Heard and McDonald Islands
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2017 —
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A novel model-based approach, Regions of Common Profile (RCP), successfully mapped seven distinct demersal fish assemblages across the northern Kerguelen Plateau, revealing clear patterns linked to depth, surface temperature, and chlorophyll a. Shallow-water assemblages were dominated by endemic species, while deep-water ones included more cosmopolitan species. The study demonstrated that RCP effectively predicts species occurrences and assemblage composition, providing valuable insights for conservation management. Notably, the Heard Island and McDonald Islands marine reserve was found to be representative of most assemblages, except one deep-water group. This research highlights the utility of RCP in ecoregionalization and offers practical tools for spatial management in this ecologically significant Southern Ocean region.
Lut Desert
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2017 —
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Meteorites from hot deserts exhibit distinct rare earth element (REE) modifications due to chemical weathering, with Atacama (Chile) chondrites showing significant LREE enrichment and Ce anomalies, while Lut (Iran) meteorites display less REE alteration despite notable Sr content changes. This study used ICP-MS to analyze OC falls, revealing that Atacama's stable surfaces allow prolonged terrestrial interaction, leading to contamination by soil-derived trivalent REEs. Conversely, Lut's rapid weathering forms voluminous Fe oxides, limiting REE penetration. Findings underscore the need for caution when interpreting REE data from Atacama meteorites for cosmochemical applications, as their composition may be altered by terrestrial processes.
Göbekli Tepe
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2017 —
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Archaeological evidence from Göbekli Tepe, dating back approximately 11,000 years, reveals a previously undocumented form of Neolithic skull cult. Carved and drilled human crania fragments, discovered at the ritual site, suggest sophisticated practices involving skull modification, distinct from known Neolithic traditions. The study, conducted by Gresky et al., employed detailed analysis of these artifacts to uncover their significance within the broader context of Pre-Pottery Neolithic cultures in southeastern Anatolia. This discovery challenges existing narratives about early human rituals and social structures, hinting at complex symbolic behaviors during a pivotal period in human history.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2017 —
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A significant discovery reveals that dental modification during the Mississippian period (AD 900–1400) was predominantly practiced by women and played a pivotal role in community building at Cahokia, North America's preeminent cultural center. This insight emerges from analyzing new cases of modified teeth, which, when combined with strontium isotope data and evidence of biological relatedness, underscores the movement of women across regions and their contribution to forming social and biological relationships. The study expands the known styles of dental modification while providing critical demographic context, offering a deeper understanding of cultural behavior and human interaction in prehistoric societies.
Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro
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2017 —
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A re-examination of Mohenjo-daro's small public structures challenges and refines long-standing interpretations, revealing that these buildings likely served as interconnected components of a single complex rather than isolated 'hostels' or 'offices.' Using GIS analysis and 3D modeling based on early excavation reports, researchers found evidence supporting Ernest Mackay's original hypothesis that these structures had a public orientation. The study also highlights architectural shifts over time, with an increasing preference for smaller houses and public buildings, offering new insights into the heterarchical organization of the Indus civilization (c. 2600–1900 BCE). This approach underscores the potential of digital revisitation to reinterpret archaeological datasets and old interpretations.
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
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2017 —
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Reptiles and amphibians, though ubiquitous in Australia and New Zealand, exhibit markedly distinct taxonomic compositions due to the continents' divergent geological histories. Australia's ancient, arid landscape contrasts with New Zealand's young, geologically active terrain, shaped by Gondwana's breakup and recent climatic fluctuations. These factors have driven adaptive radiations, resulting in unique herpetofaunal diversity across both regions. The study employs molecular biogeography to elucidate these evolutionary patterns, highlighting the influence of tectonic processes and environmental changes on reptile and amphibian distributions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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2017 —
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A molecular analysis of protist parasites in mountain gorillas, humans, and livestock around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park revealed that 54.6% of the 203 samples contained globally documented parasite species or genotypes, including Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B, E), and Entamoeba. Notably, C. parvum was detected in both a mountain gorilla and a goat, while Giardia and Entamoeba were found across humans and cattle. The study identified 76 new sequence records, highlighting the need for further epidemiological investigations to assess zoonotic/zooanthroponotic potential in this impoverished region.
Ephesus
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2017 —
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A significant increase in concentrations of organic substances, including n-alkanes, fatty acids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), was detected in sediment cores from the Roman harbor of Ephesus. These changes indicate heightened anthropogenic activity during Ephesus' flourishing period, likely due to increased use of natural products like waxes and their discharge via municipal sewage or direct emission in the harbor area. While no single indicator substance directly reflects ancient harbor activities, systematic shifts in organic matter composition provide clear evidence of human influence on the environment. This approach demonstrates the potential for molecular organic indicators to detect past settlement activities, offering a transferable method for studying other sedimentary geoarchives.
Abbey of St Gall
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2017 —
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A penetrating overview of monastic construction and operation in Western Europe from the seventh to fifteenth centuries reveals that monasteries evolved into complex social systems, shaped by earlier structures, site constraints, and economic strategies. The study, based on a collection of specialized articles edited by Michel Lauwers, highlights how monastic spaces were organized hierarchically, with sacred centers surrounded by profane peripheries, reflecting both spiritual and economic dominance. Research utilized cartularies, foundation stories, and advanced techniques like magnetic gradient surveys to uncover linear anomalies in soil, providing insights into construction processes and spatial organization. The findings underscore the resilience of monastic layouts, often preserving quietude through marginal changes while accommodating diverse functions such as worship, work, and hospitality.
Mount Athos
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2017 —
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A critical reassessment of monastic interactions between Calabria and Mount Athos during the Middle Ages reveals that Southern Italian ascetes, while traditionally viewed as one-sided admirers of Eastern Greek monasticism, played a more active role in fostering ties with the holy mountain. The study examines the displacements of Nikephoros the Naked—disciple of St Phantinos—and Bartholomew of Simeri, challenging conventional narratives by re-evaluating primary sources to highlight reciprocal exchanges and symbolic significance. This work shifts the focus from passive observation to active participation, offering a nuanced understanding of cross-regional monastic relationships in medieval Europe.
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
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2017 —
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A standardized approach for analyzing data from static Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems has been developed, enabling systematic interpretation of real-time monitoring data for historical buildings. This method introduces specific descriptors to evaluate stationary or evolutionary structural conditions, contributing to the management and preservation of cultural heritage sites. Applied to the Cathedral of Modena, this multi-disciplinary, multi-analysis approach integrates field data with numerical models, enhancing the reliability of structural assessments. The study highlights the complexity of describing all possible structural responses in historical masonry monuments but demonstrates that a combination of methods yields more accurate results.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2017 —
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Eradicating invasive European mouflon sheep from the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park required a 15-year, multi-method approach that demonstrated significant challenges in scaling up ungulate control efforts. Despite initial success with aerial and ground-based removals—totaling 4,868 animals, including 261 from aerial shooting—efforts intensified dramatically in the final years, with the removal of each remaining animal requiring nearly 15 times more effort by 2013–2016. The study highlights that while ground-based methods (e.g., shooting with dogs) were most effective for large-scale removals, techniques like baiting and trapping proved ineffective for detecting small, isolated groups. Complementary active and passive monitoring, including camera traps and forward-looking infrared (FLIR)-assisted surveys, were critical in tracking the population's decline and pinpointing remaining individuals. The research underscores the logistical and operational complexities of eradicating invasive ungulates from unenclosed areas.
Choirokoitia
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2017 —
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A novel approach using UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and geodetic techniques demonstrates significant potential for monitoring ground deformation at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplified by the case study of Choirokoitia. The research highlights that high-resolution data collected via UAVs, combined with precise geodetic measurements, can effectively track subtle changes in terrain, offering a scalable solution for preserving cultural heritage. This method provides a non-invasive alternative to traditional surveying, enabling real-time assessment and long-term monitoring of site integrity. The study underscores the importance of integrating advanced remote sensing technologies into conservation efforts to mitigate risks posed by environmental factors or human activity.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2017 —
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Vibration levels at the Grand Stage of Beijing's Summer Palace remain below 10 mm/s², with significant correlations to visitor traffic, transportation, and weather conditions. This finding underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies that account for dynamic environmental factors. Researchers used CMG-5TCDE accelerometers to collect real-time vibration data over two years, combining this with wind speed and transportation statistics through control variable analysis and multivariate statistical methods. The study highlights how precise monitoring can inform preservation efforts for vulnerable cultural heritage sites, offering a model for balancing public access with structural integrity.
Kathmandu Valley
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2017 —
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Urban coverage in Kathmandu Valley has expanded dramatically from 20.19 km² in 1976 to 139.57 km² in 2015, with an average annual growth rate of 7.34% to 7.70%, driven by unplanned urbanization that has depleted cultivated lands and forests. This rapid expansion, analyzed using Landsat images from 1976 to 2015, shows significant urban concentration in the eastern part of the valley while exposing geological vulnerabilities that could threaten future sustainability if current trends persist. The study highlights the urgent need for strategic land-use planning and policies to mitigate environmental and cultural risks.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
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2017 —
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A comparative analysis of the Giant of Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint Michael in the Alliterative Morte Arthure reveals that the episode's humor stems from narratives about the absence of Saint Michael’s bodily relics. The study suggests that a monster's corpse can also be viewed as a relic, offering new perspectives on the intersection of myth, history, and religious symbolism at UNESCO World Heritage Site Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay. Pipkin examines lines 841–1230 of the text, using historical context to explore how these themes were constructed and perceived during the medieval period.
Old City of Acre
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2017 —
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A significant urban transformation occurred in Crusader Acre during the 12th and 13th centuries with the emergence of Montmusard, a new suburb that expanded the city's protected territory by approximately half. This expansion, facilitated by the construction of two walls, allowed for rapid urban development while retaining many features from its Arab predecessor. The first documented reference to Montmusard dates back to 1120, when Baldwin II granted land in the suburb to a monastery, highlighting its strategic and economic importance. Medieval maps illustrate that Montmusard covered around 16 hectares, ensuring both security and growth for the city.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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A key finding from the study of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape (Mongolia) reveals that the valley's morphological diversification is primarily driven by three critical factors: the presence of fluvial sedimentary rocks forming extensive alluvial cones, the resistance of certain rocks to erosion, and tectonic faults. These elements collectively shape the landscape's spatial characteristics along a 417 km-long section of the Orkhon River. The research leveraged existing cartographic data to construct a GIS database, enabling a detailed analysis of how lithological conditions influence erosion patterns and valley morphology.
Shahr-i Sokhta
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2017 —
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Research reveals distinct morphological and compositional differences in pottery from the Sistan plain, Eastern Iran, spanning prehistoric to Islamic eras. Using semi-quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, 52 pottery samples—collected from sites like Shahr-e Sukhteh, Dahaneh Gholaman, and Rostam castle—demonstrated unique chemical signatures compared to other regions in Sistan. Notably, Islamic-era glazed pottery exhibited silica compounds, gypsum, and aluminosilicate, highlighting the continuity of local technological practices and trade networks. The study underscores the advanced skill and knowledge of ancient potters, whose diverse production persisted from prehistory through the Islamic period, reflecting Sistan's cultural significance as a crossroads between South Asia, Mesopotamia, and Central Asia.
Lut Desert
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2017 —
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Yardangs in the Lut Desert, Iran, exhibit distinct morphometric characteristics that reveal their evolutionary stages. Research indicates that yardangs in the central and northern regions of the desert have a length-to-width ratio close to 3.5:1, with larger sizes and heights compared to those in the southern region. This suggests further evolution in the southern areas. The study identified 132 yardangs using linear sampling along nine transects on a digital elevation model, analyzing their morphology and development processes influenced by wind and water erosion. Simple regression analysis showed strong correlations between width and length in central and northern areas, highlighting regional variations in yardang formation.
Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
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2017 —
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A mosquito survey in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, reveals the first record of <em>Culiseta subochrea</em>, expanding the known mosquito species in the region. The study identified seven mosquito species, including important vectors like <em>Aedes caspius</em> and <em>Culex pipiens</em>. Monthly larval collections from rural and semi-urban breeding sites over one year recorded physical and chemical water parameters (pH, salinity, temperature). <em>Cx. pipiens</em> was the most abundant, followed by <em>Cx. perexiguus</em>, with mosquito populations peaking in winter and spring before declining in summer and autumn. This research updates the regional mosquito species list and provides critical data for disease surveillance and vector management programs.
Danube Delta
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2017 —
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Research in the Danube Delta identifies potential mosquito vectors for filarioid helminths and avian malaria, contributing to understanding disease transmission dynamics. The study found that Culex modestus and Culex pipiens f. pipiens may serve as vectors for pathogenic Plasmodium species, including P. relictum, while Aedes vexans shows potential vector competence for mammalian filarioids like Dirofilaria repens. The investigation involved trapping 5855 mosquitoes, screening for DNA of filarial helminths and avian malaria agents using PCR techniques, and analyzing individually processed specimens near a microfilaremic dog. Although no pools tested positive for filarioid DNA, individual mosquitoes exhibited infections with D. repens and Setaria labiatopapillosa, alongside P. relictum in Cx. pipiens f. pipiens. This suggests the region's mosquito populations play a role in disease transmission, warranting further study.
Upper Svaneti
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2017 —
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A survey of Upper Svaneti's population in Georgia revealed significant insights into local perceptions and priorities regarding ecological challenges. Residents identified critical environmental issues, often ranking them above socio-economic concerns, demonstrating a strong awareness of ecological problems. The study found varying levels of trust in environmental information sources and limited knowledge about national environmental policies, despite active participation in conservation efforts. These findings underscore the importance of fostering community engagement to enhance decision-making for sustainable development in mountainous regions. The research employed stratified-cluster sampling and statistical analysis using SPSS, providing a robust framework for understanding local ecological perceptions.
Abu Mena
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2017 —
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Archaeological remains at Abu Mena and Qal’at Sem’an reveal how late antique pilgrimage sites structured the movement of pilgrims, shaping their sensory experiences and the narratives they constructed. The layout of these sites, particularly the narrow passageways and terraces at Abu Mena, guided pilgrims through a prescribed path that enhanced the sacred mimesis—mimicking the journey of Saint Menas himself. This physical navigation facilitated a deeper connection to the cult of Saint Menas, one of Egypt’s most popular late antique religious centers, attracting both local and distant pilgrims drawn to the Holy Land's loca sancta.
Ningaloo Coast
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that the Ningaloo Coast is a critical year-round habitat for whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), with satellite telemetry documenting their complete return migrations to the Ningaloo Marine Park. While existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along Australia's west coast provide some protection, the research identifies vast unprotected areas of suitable habitat in the Timor Sea and international waters, suggesting current conservation efforts may be insufficient. The study utilized long-term tracking data and nonlinear models to predict whale shark movements, highlighting the importance of telemetry-based approaches for informing spatial management strategies for migratory species.
Yosemite National Park
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2017 —
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A camping trip by John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt in Yosemite Valley in 1903 marked the emergence of the park as a sacred symbol, setting the stage for its eventual federal protection. This study applies interaction ritual theory to analyze how their shared experience generated emotional connections that influenced conservation efforts, despite later ideological disagreements, such as Roosevelt's opposition to Muir over the Hetch Hetchy Valley dam proposal. The research traces the temporal and social dynamics of this pivotal event, offering insights into how symbolic interactions can shape long-term outcomes in environmental conservation.
Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains
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2017 —
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A multi-analytical study of the earthen plasters from the Longhu Hall (Yuzhen Palace, Wudang Mountains) reveals sophisticated construction techniques used during the Ming Dynasty. The research identified two distinct earthen plaster layers with a whitewash finish coating, applied over a thin intermediate layer to enhance adhesion. Ramie and straw fibers were incorporated into the plasters to mitigate shrinkage and cracking during drying. The analysis, combining optical and electron microscopy, X-ray and vibrational spectromicroscopies, and thermogravimetry, indicates a well-established construction industry that integrated traditional earthen building materials with advanced lime technology. This finding underscores the ingenuity of ancient Chinese builders in adapting materials and techniques to ensure structural durability.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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2017 —
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Researchers have detected significant multidecadal oceanographic changes in the western Pacific, particularly around Bikini Atoll, using high-resolution bomb-derived radiocarbon (14C) measurements on corals. The study identified three distinct early 14C spikes corresponding to nuclear tests conducted at Bikini and Enewetak atolls in 1954, 1956, and 1958. Post-1976, the data revealed that changes in the North Equatorial Current (NEC) bifurcation latitude, linked to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation regime shift, influenced radiocarbon differences between Palau and Guam but not between Ishigaki Island and Guam. The latter difference was attributed to mesoscale eddies in the Kuroshio area, suggesting complex oceanographic dynamics. This study highlights how bomb-derived 14C can serve as a proxy for reconstructing past ocean conditions.
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes
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2017 —
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A groundbreaking study of the medieval Abbey of Cormery in the Loire Valley has revealed construction elements previously unrecognized, challenging long-held assumptions about the abbey's architecture. Using a multi-scaled, diachronic approach that combines 3D modeling with traditional historical sources—such as written records, ancient maps, and iconographic documents—the research identified walls older than previously thought and provided new insights into the construction date of St Paul tower and its associated monastic church. Conducted at CITERES, this method leverages advanced 3D technology to produce detailed orthoimages and sections, offering a unprecedented level of precision in architectural analysis.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2017 —
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A quarter-century of research at Çatalhöyük demonstrates that integrating multiple analytical methods—ranging from sediment micromorphology and microartefact patterning to geochemical, phytolith, and starch analyses—enhances the understanding of Neolithic spatial use. While this 'multiproxy' approach reduces interpretive ambiguity (equifinality), challenges persist in bridging macroscale and microscale data, revealing gaps in integration. The study reflects on how archaeological science evolves through reflexive methodology, emphasizing the need for cohesive multivocal approaches to uncover nuanced human behavioral inferences.
St Kilda
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2017 —
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A contemporary album of piano pieces, reportedly taught to a Scottish mainlander by a St Kildan music teacher, has captured the British fascination with St Kilda, a remote and 'lost' island society. The album, 'The Lost Songs of St Kilda,' reached the top of the British classical music chart in 2016, becoming the fastest-selling posthumously released debut album in British chart history. This study explores how the recordings and packaging of the album create emotional geographies of St Kilda, constructing a mythical place-time or 'mythscape.' The research approach involves analyzing the album's impact on public perception and its role in shaping myths around remote island cultures.
Landscape of Grand Pré
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2017 —
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Selective historical memory plays a pivotal role in the construction of national identity, as demonstrated by the case of Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia. This study reveals how militarization and myth-making have contributed to a form of collective amnesia, distorting the site's history and its significance within Canadian heritage narratives. By analyzing cultural representations, historical records, and public discourse, the research exposes how certain aspects of Grand-Pré’s past—particularly those tied to conflict or displacement—have been systematically marginalized or forgotten, reinforcing dominant national myths while erasing alternative histories. The findings underscore the political dimensions of memory, challenging simplistic narratives of heritage preservation and nation-building.
Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa
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2017 —
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A new fossil site, discovered in the Rising Star Cave within South Africa's Cradle of Humankind, has yielded over 1550 hominin bones, making it one of the richest palaeoanthropological sites globally. The remote location and concentration of a single hominid species' remains sparked speculation about purposeful disposal or burial by early hominins, potentially indicating the earliest evidence of metaphysical awareness. However, an alternative hypothesis suggests that water and gravity were responsible for the deposition of these remains. This study critically examines the tenuous evidence supporting the metaphysical assumption while proposing a more plausible natural explanation.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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2017 —
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A significant shift in Cambodian memorialization practices is highlighted, where the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide Crimes emerged as a pivotal site for national and international remembrance. Originally a Khmer Rouge secret police institution, it now serves as a space where social and symbolic order is produced, reflecting Vietnam's influence on genocide discourse. The study reveals how this site aligns Cambodia's historical atrocities with the European Holocaust, embedding it within a globally recognized framework of genocide memory. This transformation underscores the power of public sites in shaping collective memory and affirming national identity.
Danube Delta
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2017 —
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The Danube Delta's relationship with state conservation efforts has evolved significantly, marked by a historical disconnect between policy and practice. While Romania's state discourse on nature conservation has shifted since the early 20th century—reflecting global conservation movements—the implementation on the ground remained limited during socialism. Ethnographic research reveals how local fishermen perceived and interacted with state authority, critiquing or accommodating its presence. This study historicizes these dynamics through interviews, showing that while scientific work on conservation flourished, actual conservation measures were rarely enforced. The findings underscore the tension between theoretical discourse and practical action in environmental governance.
Olympic National Park
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2017 —
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Park management strategies for wildlife conservation in Olympic National Park face significant challenges due to climate change-induced ecological thresholds. Research highlights that warming temperatures, altered species interactions, and habitat degradation pose critical risks to species like the Olympic Marmot and anadromous fish. Interviews with 30 park managers reveal barriers such as limited monitoring resources, a focus on current conditions over future projections, and the need for cross-boundary cooperation. Successful adaptation requires increased resources, flexibility, and collaboration beyond park boundaries to proactively address ecosystem changes.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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2017 —
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A shift from centralized, government-led management to adaptive co-management can significantly improve the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs), particularly for artisanal fisheries. This study highlights the successful implementation of a Term of Agreement between the Tamoios Marine Reserve in Paraty, Brazil, and the local community of Tarituba, which facilitated participatory social and ecological monitoring. The approach demonstrates that adaptive co-management, characterized by collaboration between government agencies and local stakeholders, can address the challenges of traditional top-down management while fostering sustainable fisheries practices. Key to this transition was the establishment of a framework that balanced conservation goals with community needs, offering a scalable model for other MPAs facing similar governance hurdles.
Kathmandu Valley
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2017 —
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A significant contribution of vehicle-related emissions to air pollution in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, persists throughout both the dry spring and monsoonal seasons. Despite lower overall PM2.5 concentrations during the monsoon, black carbon (BC) levels remained high, indicating strong vehicular influence year-round. The study, conducted using near-road sampling by volunteer traffic police officers at six major intersections in 2014, found that BC accounted for 39% of PM2.5 during the monsoon compared to 18% in spring, alongside increased contributions from crustal elements and heavy metals. Silica, calcium, aluminum, and iron were dominant elements in both seasons, with minimal spatial variation observed in PM2.5 and BC concentrations.
Great Barrier Reef
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2017 —
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Nearshore turbid-zone corals on the Great Barrier Reef exhibit remarkable resilience to thermal stress, showing no significant changes in coral cover or community structure following the severe 2015/2016 ocean warming event. Unlike offshore reefs, where bleaching was widespread and mortality high, nearshore corals at Paluma Shoals displayed minimal bleaching, with only one colony fully bleached and just 1.5% showing partial pigmentation loss. This tolerance contrasts sharply with clear-water reef assessments, where Acropora corals—typically highly susceptible to bleaching—were least impacted in turbid zones. The study utilized a novel pre- (2013/2014) and post-warming (2016) assessment of 2,288 video frames covering ~1,200 m², including 11,374 coral colonies across 24 genera. These findings suggest that nearshore reefs, often overlooked, may serve as critical refugia for corals during climate-related disturbances, offering a more optimistic outlook than previously assumed.
Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
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Tourists visiting Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex are more likely to engage in word-of-mouth (WoM) promotion when they experience satisfaction through negotiation and bargaining, as well as with the discounts received. This finding, derived from a survey of 615 respondents, highlights the significance of experiential satisfaction in driving WoM behaviors that can foster local tourism development. The study contributes to social exchange theory by demonstrating how negotiation dynamics influence tourist behavior, offering valuable insights for policymakers aiming to boost tourism through strategic interventions.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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The historic center of Dubrovnik has undergone significant transformation due to modern socio-economic pressures, particularly driven by tourism. The study reveals that the population of the old city declined drastically from 5,181 to 1,241 between 1953 and 2006, while the number of jobs tripled, creating a stark contrast between seasonal and off-season economic activity. Daily visitor numbers, reaching up to 40,000 in summer months—with 87.7% being tourists—have further exacerbated this shift. The research highlights how Dubrovnik’s historic core has become a cultural tourist product, with cruising tourism intensifying these trends. The study employs sociogeographical analysis to examine these processes, offering insights into the challenges faced by heritage sites in balancing development and preservation.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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New zircon geochronology and isotope geochemistry from Wrangel Island and western Chukotka reveal the Neoproterozoic basement history of the Arctic Alaska-Chukotka (AAC) terrane, shedding light on its long-standing geological mysteries. The study identifies a range of zircon U–Pb ages between 612±7 Ma to 711±4 Ma in granitic and volcanic samples, indicating significant Cryogenian–Ediacaran magmatism in a peripheral orogenic setting, likely a fringing arc on rifted continental margin crust. Detrital zircon spectra from metasedimentary strata suggest a Grenville–Sveconorwegian provenance, correlating with strata from Arctic Alaska and Pearya. This research provides critical insights into the AAC terrane's pre-Cenozoic kinematic and tectonic history, previously obscured by Mesozoic crustal processes.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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The Denali fault system, the largest active strike-slip fault system in interior Alaska, exhibits varying late Quaternary slip rates with a peak of approximately 13 mm/year near its central section. This study, utilizing cosmogenic surface exposure dating from 107 samples at 19 sites, confirms that slip rates decrease both eastward and westward along the fault system, reaching as low as 5 mm/year over 575 km in the western part. Additionally, a slip rate of around 2 mm/year is inferred for an eastern section near Kluane Lake, Yukon, while the Totschunda fault shows a maximum slip rate of about 9 mm/year. The research explores geometric models—rotation, indentation, and extrusion—to explain these slip rates, concluding that a combination of all three best accounts for the observed tectonic activity in southern Alaska.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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A critical finding is that the endangered Timneh Parrot's breeding population may be limited by the availability of suitable nest cavities, with nests predominantly found in secondary cavities within 17 tree species, often aggregated at densities up to 14 nests per hectare. This suggests that protecting mature trees and potentially installing artificial nest cavities could significantly boost reproductive success. The study, conducted in Guinea-Bissau's Bijagós Archipelago—a known hotspot for the species—revealed nesting efforts span from January to late March, with fledgling chicks most vulnerable during February to May. Researchers analyzed nest-site characteristics, breeding phenology, and reproductive productivity across two islands, employing field observations and data collection to inform targeted conservation strategies, particularly in mitigating poaching and habitat loss.
Xinjiang Tianshan
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Researchers have identified four distinct pulses of tectonic exhumation in the South Tianshan region, spanning from the Early Cretaceous to the late Miocene. Using apatite fission-track dating on 12 sandstone samples from the Kapushaliang section in the western Kuqa Depression, the study reveals peak exhumation events at 112 and 105 Ma (Early Cretaceous), 67 Ma (Late Cretaceous), 60, 53, and 36 Ma (Paleocene–Eocene), and 23 and 14 Ma (early Oligocene to late Miocene). These findings challenge previous reconstructions by highlighting a differential uplift in the Kuqa Depression during the late Cenozoic, with exhumation in the western segment occurring later than in the eastern segment. The study links these tectonic events to significant geological processes, including the docking of the Lhasa block and the far-field effects of the India–Eurasia collision.
Putorana Plateau
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A recent study on the Putorana Plateau's lakes, including Norilsk Lakes (Lama and Sobach’e) and Kutaramakan Lake, identified two new species: Senecella calanoides in zooplankton and five water mite species in zoobenthos. The research, conducted in 2013–2014, revealed that Lama and Sobach’e lakes share similar zooplankton compositions, differing from Kutaramakan Lake by the presence of specific copepods. A total of 64 benthic invertebrate taxa were found, with Chironomidae dominating. Kutaramakan Lake lacked amphipods, while Cobach’e Lake exhibited higher biomass, classifying it as oligotrophic to α-mesotrophic based on zooplankton and zoobenthos metrics. Lama and Kutaramakan lakes were deemed ultraoligotrophic.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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A new ichnological assemblage from the Hettangian Dolomitic Formation of the Causses Basin, southern France, reveals rare insights into early Jurassic crocodylomorphs. The tracks, attributed to Batrachopus isp., represent the first occurrence of this ichnogenus in Hettangian deposits of the region and the third in European lowermost Jurassic formations. The unique trackway, featuring tetradactyl pes and pentadactyl manus imprints, co-occurs with dinosaur tracks (Dilophosauripus williamsi and Grallator isp.), suggesting crocodylomorphs inhabited marginal-littoral environments alongside theropod-dominated faunas. Sedimentological analysis indicates these tracks were formed in a tidal to supratidal flat marsh periodically exposed above sea level, providing evidence of the ecological dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's early Jurassic landscape.
Kinabalu Park
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2017 —
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A significant discovery of 126 new lichen species in the Kinabalu region, including six previously unknown to Sabah and 90 to Malaysia, underscores the rich biodiversity of Kinabalu Park. Among these, 15 are novel to Southeast Asia and another 15 to Asia, highlighting the area's unique ecological significance. The research, conducted by Paukov et al., employed systematic field surveys and taxonomic analysis to document this lichen diversity, contributing valuable data for conservation efforts in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers
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2017 —
WHE8798C4395D
Recent archaeological excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sans-Souci, Haiti, have revealed new insights into the architectural chronology and material life of the Kingdom of Haiti during Henry Christophe's reign. Using a multidimensional approach that includes 3-D modeling, ground-penetrating radar, and targeted excavation, the Milot Archaeological Project (MAP) has uncovered evidence of the palace's historical significance and its role in regional and long-distance economic networks. These findings challenge the limited historical record and provide a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in Haitian history.
Manú National Park
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2017 —
WHECE77FAE866
Researchers have expanded the known range of <em>Rhagomys longilingua</em>, one of South America's rarest sigmodontine rodents, by documenting three new localities in Peru. This discovery extends its geographic distribution 613 km northeast from its type locality in Manu National Park (Cusco department) and suggests a broader range spanning Bolivia to Colombia along the eastern Andes slope. The study utilized potential distribution models to infer the species' historical and current habitat preferences, providing critical insights into its ecology and conservation needs.
