetland greenhouse gas contributions. The research found that channels within the delta exhibit the highest methane concentrations, with seasonal and water flow dynamics further influencing emission patterns. Notably, diel cycles in lakes and channels showed extreme variations, with concentrations fluctuating by an order of magnitude, suggesting daily vertical stratification driven by macrophytes. This phenomenon introduces a substantial uncertainty factor of 4.5 in emission estimates. The study highlights the critical need for high-resolution, spatio-temporal data to accurately model methane emissions from complex wetland systems like the Danube Delta.
Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century
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2021 —
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A novel methodology, MERMA (Methodology for Energy Retrofitting of Modern Architecture), demonstrates that energy efficiency retrofitting can achieve a 55% reduction in energy demand for modern heritage buildings without compromising their architectural integrity. Applied to the UNESCO-listed Olivetti office building in Ivrea, Italy, this interdisciplinary approach integrates thermal improvement with preservation concerns, ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining heritage value. Unlike conventional retrofitting methods that prioritize energy savings alone, MERMA justifies combined interventions for high-quality post-war architecture, offering a sustainable solution that balances cultural and environmental goals.
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 novel integrated survey methodology for digitizing cultural heritage has been developed, focusing on the Terme di Diocleziano complex in Rome. This approach transcends traditional two-dimensional representation by incorporating three-dimensional modeling and geographic information systems (GIS). The study highlights how monumental archeologies interact with contemporary urban landscapes, offering a new perspective on urban coexistences that challenges conventional approaches. By combining advanced digitization techniques, the research provides a comprehensive framework for preserving and analyzing architectural heritage in a dynamic, informative manner.
Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines
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A study on the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines reveals that microbial activity significantly influences carbon transformation through methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), even under extreme saline subsurface conditions. The research found that methanogenic and methanotrophic microorganisms thrive primarily in water-saturated environments, with respiration rates ranging from 36 to 48 nmol CO2 per gram of dry weight per day. Methane production was highest in siltstone and sandstone samples (W3), while aerobic methane oxidation peaked in siltstone containing salt and anhydrite (W4). Stable isotope analysis suggested that methane oxidation may have altered the carbon isotopic composition (δ13CCH4) in these sediments. The study used microcosm experiments, high-throughput sequencing, and activity measurements to characterize microbial communities, highlighting the critical role of water activity in regulating microbial processes in saline subsurface ecosystems.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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A decade-long study of Collembola communities in the karst collapse doline of Silická ľadnica Ice Cave, Slovakia, reveals that microclimate and habitat heterogeneity are key drivers of species distribution and resilience. Despite a regional trend of rising air temperatures and precipitation over 30 years, the collembolan communities remained stable, particularly at cold sites at the doline's bottom. No significant increase in xerothermophilous species or decline in psychrophilic, often endemic, species was observed, suggesting high community resilience. The study, conducted in 2007 and 2017, found significantly lower soil temperatures but higher abundances, species richness, and diversity during the latter period due to more favorable microclimatic conditions. Redundancy ordination analysis confirmed that soil temperature, pH, and C:N ratio were critical factors shaping community composition. These findings highlight karst dolines as potential refugia for biodiversity under global warming, emphasizing their conservation importance.
Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape
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A significant threat to the Dachstein-Rieseneishöhle, one of Austria's most important ice caves and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape, has been identified: rising outdoor temperatures are disrupting winter ice formation, potentially leading to irreversible loss of ice masses. Research comparing climate data from 2018-2020 with archival records since 1950 reveals that average winter temperatures in the cave have increased by over 2°C, while summer periods now exhibit above-freezing conditions—a stark contrast to the sub-zero readings documented between 1956 and 1958. These changes align with regional climate projections for the Eastern Alps, underscoring the cave's vulnerability. While management measures like weather doors and ventilation flaps offer limited mitigation by reducing warm air influx, the study highlights the urgent need for adaptive strategies to preserve this unique microclimate.
Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines
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2021 —
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A microgravity survey revealed no significant voids outside the lining of an active mine shaft at Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines, but identified a decreasing density zone at 42 meters depth in running sands that requires monitoring. The study also detected directional density changes across geological layer boundaries, including two between gypsum and other rocks. Surface microgravity surveys around three shafts—under construction, active, and liquidated—allowed researchers to map density distribution and assess potential threats to infrastructure by analyzing gravity anomalies. This non-invasive method proved effective in identifying subsurface risks without disturbing the mine structure.
Tchogha Zanbil
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A rare intact wooden rod from the Middle Elamite era (1280 B.C.) at Tchogha Zanbil has been identified as belonging to a date palm tree, providing insights into its use and the site's context. The study employed optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze the wood's structure and composition. These techniques confirmed the wood's genus and elemental consistency with known date palm characteristics, while FTIR revealed molecular bonds typical of wooden materials. The rod was likely used as a holder for decorative glass cones on temple doors, offering archaeological significance by reconstructing past applications and contextualizing other finds.
Gordion
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A new reconstruction of Middle Phrygian Gordion and analysis of the Midas Monument's inscriptions reveal that Midas's kingship was deeply intertwined with political power, religious devotion to the goddess Matar, and cultural references to Troy and Homer. The study suggests that public buildings in Gordion's citadel may have served as sites for elite feasting, potentially linking Phrygian royalty to Homeric narratives. By examining architectural remains and inscriptions, researchers propose a nuanced understanding of Midas's rule and the significance of his capital city during the late 8th century B.C.
Western Tien-Shan
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A new variant of Middle Paleolithic adaptation has been identified in the Western Tian Shan piedmonts, distinct from known blade-dominated technologies. The study, conducted at the Katta Sai 1 open-air loess site (dated to ~40 kya), reveals a unique knapping scheme using locally sourced river pebbles with predetermined Levallois core reduction. While volumetric features were present, this technology differed significantly from other regional sites like Obi-Rakhmat and Kulbulak, where blade production prevailed. The research, part of a large-scale interdisciplinary project, sheds light on the technological diversity during Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3) in Central Asia.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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A study reveals that migratory wild birds around Al-Asfar Lake, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Al-Ahsa Oasis, serve as reservoirs and potential disseminators of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. Researchers analyzed cloacal swabs from 210 birds representing four species, identifying E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella spp., with E. coli showing significant resistance to multiple antibiotics, including penicillins, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were detected in both E. coli and Staphylococcus isolates but not in Salmonella. Notably, aquatic-associated bird species exhibited higher rates of bacterial recovery, mixed infections, MDR, and AMR indices. The study underscores the role of migratory birds in maintaining, developing, and spreading AMR bacteria, emphasizing their significance in AMR ecology research.
Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos
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A UNESCO-recognized historic salt mine in Cienfuegos exhibits minimal atmospheric pollution underground, with dust composition primarily derived from natural geogenic sources. The study found that pollutants from surface air are quickly sedimented near the ventilation intake, while anthropogenic influences—such as tourist traffic—are localized and limited to specific areas. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), researchers analyzed dust samples from 11 sites at varying distances from the air inlet. The findings highlight the mine's relative isolation from surface pollutants, with only one site showing elevated ferruginous particles due to tourist activity. This methodology offers universal applicability for similar underground environments.
Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun
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A study of mining folklore reveals persistent supernatural beliefs surrounding underground mines, particularly the notion that they serve as habitats for mythical creatures such as dwarfs, gnomes, or 'knockers.' In Sweden's Great Copper Mountain in Falun, accounts like 'The Mines of Falun' from Hoffmann's Tales depict ghostlike appearances, reflecting widespread superstitions. Despite cultural prohibitions against women entering mines—beliefs that endure even today—historical records show women were actively employed in European coal mines until the mid-19th century, a practice later banned by law following inquiries. This research underscores how folklore and societal norms intersect with labor practices, challenging modern perceptions of gender roles in industrial settings.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uganda, hosts a remarkably high diversity and density of mistletoes, with estimates suggesting the forest may contain over 40 species—more than ten percent of Africa's known mistletoe taxa. This study recorded 21 mistletoe species across 64 plots spanning elevations from 1160 to 2607 meters, revealing that mistletoes are significantly more abundant in open (forest-edge) conditions (356 ha⁻¹) than in closed (forest-interior) areas (129 ha⁻¹). Englerina woodfordioides and Viscum fischeri were the most prevalent species, while Harungana madagascariensis and Maesa lanceolata hosted the highest diversity of mistletoes. The findings highlight Bwindi's exceptional botanical richness, with mistletoes playing a substantial ecological role in this equatorial African forest.
Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a)
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A novel algorithm, Mo.Se. (Mosaic Segmentation), significantly enhances the accuracy of automatically detecting tesserae in ancient mosaics by combining deep learning with image segmentation techniques. This approach, which integrates U-Net 3 Network and the Watershed algorithm, outperforms existing methods by nearly 10% in overall accuracy, as validated using publicly available datasets. Tested on a high-resolution orthoimage of a mosaic from St. Stephen's Church at Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan, the method provides a scalable and efficient solution for digitizing mosaics, reducing the reliance on manual and time-consuming processes. This advancement offers archaeologists a robust tool for studying, comparing, and preserving ancient geometric mosaics.
Studenica Monastery
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Urine examination, a cornerstone of nephrology, traces its origins to ancient times, where it was used to diagnose kidney diseases without identifying underlying causes. This study reveals that the practice dates back to the Corpus Hippocraticium, with Galen and other ancient physicians like Selius Aurelianus and Cornelia Celsus refining uroscopy techniques. The Hilandar Medical Codex, a significant medieval Serbian manuscript, highlights the integration of Byzantine and Western European medical knowledge in this field. Uroscopy evolved from macroscopic examination to microscopic analysis by the 16th century, with automated sediment analysis introduced in 1985. Despite advancements, urine analysis remains underutilized for differentiating kidney diseases due to challenges in standardization.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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Public engagement revealed diverse perceptions of Mantua and Sabbioneta, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting the importance of community involvement in heritage interpretation. The study employed a participatory approach, leveraging MOBARTECH, to explore how local residents and visitors perceive these sites, emphasizing the role of education and technology in shaping public understanding of cultural heritage. This research underscores the need for collaborative strategies that integrate technological tools with educational initiatives to foster a deeper connection between communities and their heritage.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
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Mobile device use significantly facilitates mountain hiking experiences by mitigating leisure constraints and enhancing negotiation behaviors. Research involving 399 hikers from Canada's Rocky Mountains (including Banff, Jasper, and provincial parks) and South Korea (Bukhan and Seorak National Parks) demonstrated that mobile devices positively influence hiking participation through reduced constraints and increased motivation. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed cultural differences: Canadian hikers showed a stronger positive relationship between negotiation and participation, while South Korean hikers exhibited a negative impact of constraints on participation. Additionally, an extended UTAUT2 model highlighted safety expectancy as the strongest predictor of mobile device use across cultures. The study confirms that mobile devices play a crucial role in negotiating leisure constraints during mountain hiking.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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A study of 71 femurs from ancient Thebes (Middle Egypt) dating to the 1st century AD reveals that individuals exhibited low robustness and a lifestyle characterized by relative sedentarism, with no evidence of intense physical activity in the legs. Sexual dimorphism was observed in certain metrics, such as the vertical diameter of the femoral head, but subtrochanteric size and shape showed no such differences. The findings suggest a daily routine involving light mobility without strenuous leg-based labor, alongside an apparent sexual division in activities. The research analyzed metrical, non-metrical variables, shape, and size indices to infer these patterns, providing insights into the physical demands and occupational profiles of this ancient population.
Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad
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A 1000-year-old historic minaret at UNESCO World Heritage Site Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad exhibits significant material deterioration, with its rubble stone masonry elastic modulus among the lowest recorded for such structures. This finding was derived from a two-stage finite element (FE) model update using modal identification and frequency response function (FRF) correlation techniques, revealing critical stress zones and guiding the proposal of a steel tie retrofit system to enhance seismic performance. The study also highlights the value of these characterization results in expanding the database for historic monuments, offering insights that could inform conservation strategies worldwide.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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A simulation model demonstrates high accuracy in predicting demand for cargo bicycle deliveries in Kraków's Old Town, offering a tool to optimize logistics in restricted motorized traffic areas. The study builds on the four-step transport demand modeling approach, incorporating unique procedures for generating delivery requests. Implemented in Python, this model can guide decisions on loading point placement and the number of bicycles needed, addressing key urban mobility challenges in historic districts like those protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hyrcanian Forests
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A machine learning model, specifically the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network, has demonstrated high accuracy—97.7% across all datasets—in predicting tree failure under windstorm conditions in harvested Hyrcanian forests. This model outperformed radial basis function neural networks and support vector machines, identifying key factors such as tree height, crown diameter, and target tree height as critical determinants of susceptibility to wind-induced damage. The findings underscore the potential for integrating artificial intelligence into forest management strategies to mitigate tree failure risks during timber harvesting operations, thereby optimizing wood extraction while reducing unscheduled clear-cutting costs.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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Non-hydrostatic models, particularly when coupled with multilayer approaches and GPU acceleration, provide the most accurate and computationally efficient simulations of tsunami generation and propagation from submarine landslides at Stromboli Volcano. This benchmark study reveals that while hydrostatic models can approximate maximum runup near the source, they overestimate wave crest amplitude compared to non-hydrostatic models, especially in proximal areas critical for early-warning systems. The research highlights the sensitivity of waveform characterization to landslide modeling, emphasizing the need for precise source descriptions. These findings advance tsunami hazard assessment and early-warning capabilities in active volcanic contexts like Stromboli.
Putorana Plateau
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Tree biomass in the Putorana Plateau, a remote and understudied boreal region of Central Siberia, varies significantly with elevation and micro-terrain morphology. The study found that total tree biomass ranges from 6.47 to 149 tons per hectare, while deadwood biomass fluctuates between 0.06 and 21.45 tons per hectare. At Lama Lake, biomass production decreases with elevation, whereas at Keta Lake, the relationship follows a U-shaped pattern. The research derived significant height-diameter and crown radius-height models for six tree species, revealing that micro-site environmental conditions, including soil nutrient content, substantially influence tree biomass. These findings highlight the complex interplay between terrain morphology and biomass distribution in boreal forests.
Costiera Amalfitana
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A surprising dearth of pre-modern maritime cultural heritage was uncovered during the first three seasons (2016–2018) of a multi-disciplinary project modeling the maritime landscape of Italy’s UNESCO-listed Costiera Amalfitana. Despite extensive archival, museum documentation, and geomorphological research, few underwater artifacts from this period were found, suggesting either limited preservation or different patterns of human activity than previously assumed. The study’s approach combined fieldwork with historical analysis to map tangible and intangible elements of the region’s maritime heritage, though its preliminary findings raise new questions about the area’s underwater archaeology—particularly in the Marine Protected Area west of Positano—where further research is needed.
Old City of Berne
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A novel approach using land use regression (LUR) modeling successfully interpolated low-cost temperature data to map urban heat island (UHI) patterns during heatwaves in Bern, Switzerland. The study leveraged 60 low-cost measurement devices and 14 spatial variables with varying buffer radii to develop three accurate models for nighttime heatwave scenarios. This method demonstrates a cost-effective solution for analyzing UHI effects without relying solely on satellite data or hobby meteorologists' contributions, offering valuable insights for urban planning and heat stress mitigation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mount Taishan
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Researchers identified the Logistic model as the most accurate for predicting tree height and diameter relationships of Quercus acutissima in Mount Tai's coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests. The study analyzed data from a 0.6-hectare permanent forest plot, applying six empirical models—Linear, Power, Chapman-Richards, Logistic, Korf, and Weibull—to assess their predictive power. While all models performed well, the Logistic model demonstrated superior fitting effects, offering a reliable tool for simulating tree growth in this unique ecosystem. This finding provides valuable insights for forest management and conservation efforts at Mount Taishan.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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A-bomb relics from Hiroshima's Genbaku Dome have evolved into sacred objects central to commemoration, reflecting a 70-year shift in museal representation. The study traces how these objects—previously controversial—were recontextualized during the museum's 2017 renovation, emphasizing survivor testimonies and items left by the dead (ihin) over earlier displays like mannequins. This transformation parallels debates on Holocaust memorialization, highlighting the sanctification of victim-related artifacts in modern remembrance practices.
Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939
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Kaunas, Lithuania, stands out for its unique modernist architectural phenomenon (1919–1939), blending technical, economic, and social determinants into a distinct urban identity. Unlike broader modernist trends of the era, Kaunas's approach combined experimental design with a strong social context, prioritizing egalitarian ideals while disconnecting from tradition. The study analyzes this dialect through physical and intangible layers—examining architectural language and urban planning values—to reveal its integrity as both innovative and socially driven. This nuanced perspective contrasts with other interwar modernist movements, offering insights into how local circumstances shape global trends.
Bam and its Cultural Landscape
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Researchers have identified a previously unknown Achaemenid building complex at Mahdiābād-e Oliā, Rigān-Kermān, Kerman, Iran. The discovery stems from satellite imagery analysis conducted as part of the Bam Cultural Landscape Project, which examined an area devastated by flooding in 2017. The complex, spanning approximately 90 hectares and featuring a prominent quadrangular structure within a larger architectural ensemble measuring 120 x 60 meters, provides new evidence of Achaemenid-era occupation in the region. Surface ceramic findings further support the significance of this site, contributing to our understanding of ancient urban planning and architecture in the Kerman province.
Serengeti National Park
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A greening-to-browning shift in Serengeti National Park's vegetation during the long rains (March) and a contrasting browning-to-greening trend during the short rains (November, December) are driven by nonlinear interactions between moisture availability and temperature. This finding emerges from a 34-year analysis (1982–2016) of leaf area index (LAI), using advanced statistical techniques like Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Principal Component Analysis with regression. The study reveals that while long-term greening trends are often observed globally, the Serengeti exhibits complex, sub-seasonal variations influenced by declining antecedent precipitation and rising temperatures, particularly after the early 2000s. These insights highlight the nuanced climate-vegetation dynamics shaping this critical East African ecosystem.
Kujataa Greenland: Norse and Inuit Farming at the Edge of the Ice Cap
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Nearly all soils from sub-arctic agricultural fields in South Greenland exhibit extreme water repellency, governed by organic carbon content and soil water retention. The study found that 99% of 145 soil samples were highly water-repellent at their maximum repellency, with loss-on-ignition (LOI) at 550°C being the strongest predictor of total water repellency area (SWRAREA) and the water content threshold for becoming hydrophilic (WNON). Clay content further improved predictive models. The Campbell-Shiozawa model's inverse slope correlated strongly with SWRAREA and WNON, suggesting soil water retention drives moisture-dependent water repellency. These findings align with pasture soils from New Zealand, indicating consistent behavior across sub-arctic and temperate regions.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
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A study on Amami Oshima Island, Japan, reveals diverse Leptospira genotypes and serotypes maintained among wild mammals, with black rats identified as a source of canine leptospirosis infection. Researchers isolated seven Leptospira strains from black rats, wild boars, a rabbit, and a dog using flaB sequencing and microscopic agglutination tests. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and multiple-locus variable-tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) showed identical genetic profiles in rat and canine isolates, while two distinct types were found in wild boar isolates. Wild boars exhibited a high infection rate (58.3%), suggesting they are significant maintenance hosts for Leptospira interrogans serogroup Hebdomadis, which has been linked to human and canine leptospirosis cases on the island.
Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana
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Paleontologists have identified the upper Ladinian stage (Middle Triassic) for the first time on the island of Mallorca, Spain, through the study of silicified mollusc fossils from the Muschelkalk facies in the Serra de Tramuntana. This discovery provides critical biostratigraphic insights into the geological history of the Balearic Islands. The research analyzed ammonoids, gastropods, and bivalves to assess their biogeographical context during this period, contributing preliminary data that enhance our understanding of Mediterranean mollusc distribution in the Middle Triassic.
Galápagos Islands
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A new method to estimate ring-fault parameters from vertical-CLVD earthquakes has been developed, offering insights into the kinematics and structures below active volcanoes. The study demonstrates that long-period seismic waves can resolve two key moment tensor components—vertical-CLVD and vertical strike-slip—while a third component (vertical dip-slip) remains indeterminate due to shallow source depth. Applied to earthquakes during the 2005 and 2018 volcanic activities at Sierra Negra caldera, Galápagos Islands, this approach validated ring-fault geometry consistent with geodetic studies and revealed significant differences in slip direction and location between two events. This breakthrough enables global examination of ring-fault systems, enhancing understanding of volcanic processes.
City of Potosí
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Densely concentrated or saturated air clouds significantly increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly in high-altitude urban environments like Potosí (4000m.a.s.l.). Research indicates that such conditions, exceeding climate comfort levels (45% to 70%), elevate the likelihood of COVID-19 contagion through aerosolized particles. The study highlights that symptomatic individuals, as well as those presymptomatic or asymptomatic, can spread the virus via air clouds adhering to clothing or biological systems. Environmental monitoring of saturated air and PM2.5 particles in health facilities—especially dental and emergency settings—revealed critical gaps in ventilation, exacerbating transmission risks during peak occupancy. The findings underscore the need for improved ventilation mechanisms to mitigate aerosol-based transmission in densely populated or poorly ventilated spaces.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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A net increase of 1.2 km² in landslide area was observed at Jiuzhaigou Valley up to September 2019 following the 2017 Ms 7.0 earthquake. This expansion, driven by coseismic and post-seismic landslides along with vegetation degradation, is primarily linked to debris flows triggered by torrential rainfall. Remote sensing technology, including Support Vector Machine classification and Geographic Information System analysis, revealed that susceptibility to post-seismic landslides is influenced by slope, altitude, aspect, peak ground acceleration, fault lines, and strata, with higher susceptibility paradoxically found in areas with lower initial coseismic landslide density. The study highlights the need for proactive monitoring of unstable slopes to mitigate potential landslides, offering a model for assessing seismic-induced geological risks in mountainous regions.
East Rennell
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2021 —
WHE8AD2133B8E
A balance between vegetation degradation and improvement was observed on East Rennell Island from 2000 to 2020. The study, leveraging multi-source remote sensing data (MODIS and Worldview), revealed that while the island's forest cover change trend showed weak continuity, significant recovery is possible with adequate protection measures and investment. East Rennell demonstrates strong vegetation regeneration capacity, underscoring the critical need to restrict disruptive human activities such as mining, logging, and road construction to preserve its unique ecosystem. The research utilized Sen + Mann–Kendall and Hurst index models to analyze forest cover changes and developed a high-resolution land cover classification system for future monitoring.
East Rennell
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2021 —
WHEC625164B23
East Rennell Island, a UNESCO Endangered World Heritage Site since 2013, demonstrates resilience in vegetation recovery despite threats from deforestation and natural disasters. A study using long-term remote sensing data (MODIS, WorldView) revealed that areas of vegetation degradation matched those of improvement between 2000–2020, with weak but recoverable trends in forest cover change. High-resolution land cover classification provided a baseline for future monitoring. The research suggests that strict protection measures—limiting mining, logging, and road construction—could preserve this unique ecosystem's regenerative capacity.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2021 —
WHE35169E8F3E
Flooding by groundwater poses a significant threat to the structural integrity of monuments within Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, particularly affecting buildings such as the Church of the Living Source. Research reveals that groundwater flooding is a critical factor in the deformation and deterioration of these historic structures, necessitating comprehensive hydrogeological monitoring. The study focuses on assessing current hydrogeological conditions, including groundwater regimes and aquifer distribution, while also forecasting potential changes due to drainage activities. By analyzing patterns of groundwater formation, distribution, and movement, this research provides vital insights for preserving the site's architectural heritage under evolving environmental pressures.
Doñana National Park
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2021 —
WHE975FCD1FCB
A clear ecotoxicological risk to the Doñana National Park ecosystem was demonstrated by the presence of ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, following punctual and massive human activity within the park. The study, conducted between 2011 and 2016, analyzed 23 pharmaceuticals from eight therapeutic families in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and water samples across six sampling points to assess pollution sources. Using enzymatic-microwave assisted extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, researchers detected ciprofloxacin, ibuprofen, salicylic acid, flumequine, and carbamazepine at various sites. Flumequine and carbamazepine were found in crayfish specimens at concentrations of 30 ng g−1 and 14 ng g−1, respectively, suggesting persistent discharge sources. The primary source of pharmaceuticals was identified as livestock farming activities, with minimal influence from surrounding urban wastewaters.
