Western Caucasus
—
2017 —
WHECC45D5D571
Recent research reveals significant variability in snow cover duration on the Lagonaky high plateau (Western Caucasus) from 1973 to 2015, with marked differences across altitudinal belts. Snow cover lasts 70–80 days at low altitudes (500–1000 m), 130 days in mid-altitudes (1000–1500 m), and 215 days above 2000 m, disappearing by late March below 700 m and by April 20th at 1000 m. The study also highlights substantial interannual fluctuations in snow depth and water content, linked to extreme winters (e.g., 1975/76) and low-snow seasons (e.g., 2013–2015). These changes are attributed to global climate shifts, with the maximum recorded snow depth of 610 cm observed in March 1976 near Fisht. The research combines long-term observations of snow stratigraphy, density, and temperature across two measuring courses (460–2020 m altitude) to document these trends.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
—
2017 —
WHE909313302C
Residents of Amami Oshima Island, Japan, show significant attitudinal differences toward outdoor cat management depending on habitat type and ownership status. The study found that forests were the least preferred habitat for outdoor cats, while lethal control methods were universally unacceptable, with adoption being the most accepted strategy across all areas. Cat owners displayed higher acceptance of outdoor cats in town and rural areas compared to non-owners, along with a stronger preference for Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) programs over lethal options. These findings highlight the challenges in achieving consensus on cat management, particularly as cats from urban and rural areas often migrate to forests, threatening endangered species. Effective communication between stakeholders is crucial to bridge these attitudinal gaps and implement sustainable management strategies.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
—
2017 —
WHE4BAA83CB81
Ground stone artifacts from the Medio period (AD 1200 to 1450) settlement of 76 Draw, part of the Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, reveal distinct patterns in craft production compared to the regional political center. Analysis of 255 items shows a focus on utilitarian household tools, contrasting sharply with Paquimé’s assemblage, which emphasizes non-utilitarian ornaments and religiously significant effigies produced by specialists. This suggests that social differentiation evident at Paquimé did not extend across the broader Casas Grandes region, despite shared technological systems for utilitarian ground stone tools.
Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
—
2017 —
WHEC3F842A281
Rock art tourism, while reinforcing social values tied to heritage sites, can also diminish local communities' emotional attachment due to undesired consequences of World Heritage designation efforts. A study focusing on the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape in China—China's first rock art site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016—reveals that tourism promotion initiatives, driven by authorities, have paradoxically both strengthened and weakened local social values. The research, employing ethnographic methods, highlights the need for a critical reassessment of global and Chinese rock art heritage management strategies to balance preservation, cultural significance, and community impact.
Socotra Archipelago
—
2017 —
WHECE40EB3F7E
A functional relationship exists between the supply and demand for ecosystem services, with each influencing the other. This dynamic is context-specific and varies temporally and spatially, necessitating a social-ecological perspective to better understand these interactions. The study highlights that societal activities significantly impact ecosystem service provision, using evidence from Socotra Archipelago in Yemen and the Sahel regions of Senegal and Mali. It advocates for integrating such perspectives into research on ecosystem services supply and demand to address global biodiversity loss effectively.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
—
2017 —
WHE0363F0E238
This research reveals that indigenous populations played a pivotal role in shaping social dynamics within Jesuit missions in the colonial Amazon, particularly in regions now part of the Brazilian Amazon. By analyzing Samuel Fritz's Diary (1686–1725) alongside records from the Archivo de Indias in Seville, the study offers new interpretations of indigenous agency during the 17th and 18th centuries. The findings challenge traditional narratives by emphasizing indigenous contributions to mission life under Spanish colonial influence.
Angkor
—
2017 —
WHE4B65AF6BE4
A gradual decline in monsoon intensity, starting around AD 1000, likely stretched Angkor's hydrological systems to their limit, contributing significantly to the civilization's demise by the mid-15th century. This finding is supported by hydrogen and carbon isotope records of leaf waxes from a 2000-year wetland sequence in northeastern Thailand, near Angkor's northern boundary. The study reveals that while increased summer monsoon rains initially bolstered Angkor's agrarian economy and empire, extreme droughts and long-term monsoonal fluctuations, combined with urbanization, overwhelmed the civilization's resilient hydrological systems. Anthropogenic flooding of wetlands through dam construction, evident from around AD 1300, suggests societal adaptation to monsoonal variability, but ultimately proved insufficient against prolonged aridity.
Hwaseong Fortress
—
2017 —
WHEBBD65E7FE6
King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty demonstrated significant consideration for common people during the construction of Hwaseong Fortress, a unique urban development project that drew inspiration from advanced Chinese civil engineering techniques. Analyzing the comprehensive 'Hwaseong Seongyeok Uigwe'—a 1,334-page report detailing the fortress's planning and construction (1794–1796)—revealed insights into 18th-century Joseon society, including wage structures, material costs, and technological adaptations like crane usage. This monumental project, requiring 700,000 man-days and 800,000 nyang in funding, reflects Jeongjo's reformist vision for the dynasty's revitalization.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
—
2017 —
WHEF75E9D00A3
A comparative analysis of schoolchildren from two distinct areas in Granada, Spain—Albayzín and the city center—reveals significant differences in nutritional status and physical activity levels. Students in Albayzín exhibit lower prevalence of overweight and obesity, higher ideal fat percentages, and more active lifestyles, often walking to school daily. In contrast, students from the city center display higher sedentary behavior and a greater incidence of overweight or obesity, despite both groups adhering to recommended daily meal intakes. The study employed anthropometric assessments, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and standardized questionnaires (Krece-Plus) to evaluate 114 children aged 8–13 years, highlighting the impact of sociodemographic factors on health outcomes in urban settings.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
—
2017 —
WHEE4A4874D6B
The Old City of Jerusalem, home to nearly 35,000 residents with diverse religious, ethnic, and national backgrounds, faces significant socio-economic challenges. Despite its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area's economy is limited, heavily reliant on tourism, and marked by competition over scarce benefits. Potential scenarios—such as the transfer of foreign diplomatic representation or relocation of international organizations—could inject new jobs and capital into Jerusalem, though landownership disputes and heritage preservation remain complex hurdles requiring stakeholder engagement. The study provides a nuanced analysis of these interconnected issues.
Aksum
—
2017 —
WHEA2504B9016
Tourism in Axum, Ethiopia, demonstrates significant socio-economic benefits despite challenges. The study finds that tourism generates 2,389 jobs and increases household income by 8.8% annually as tourist flow rises, while also fostering socio-cultural, environmental, and political improvements such as infrastructure development and women's empowerment. However, it also highlights negative impacts like seasonal unemployment, cultural degradation, and social issues. The sector's potential is hindered by poor infrastructure, inadequate services, and lack of coordination. Recommendations emphasize stakeholder collaboration to enhance tourism infrastructure, mitigate negative effects, and maximize socio-economic gains.
Chaco Culture
—
2017 —
WHE5E30E1DFB7
Gambling played a multifaceted role in ancient Chaco Canyon (AD 800–1180), serving as a social, economic, and ceremonial mechanism that integrated diverse communities, facilitated trade, accumulated material wealth, perpetuated religious ideology, and established social inequality. This study challenges contemporary Western perceptions of gambling by analyzing 471 gaming artifacts from museum collections alongside oral traditions of descendant Native cultures, revealing its dynamic and productive nature in precontact North American societies.
Complex of Koguryo Tombs
—
2017 —
WHE38584576D8
A new classification system for Koguryo stone mounded tombs is proposed, addressing limitations of previous typologies by incorporating recent archaeological findings. The study identifies distinct sub-types within the 'fence and coffin style' chamber, distinguishing between wooden and stone chambers based on material and burial type. It also introduces a framework for classifying collective tombs, considering the number of visible mounds. By analyzing construction methods, mound structures, and burial practices, this approach offers a more nuanced understanding of Koguryo burial customs, paving the way for deeper historical reconstruction despite inherent limitations due to natural or artificial modifications over time.
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
—
2017 —
WHE9EBB2A35A2
A recent discovery of Sanskrit birch-bark manuscripts from ancient Greater Gāndhāra, dating between 679–770 CE with high probability, has revealed previously unknown folios of two Mahāyāna scriptures: the Tathāgataguṇajñānācintyaviṣayāvatāra and the Dvādaśadaṇḍakanāmāṣṭaśatavimalīkaraṇā. These fragments, identified among hundreds in the Kurita Collection, provide critical insights into early Buddhist textual traditions. The study compared these manuscripts with known texts, including a 1999 Potala Palace manuscript of the Śraddhābalādhānāvatāramudrāsūtra, confirming their affiliation with a broader group of scriptures. Additionally, it highlighted errors in an earlier edition of the Dvādaśadaṇḍakanāmāṣṭaśatavimalīkaraṇā by Dutt, based on Tibetan and Chinese translations.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
—
2017 —
WHE10C8996AA9
Recent archaeological research in the Sonoran region of northern Mexico reveals that pre-Hispanic traditions, previously thought to be extensions of southern or northern cultural influences, are actually the result of complex local developments. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about the region's cultural history and highlights the significance of collaborative international archaeology, which has been limited by the U.S.-Mexico border. The study defines six distinct ceramic period archaeological traditions in Sonora—Central Coast, Trincheras, Casas Grandes, Río Sonora, Huatabampo, and Serrana—demonstrating their unique origins rather than external influences. This research underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in uncovering the rich archaeological record of the region.
Kathmandu Valley
—
2017 —
WHEE2F2F189D8
A study using positive matrix factorization identified eight major sources of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) in the Kathmandu Valley, with unresolved industrial emissions and traffic being the largest contributors. Notably, biomass co-fired brick kilns significantly elevated concentrations of health-relevant NMVOCs like benzene. Biogenic emissions dominated daytime ozone production potential, even in winter, while secondary organic aerosol (SOA) production was equally influenced by brick kilns and traffic. The research also found that existing emission inventories underestimate traffic contributions and omit brick kiln emissions entirely, highlighting gaps in current models. This quantitative source apportionment provides critical insights for refining NMVOC emission inventories and guiding mitigation strategies in the Kathmandu Valley.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
—
2017 —
WHE34CE4ACC8D
Harbor seal breeding vocalizations near the Beardslee Islands in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve exhibit notably lower minimum frequencies (78 Hz) compared to previously reported values, with average source levels of 144 dBRMS re 1 μPa at 1 m. The study, conducted using a three-element planar hydrophone array, measured four key call parameters: minimum frequency, peak frequency, total duration (averaging 4.8 seconds), and pulse duration (averaging 3.0 seconds). These findings suggest that while the duration of calls aligns with other populations, the lower frequency range may reflect regional or environmental adaptations.
Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex
—
2017 —
WHE11ECAFA031
A comprehensive exploration of the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex in Antwerp, Belgium, reveals previously unpublished sources and archival materials that offer unprecedented insights into the 16th-century publishing industry. The study uncovers rare documents, including the 'Journal de Christophe Plantin' (1558–1574) and 'Pour les libraires' (1564), along with records from the Évêché du Mans and Abbaye de Saint-Calais, which detail land ownership, parish records, and business transactions. These findings provide a detailed snapshot of the Plantin family's publishing activities, their economic strategies, and their interactions with local authorities and religious institutions. The research employs a meticulous archival approach, analyzing both primary sources from Antwerp and supplementary documents from Le Mans, Lyon, and Paris to reconstruct the historical context of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
—
2017 —
WHE7CC34E98A6
A substantial body of liturgical texts from Canterbury Cathedral's central Middle Ages has been identified, providing valuable insights into the cathedral's liturgical practices and architectural history. This research presents a provisional list of manuscripts containing material for occasional rites such as Candlemas, Palm Sunday, and church dedications, offering evidence for Canterbury’s unique liturgy. The study highlights how these sources can elucidate the policies of individual bishops, the evolution of the cathedral's fabric, and changes in liturgical performance over time.
Monastery of Alcobaça
—
2017 —
WHEE1A6F4E071
A significant medieval Latin-Portuguese grammatical treatise, known as the <em>Notabilia</em> (1427), has been identified within the Cistercian Monastery of Alcobaça's collection, housed in the Portuguese National Library. This elaborate manuscript, comprising 31 chapters and potentially copied by two scribes, remains unpublished despite its complexity and historical importance. The study reveals that the <em>Notabilia</em> draws from multiple influential sources, including Donatus (mid-4th century), Priscian (late 5th to early 6th century), Alexander of Villa Dei (c.1170–c.1250), Giovanni Balbi de Genova (fl.1286–1298), and two pre-modist grammarians, Petrus Helias (c.1100–post-1166) and Robert Kilwardby (c.1215–1279). The treatise may also reference lesser-known works such as the Catalan-Aragonese <em>grammaticae proverbiandi</em> or Giovanni da Soncino's Italian <em>Notabilia</em>. This analysis sheds light on the intellectual and linguistic exchanges of the time, particularly within monastic and academic circles.
Vilnius Historic Centre
—
2017 —
WHEFC7EC470CB
Soviet modernism significantly altered the historic contexts of Lithuanian city centers, particularly in Vilnius and Panevėžys, during the 1960s to 1990s. The study reveals that architectural changes varied across decades, reflecting distinct approaches to integrating new construction with historical settings. This period marked a transition in building practices, often compromising the individuality and singularity of historic centers. By analyzing distinctive buildings in these cities, the research demonstrates how Soviet modernism both advanced urban development while challenging the preservation of cultural heritage.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
—
2017 —
WHE845B8CCE86
A critical gap in understanding the health effects of gradual, low-dose radiation exposure has been addressed through the Million Person Study (MPS), the largest study of its kind. This study, involving over 360,000 U.S. Department of Energy workers and other exposed individuals, provides substantial statistical power to quantify risks associated with prolonged, low-dose radiation exposure. Unlike terrestrial-based organizations that rely on dose limits, NASA employs an individual risk-based system for astronauts, allowing a 3% risk of exposure-induced death (REID) from cancer. The MPS aims to reduce uncertainty in risk estimates, enabling longer space missions by narrowing the 95% confidence interval. Additionally, it offers insights into gender differences in radiation response and evaluates non-cancer outcomes such as neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Škocjan Caves
—
2017 —
WHE55FFF844AE
A strong positive correlation exists between tourist numbers and the concentration of airborne bacteria in the Škocjan Caves, with bacterial levels rising significantly during periods of high river discharge. The study, conducted using MALDI-TOF MS to identify cultivable airborne bacteria, found a mix of human-associated and natural habitat bacteria, including some from Risk Group 2. Despite dynamic cave climate conditions, large chambers did not show enhanced bacterial concentrations. This research highlights the impact of tourism on cave microbiota and underscores the complexity of microbial dynamics in visited caves.
The Sundarbans
—
2017 —
WHE7A275E459E
From 1973 to 2010, the Sundarbans Reserve Forest (SRF) in Bangladesh experienced minimal overall area loss but significant internal shifts in land cover. Water bodies, mudflats, and barren lands expanded by 0.45%, 19.69%, and 14.81% respectively, while vegetated land declined by 4.01%. This suggests a decline in evergreen vegetation density and canopy closure. Researchers used remote sensing and GIS tools, applying the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to analyze these changes. The study recommends real-time monitoring systems for future spatial and temporal tracking of SRF's land cover dynamics.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
—
2017 —
WHEBFEEB1A8E4
Researchers have identified spatial clusters of high bacterial load Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections in trachoma-endemic communities on the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea Bissau. These clusters, independent of age and gender, suggest that high Ct loads may play a significant role in transmission dynamics. The study used droplet digital PCR to measure Ct load on conjunctival swabs from 1507 participants during a geospatially representative trachoma survey. Geostatistical tools were employed to analyze the spatial distribution of infections, revealing no clustering for low-load infections. This finding highlights the potential use of these tools in trachoma surveillance post-treatment to identify infection clusters and critical Ct load thresholds that could indicate re-emergent infection foci.
Historic City of Toledo
—
2017 —
WHE90FE236D42
Heritage buildings and street network properties significantly influence the spatial distribution of economic activities in historic cities. Using Toledo, Spain, as a case study, researchers found that the presence of heritage sites like cathedrals and town halls, combined with two key urban design metrics—spatial integration (how connected a street segment is to the city) and spatial choice (its prominence or visibility)—can accurately predict where economic activity, particularly tourism-related, thrives. The study employed street audits to map ground-floor activities, Space Syntax analysis to measure integration and choice at neighborhood and city-wide scales, and GIS tools to assess proximity to heritage buildings. Statistical modeling confirmed that these three variables—heritage intensity, spatial integration, and spatial choice—collectively explain the distribution of economic activity in Toledo's historic center.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
—
2017 —
WHE2D20DA2D42
Researchers have identified consistent spatial patterns of summer speedup on glaciers in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias Ranges, providing new insights into glacier behavior and potential implications for ice discharge and erosion. The study, which analyzed 13 out of 19 land-terminating glaciers using a novel workflow based on Landsat 8 feature tracking, found that summer speedups are relatively uniform across much of the ablation zones and vary by only a factor of ~2 between glaciers with velocities spanning an order of magnitude. These speedups extend up to ~30 km up glacier from termini and often terminate at the bases of icefalls. The findings suggest the possibility of parameterizing this phenomenon in glacier models, offering a systematic observation of enhanced summer basal motion that could improve our understanding of glacier dynamics.
Laurisilva of Madeira
—
2017 —
WHE7FECF9DE0C
Seven endemic spider species from the Madeira and Selvagens archipelagos face ongoing declines, primarily due to habitat destruction, invasive plants, forest fires, and competition with invasive congeners. One species, <em>M. barreti</em>, is suspected of being possibly extinct. While most endemic spiders benefit from the protection of laurisilva forests, cave-dwelling, mountain-restricted species, and those threatened by invasives require urgent conservation attention. The study assesses all 56 endemic spider species using IUCN Red List criteria, highlighting the need for expanded protected areas, habitat restoration, and invasive species control to ensure their survival.
Yakushima
—
2017 —
WHE64162C1EC8
A comprehensive three-year inventory of spider biodiversity on Yakushima Island, Japan, reveals 31 families and 165 species or morphotypes, including undescribed and unidentified taxa. This study marks the first systematic trapping survey of spiders in Japan, providing critical insights into the island's unique forest ecosystem, which is partly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Researchers used Malaise and window traps across five forests—two plantations and three natural forests—to collect 3487 specimens from 2006 to 2008. The data, preserved in ethanol and archived on the GBIF network, offer new baseline information for assessing forest health and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas
—
2017 —
WHE03005AE60F
Lisa Blackmore's book, 'Spectacular Modernity: Dictatorship, Space, and Visuality in Venezuela, 1948–1958,' reveals that the architectural marvels of Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas and the Hotel Humboldt were integral to dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez’s propaganda campaign, aiming to depict Venezuela as a modernized nation under authoritarian rule. Using detailed historical research and archival analysis, Blackmore demonstrates how these structures, including Alexander Calder's 'Clouds or Flying Saucers,' were deployed to justify political repression while promoting the dictatorship's developmentalist doctrine. The study highlights the tension between architectural innovation and democratic erosion during this pivotal period in Venezuelan history.
Brasilia
—
2017 —
WHE29E3431EFB
A spectral analysis of ambient vibrations at a mass movement site in Brasília, Brazil, reveals strong correlations between noise frequency content and man-induced emissions, particularly from nearby carbonate mining. The study utilized Power Spectral Density (PSD) to characterize noise sources, employing 10 short-period seismometers with a natural frequency response of 2 Hz, recorded at a sampling rate of 250 samples per second. Preliminary findings suggest that while human activities significantly influence vibration patterns, future research will focus on natural factors such as rainfall-induced saturation and seismic activity to better understand their role in altering mechanical properties and landslide dynamics.
Wadden Sea
—
2017 —
WHE92BB68B245
This speculative proposal envisions a transformative shift in the Wadden Sea, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of islands and tidal flats, by repurposing military tensions into sustainable tourism. The study suggests replacing coastguard confrontations with cruise ships escorting eco-tourists to a potential trans-border nature reserve or expanded UNESCO designation, co-nominated by China and Japan. While acknowledging the current political stalemate in the East China Sea, it posits this scenario as a win-win solution, highlighting the Wadden Sea's ecological significance and its role as a major tourism destination. The approach combines speculative futures with an analysis of the region's ecosystem, offering a vision for peaceful cooperation through conservation and tourism.
Baalbek
—
2017 —
WHE1D1B8E2CD7
Recent excavations at Baalbek's Bustan Nassif site have uncovered a significant assemblage of sphero-conical vessels, dating from the 12th to early 15th centuries. These vessels, found in both stratified and secondary contexts, exhibit remarkable variety in fabric, form, and surface treatment, including some glazed items. A notable sub-group features post-firing incised inscriptions or symbols, offering new insights into their potential functions. The study, conducted by the DAI-Berlin, BTU-Cottbus, and DGA-Lebanon, also sheds light on a military destruction event in the north-eastern area of Baalbek, while documenting the urban layout and ceramic production history during the Middle Islamic period.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
—
2017 —
WHE3406ED0772
Research on obsidian lavas from Lipari and Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands reveals that spherulite formation is driven by distinct processes occurring at different cooling stages, leading to significant heterogeneity in size, shape, and composition. Spherulites, ranging from <1 mm to 8 mm, exhibit radial interiors and can occur individually or within deformation bands, sometimes surrounded by clear haloes and brown rims. Their mineral content includes cristobalite (α, β), orthoclase, titanomagnetite, and rhyolitic glass, with growth periods averaging 5 days and potential modification over hundreds of years at lower temperatures. Crystal Size Distribution (CSD) analysis shows varying size populations and growth rates, while elongation in high-temperature spherulites triggers further nucleation and growth. Spherical forms dominate mid-glass transition temperatures, and vapor-phase modifications occur at lower temperatures. Enhanced undercooling, deformation, and modification play pivotal roles in shaping spherulite diversity in these volcanic rocks.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
—
2017 —
WHEB75DF5A7A8
A comprehensive survey of orb-weaver spiders (Orbiculariae clade) in Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico, reveals a remarkable biodiversity, with 10 families, 65 genera, and 119 species documented. This study builds on existing collections and new fieldwork, identifying two new species and three potentially novel ones, pending further confirmation. Notably, 42% of the recorded species (74 out of 184) are first-time records for Calakmul, while 3 genera and 10 species represent new contributions to Mexico's arachnid diversity, bringing the national total to 685 species. The findings were derived from a combination of archival data review and extensive field collections using beating sheets and manual techniques across 14 localities.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
—
2017 —
WHE46B911C628
Mountainous regions exhibit complex phenological behavior influenced by climatic, vegetational, and topographic gradients. A study analyzing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 2000 to 2015 revealed that elevational effects significantly impact spring phenology more than moisture effects, with deciduous forests showing increased sensitivity to antecedent warm temperatures. The research used MODIS time series data of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and filtered for cover type, topography, and disturbance history to improve understanding of land surface phenology (LSP). Findings suggest possible cross-seasonal lag effects, such as accelerated green-up after cold Januarys and early brown-down following warm springs. Disturbances like hemlock woolly adelgid infestations and severe tornadoes weakened sensitivity to temperature and precipitation variations, while low-severity wildland fires had no discernable effect.
Sacred City of Kandy
—
2017 —
WHEC2D88C4E94
A comprehensive 3D documentation of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pivotal Buddhist pilgrimage destination, has been successfully achieved through advanced scanning techniques. This research utilized Terrestrial-Laser-Scanning (TLS) and Structured-Light-Scanning (SLS) to capture detailed architectural data, including high-resolution details of the temple's rich decorations. The digital archive created from this project not only serves as a vital resource for preserving cultural heritage but also facilitates site monitoring, particularly for detecting structural issues such as cracks. Additionally, the study emphasizes knowledge transfer, aiming to empower local specialists with the skills needed for future analysis of scan data.
Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church
—
2017 —
WHE7C368625B5
St. Anselm's influence on the visual arts at Canterbury Cathedral, particularly during his tenure from 1093 to 1109, is revealed through a detailed analysis of surviving architectural elements and textual references. The study suggests that the cathedral's choir, constructed under Anselm's patronage, featured an innovative iconographic program that emphasized stained glass, setting a precedent for later European church architecture. By integrating Anselm's writings with surviving structural evidence, the research reconstructs this seminal program, highlighting its significance in the development of medieval ecclesiastical design.
Bourges Cathedral
—
2017 —
WHE170703FC85
This study revisits the historical and artistic depictions of St. Lawrence's martyrdom, particularly his death on a grill, challenging long-standing narratives with modern scholarship. While traditional accounts portray Lawrence as a steadfast figure whose courage during persecution inspired centuries of cultural expression—from Dante’s <em>Paradiso</em> to Titian’s paintings—the research critically examines the origins and reliability of these legends. The study also highlights the enduring influence of Lawrence's martyrdom in art, music (e.g., Palestrina’s compositions), geography (e.g., the Gulf of St. Lawrence), and even modern institutions like the Charlotte cathedral and a Buenos Aires soccer team. By synthesizing historical sources with contemporary skepticism, the paper provides a nuanced perspective on whether Lawrence’s legendary death is fact or fiction.
Blenheim Palace
—
2017 —
WHED255A54C7F
Nicholas Hawksmoor's church designs, particularly for St Alphege in Greenwich, exemplify a groundbreaking approach to creating staged experiences for worshippers. By blending centralized and longitudinal architectural elements, Hawksmoor addressed the complex demands of rebuilding after a collapse while drawing inspiration from Eusebius' descriptions of early Christian churches. This innovative visual language transformed the worshipper's journey into a dynamic, kinaesthetic experience, aligning with the High Church trend that prioritized sensory engagement in Anglican worship. The study highlights Hawksmoor's ability to merge structural necessity with aesthetic and functional innovation, setting a precedent for future church architecture.
Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar
—
2017 —
WHEFF522878F7
A statistical analysis of fatigue crack propagation data from ancient Portuguese metallic bridges reveals that the proposed design curves for fatigue crack growth (FCG) rates align more closely with actual material behavior than the existing BS7910 standard. This finding is crucial for improving residual fatigue life predictions, which are essential for maintaining these historic structures, such as the Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar in Oporto. The study analyzed data from five representative bridges, including riveted railway and highway structures, using Paris’s law to correlate crack growth rates. By proposing more accurate FCG curves, this research provides a robust framework for assessing fatigue damage and guiding remediation efforts, ensuring the longevity of these culturally significant heritage sites.
Western Ghats
—
2017 —
WHECE6D883A58
Research reveals that convective storms over the Western Ghats exhibit distinct orographic responses and diurnal patterns during the monsoon season, with increased frequency along windward mountains due to southwesterly flows. Storms progress eastward from upstream barriers through windward slopes to leeward sides, showing a pronounced afternoon peak in activity while their area maximum lags precipitation flux by hours. Storm characteristics, such as area, height, and duration, follow lognormal distributions, with shallow convection (peaking at 5.5 km) dominating the region. Cells move slowly, aligning east-west parallel to mountain ridges, and their movement is steered by lower-level winds. A lead-lag relationship between congestus and deep cells suggests midtropospheric moistening prior to deep convection. The study used X-band radar observations at Mandhardev (2014) with objective-tracking methods to quantify storm spatiotemporal variability for the first time.
Sundarbans National Park
—
2017 —
WHE16072F8F7F
Bangladesh's Sundarbans National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest mangrove tract, stands out for its rich biodiversity, including endangered species like the Bengal Tiger. The region supports 130 mammal species, 710 bird species (including 310 migratory), and numerous reptiles and amphibians, with 219 species threatened nationally. To protect this ecological treasure, Bangladesh has established 38 Protected Areas (PAs), including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and vulture save zones, distributed across four major forest typologies. The study highlights the significance of these conservation efforts in preserving both local and global biodiversity, while also emphasizing the potential for sustainable wildlife tourism to support these initiatives.
Mount Etna
—
2017 —
WHE830A0C9F7A
The Golden Eagle (<em>Aquila chrysaetos</em>) in Sicily predominantly occupies the northern ridge of the island, from the Trapani mountains to the Peloritani range, with a notable absence in the southeastern region. Habitat preference modeling revealed that mean altitude, slope, and the extent of open habitats—such as arable land and grasslands—are critical predictors for the species' occurrence. This study synthesizes historical records, breeding phenology data, and conservation project findings to map the eagle's distribution and habitat preferences across Sicily, providing insights into its ecological requirements and potential threats.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
—
2017 —
WHEA0D9BF7B78
New radiocarbon dating evidence from islands within Britain's 'Western Seaways' reveals that the earliest Neolithic presence dates to approximately 3900-3700 cal BC, aligning with the Gathering Time model. This study synthesizes existing and 50 new radiocarbon dates, challenging previous assumptions about the timing of Neolithic arrival in this critical region. While supporting broader chronological frameworks, the findings highlight gaps in current understanding due to sparse data across a vast area. Researchers advocate for further targeted dating and typo-chronological approaches to refine our comprehension of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition's processes.
Derwent Valley Mills
—
2017 —
WHEAADEF87230
The Derwent Valley Mills showcases the innovative yet traditional influences on cotton workers' housing during the late 18th century. This study reveals that the accommodation built by three mill-owning families across Cromford, Belper, Milford, and Darley Abbey was a nuanced blend of experimental and conventional designs, reflecting the evolving needs of both occupants and patrons. By analyzing historic building fabric, researchers demonstrated that these houses were not uniform but varied significantly, embodying the complex dynamics of early industrialization. This buildings-led approach highlights the interplay between architectural innovation and traditional practices, offering insights into the social and economic forces shaping industrial communities during this pivotal period.
Kuk Early Agricultural Site
—
2017 —
WHE58DFB3AB3D
Research at Kuk Swamp, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Papua New Guinea, reveals that all stone found within the swamp was intentionally carried there by people, with no natural sources present. The study identifies volcanic debris mounds from Mt Hagen as a minor potential source, though these were largely covered and thus unlikely to have been a significant supply. Stones were brought for various purposes, including tool manufacture, cooking, or ritual use, with some serving as manuports—objects carried in by hand for unknown functions, possibly including ammunition or ceremonial roles. The study combines petrological analysis with archaeological context to trace stone origins and infer early human behaviors, offering insights into the sophisticated resource management of Kuk's early agricultural communities.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
—
2017 —
WHE1692C1C925
At Stonehenge and Avebury, megaliths were deliberately positioned to create shadow-casting effects during solstice sunrises. The Heel Stone's offset from the monument’s axis casts a shadow that reaches the Altar Stone at summer solstice sunrise, a phenomenon observable today. Similarly, Stone 11’s irregular placement disrupts the sarsen circle’s symmetry while its shadow aligns with damaged Bluestones 40 and 38 during winter solstice sunrises, suggesting an older midwinter alignment. At Avebury, stones in the Cove and Stone F harmonize at summer solstice sunrise, mirroring patterns seen at Drombeg Stone Circle. These findings, derived from over 120 research expeditions since 1981, combine compass analysis, photography, and historical plans to resolve previously unexplained stone positioning anomalies.
Fortifications of Vauban
—
2017 —
WHE9CD10990E6
Archaeological excavations on the site between the University of Strasbourg's Institute of Geology and Zoology, along Boulevard de la Victoire, revealed significant insights into the pre-fortification landscape. The study identified limono-sandy alluvial deposits at the base of the excavation, providing a clearer understanding of the environmental conditions prior to Vauban's fortifications in Strasbourg. This research was driven by the university's plan to develop a garden and planetarium on the site. By analyzing these geological layers, the team reconstructed the ancient terrain, contributing valuable data to the study of Strasbourg's historical geography.
Costiera Amalfitana
—
2017 —
WHE3D8BF5BA3F
A sustainable development strategy for the Valle dei Mulini, a 12th-century industrial archaeology site in Gragnano, Italy, demonstrates how historic hydraulic mills can be repurposed to generate electricity while preserving cultural heritage. The approach combines 're-learn' and 're-value,' aiming to spread knowledge of the territory, enhance local identity, and promote eco-conscious tourism. By integrating the mills into a broader tourism network—including lesser-known sites like Campi Flegrei and the Amalfi Coast—the strategy seeks to restore artifacts, remediate the ecosystem, and ensure long-term safeguarding. This case study offers a model for balancing industrial heritage preservation with renewable energy production in culturally significant landscapes.
