Bagan
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2016 —
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A replicable, IT-supported methodology for documenting the conditions and materials of heritage structures has been successfully developed at Bagan, Myanmar. This approach, combining Electronic Distance Measurements (EDM), Structure from Motion (SFM) Photogrammetry, Laser Scanning, Record Photography, hand measurements, and field notes, enables rapid and accurate data collection to support conservation efforts. The strategy was piloted on three distinct Buddhist temples, adhering to ICOMOS CIPA guidelines, and offers a scalable model for assessing the over 3,000 monuments at Bagan—an ancient capital vulnerable to natural hazards like earthquakes and flooding. The methodology updates existing inventories while providing actionable insights for conservation planning.
Historic City of Ahmadabad
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2016 —
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Informal workers in three global cities—Ahmedabad (India), Durban (South Africa), and Lima (Peru)—leverage diverse, often basic technologies to enhance their livelihoods, yet adoption is constrained by economic, regulatory, and urban infrastructure challenges. A 2015 study by the WIEGO network and local partners reveals that while these workers adapt tools ingeniously—ranging from manual devices to internet platforms—their use is limited by low incomes, theft risks, and city-specific systems governing energy, transport, and waste. The findings highlight a critical gap: policy frameworks and urban technological systems must better accommodate the needs of informal economies to foster inclusive growth.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2016 —
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A study using GPS data reveals that the Pamir and Southwest Tien Shan mountain ranges are rotating counterclockwise relative to Eurasia, with distinct deformation patterns. The Western Alai GPS profile (WAGP) recorded a maximum displacement rate of 9.3 ± 0.8 mm/year, with significant shortening occurring along the Pamir Frontal Thrust (PFT). The Southwest Tien Shan undergoes NNE-SSW shortening at −22.1 ± 1.5 × 10⁻⁹ per year, while the Pamir experiences less shortening but substantial lateral extension. A deformation band along the PFT extends up to 30–50 km into the Pamir, highlighting complex tectonic interactions between these orogens.
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba
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2016 —
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Excavations at Tel Hazor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest biblical tells in Israel, revealed significant insights into its multi-layered history. The 26th season of the 'Selz Foundation Hazor Excavations' focused on Areas M3 and A9, uncovering evidence of continuous occupation from the Bronze Age through the Roman period. The expedition, led by A. Ben-Tor with a team of international researchers, employed advanced techniques such as wet sieving, detailed surveying, and restoration to document findings. Key discoveries included well-preserved architectural remains and artifacts that shed light on Hazor's strategic importance during biblical times. The research was supported by multiple institutions, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Exploration Society, and conducted in collaboration with the National Parks Authority.
Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan
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2016 —
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Tell es-Sultan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world, offers unprecedented insights into the cultural evolution of the Southern Levant over ten millennia. A collaborative project between Sapienza University of Rome and the Palestinian MoTA-DACH has integrated data from 14 excavation areas, providing a comprehensive narrative from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic to the Iron Age. This synthesis challenges traditional archaeological paradigms by revealing complex interconnections within the region, while also demonstrating innovative methods for respectful, shared study of ancient heritage. The research underscores Tell es-Sultan's significance as a lens to understand the achievements and cultural dynamics of one of humanity's earliest civilizations.
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
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2016 —
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Coral reefs exposed to higher temperature regimes exhibit significantly lower species richness, abundance, diversity, density, and percent cover compared to those in moderate or low-temperature zones. This pattern was observed across lagoonal reefs in the Belize Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), where thermal stress—measured as days exceeding bleaching thresholds—was a stronger determinant of coral community structure than productivity. High-temperature sites were dominated by hardy, stress-tolerant, and fast-growing coral species, suggesting these life history traits may confer resilience to warming oceans. The study used ultra-high-resolution satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) data over a decade to classify reefs into low, moderate, and high thermal exposure categories, alongside 13 years of Chlorophyll-a data as a productivity proxy.
The Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi
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2016 —
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A critical analysis of architectural remains from Ghassulian sites reveals significant variability in structures previously labeled as 'temples,' challenging long-held assumptions about their function and societal role. The study demonstrates that the terms 'temple,' 'sanctuary,' and 'shrine' have been inconsistently applied to Ghassulian sites, lacking explicit definitions. By comparing these remains and interpretations, the research evaluates how classifying structures as temples has shaped understandings of Ghassulian social organization. This work underscores the importance of precise terminology in archaeological studies, offering a foundation for reinterpreting the cultural significance of these ancient sites.
Komodo National Park
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2016 —
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A 12-year study on Komodo National Park revealed that the population dynamics of Rusa deer and wild pigs are strongly influenced by density-dependent factors, with island-specific patterns and spatial synchrony. While Rusa deer populations declined slightly on two larger islands (Nusa Kode and Rinca) but increased on Gili Motang, wild pig populations showed contrasting trends, declining on Komodo Island and increasing on Rinca. These findings highlight the critical role of density dependence in tropical large herbivore populations, which are vital prey for the endangered Komodo dragon. The study used dung counts along transects to estimate abundance, confirming the need for continued monitoring to ensure the conservation of both ungulate species and their apex predator.
Mount Etna
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2016 —
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A pioneering approach using helium isotope ratios (3He/4He) in volcanic gases has revealed strong correlations with pre-eruptive magma refill and pressurization at Mount Etna, Italy. This method provides a unique tracer for monitoring volcanic activity, enabling near real-time estimation of key parameters such as magma input rate and volume changes in deep chambers preceding eruptions. The study demonstrates that increases in 3He/4He ratios precede main eruptive episodes, reflecting deep magma influx and pressurization beneath the volcano. By integrating these findings with geodetic data, researchers have developed a model that offers unprecedented quantitative insights into the physics of magmatic systems. This approach holds significant potential for global application, particularly in volcanoes exhibiting similar unrest episodes.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2016 —
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Teotihuacan, a sprawling pre-industrial city founded around 150 BCE in highland Central Mexico, rose rapidly to become the dominant political and economic power of its time. Its influence extended beyond its urban core, absorbing and controlling neighboring regions, possibly even distant ones. The city's decline was marked by a catastrophic fire around 600 CE, which destroyed its core and signaled the end of Teotihuacan's prominence as a major pre-Hispanic urban center. This summary synthesizes key findings from Robertson (2016), highlighting Teotihuacan's significance as an early complex society and the abrupt nature of its collapse.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
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2016 —
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A comprehensive exhibition catalog, 'Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China,' offers unprecedented insights into the daily life and visual culture of ancient Qin society during the Zhou (1046–256 BCE) and Qin (221–206 BCE) dynasties. Featuring 120 artifacts, including ten life-size terracotta figures from Qin Shihuang's mausoleum, the catalog highlights the First Emperor's unification of China through military strength, standardization of writing, weights, measures, and currency. It also explores interactions with neighboring nomadic societies, such as the Western Rong and Northern Di, illustrating their influence on Qin technology and design. The book includes detailed illustrations, maps, and a timeline to contextualize archaeological findings from Shaanxi Province, making it valuable for both academic scholars and general audiences interested in early Chinese history.
Wadden Sea
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2016 —
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Lesser black-backed gulls, often considered primarily pelagic, exhibit significant terrestrial foraging behavior during the breeding season in the Wadden Sea. This study reveals that these gulls make intensive use of both marine and inland landscapes, with foraging trips varying from 0.5 to 26.4 hours and covering distances up to 333.6 km. While they foraged predominantly on bare ground, particularly in potato fields, their diet included a mix of grass, insects, fish, litter, and earthworms. Marine foraging trips were more variable and often occurred at night, overlapping with fishing vessel activities, whereas inland trips were closely tied to daylight hours. The study used GPS data loggers attached to incubating birds to track flight paths and analyze habitat use, diet, and isotopic signatures in blood, providing a comprehensive understanding of their opportunistic foraging strategies.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2016 —
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A new Late Jurassic flora, comprising terrestrial plants and marine algae, has been discovered in the lithographic limestone of the Causse Méjean in southern France. This is the first documented Kimmeridgian/Tithonian flora from the region, revealing a unique co-occurrence of land-based vegetation—including bennettitaleans, conifers, and pteridosperms—and marine dasyclad algae. The fossilized remains suggest preservation in a protected, flat environment, likely a brackish or marine lagoon influenced by both continental and marine conditions. The study indicates that coastal habitats during this period were dominated by sub-arborescent vegetation adapted to hot, dry conditions, providing insights into the palaeoenvironmental adaptations of Late Jurassic flora.
Socotra Archipelago
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2016 —
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Island colonization does not universally trigger extreme phenotypic diversification, as demonstrated by the Hemidactylus geckos of Socotra. While insular species exhibit more pronounced body size variation and accelerated evolutionary rates compared to continental groups, head proportions show consistent evolution across both environments. This study challenges the assumption that islands always promote higher morphological disparity, revealing complex patterns where different traits evolve differently even within the same mainland-island system.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
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2016 —
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Fine-grained sediments from the Han and Keum rivers are transported southward along Korea's western and southwestern coasts by coastal currents, accumulating on tidal flats. This study analyzed 1027 sediment samples from 74 tidal flats across four sectors—Gyeonggi (GG), Chungcheong (CH), Western Jeonnam (WJ), and Southern Jeonnam (SJ)—revealing distinct textural facies and morphological patterns. The CH sector, with coarser sediments and steeper slopes, reflects stronger wave influence due to geomorphic conditions, while the WJ and SJ sectors exhibit finer, muddier sediments and gentler slopes, often featuring tidal channels. The findings suggest that regional sediment distribution is governed by coastal currents and tidal dynamics, providing insights into sedimentation processes in Korean tidal flats.
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town
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2016 —
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Sami 'Amr's diaries reveal the personal and political upheavals experienced during Hebron's 'Dual Era,' a period marked by overlapping claims of rule from Jordan and Egypt following World War II. This study provides a unique, firsthand account of the transitional challenges faced by inhabitants as they navigated an uncertain political landscape amid the end of the British Mandate and the conclusion of the 1948-1949 Palestine war. By analyzing Sami's diary entries, researchers uncover the complexities of daily life during this turbulent time, offering insights into the human experience of historical upheaval in Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2016 —
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Fifty years after the devastating flood that struck Venice and Florence, a comprehensive analysis reveals critical lessons for mitigating future flooding risks. The study identifies key components of relative sea level rise contributing to Venice's vulnerability, including natural subsidence and human-induced factors. It highlights significant advancements in monitoring networks and forecasting capabilities since 1966, which have been instrumental in safeguarding the city. Notably, the research underscores the role of luck in preventing a more catastrophic outcome during the 1966 event, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and proactive engineering interventions. The findings provide a robust framework for understanding and addressing the complex interplay between meteo-oceanographic factors and urban resilience.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2016 —
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A flash flood on September 9, 2010, in the Dragone catchment of Atrani, Italy, mobilized approximately 25,000 cubic meters of sediment with a peak flow velocity comparable to clear-water floods. The event, characterized by an intense one-hour rainfall peak of nearly 120 mm/h, resulted in a hyperconcentrated flow with a total discharge of 80 m³/s and a sediment bulking factor of 1.2. The study employed a multi-hazard approach, integrating geological data, post-event surveys, eyewitness accounts, and homemade videos to analyze the flood's impact. High topographic relief and coastal water anomalies influenced the convective system, contributing to the catastrophic nature of the event. This research highlights the significant sediment transport and velocity dynamics in flash floods along the Amalfi Coast, offering insights into the region's frequent alluvial fan flooding hazards.
White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement
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2016 —
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The adaptive nature of Tel-Aviv's urban development, particularly its White City district, reflects Patrick Geddes' visionary approach to city planning as an organic system. This study reveals that Tel-Aviv's evolution from 1948 to 2003 was marked by significant adaptive mechanisms, driven by waves of immigration and the need for rapid urban solutions post-Israel's independence. The research analyzes these adaptations through the lens of Geddes' theories, highlighting how conservation awareness reshaped local planning processes and public reception. The findings underscore the dynamic interplay between urban development, cultural heritage preservation, and community needs.
Upper Svaneti
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2016 —
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A study of the Tsana Complex in Upper Svaneti, Georgia, reveals that its granitoids formed from hybrid magmas through the mixing of mantle-derived and crustal melts. Using K-Ar and Rb-Sr isotope dating, researchers identified two distinct pulses of Pliocene magmatism: one at 4.80 ± 0.15 Ma and another at 4.15 ± 0.10 Ma. The Tsurungal Group, characterized by its diverse rock types (diorite to granite), shows evidence of both crystallization differentiation and crustal contamination, while the Karobi Group, consisting of rhyodacite bodies and trachyandesite dikes, formed during the earlier pulse. Isotope-geochemical analysis further supports the hybrid origin, with notable differences in Sr isotope composition between the two phases (0.7053 vs. 0.7071). This research sheds light on the complex petrogenesis of post-collisional granites and the spatiotemporal evolution of magmatic activity in the Greater Caucasus.
Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
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2016 —
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The Alijares Palace (Qaṣr al-Dishār) at the Alhambra demonstrates sophisticated bioclimatic design, reflecting medieval Naṣrid architecture's adaptation of earlier Andalusi traditions. This study reveals how walls of rammed earth, adobe, bricks, or stone, along with strategic orientation, room size, shading, courtyard ventilation, and natural cooling systems, were employed to regulate indoor climate and enhance protection for inhabitants. By analyzing these features in three representative palaces—Comares, Lions, and Alijares—the research highlights the ingenuity of bioclimatic strategies in medieval Islamic architecture, offering insights into sustainable design principles that predate modern advancements.
Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe
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2016 —
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The Apocalyptic Cycle of Romanesque murals in the narthex of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe offers a visual commentary on the Gregorian Reform, suggesting a political dimension to medieval ecclesiastical art. Through detailed iconographic analysis, the study argues that these 11th-century frescoes reflect contemporary debates over papal authority and church reform, challenging traditional interpretations that focus solely on theological symbolism. The research employs comparative methodology, examining textual sources alongside visual evidence to contextualize the murals within the broader political and religious landscape of the time.
Butrint
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2016 —
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Butrint, a significant archaeological site in the Mediterranean, has emerged as a pivotal case study for understanding Roman and Medieval Mediterranean history through extensive excavations and scholarly publications. Richard Hodges' two-decade leadership of the Butrint Foundation highlights the challenges and strategies of preserving cultural heritage, particularly during Albania's post-communist era. The research explores Virgil’s enduring influence on Butrint, the complexities of placemaking, and the roles of international regulations, nations, archaeologists, visitors, and local communities in shaping a site's identity. This interdisciplinary approach combines topographic archaeology with heritage management, offering insights into the global dynamics of cultural preservation.
Cultural Landscape of Maymand
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2016 —
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Ethnographic research over 13 years reveals that the vernacular architecture of animal enclosures (āqolhā) in Maymand, Iran, embodies the pastoral lifestyle and social structure of its transhumant community. These enclosures reflect seasonal migration patterns, cultural calendar, and communal organization, offering insights into how architectural design integrates with ecological and social rhythms. The study employs participant observation and informal interviews to decode the spatial and symbolic significance of these structures within their broader cultural context.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2016 —
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A small bronze plaque, recovered during 19th-century excavations at Pergamon and lost since its initial publication in 1913, depicts the Battle of Magnesia (190 BC). The scene shows Attalid cavalry rescuing Roman legionaries under attack by Antiochus the Great's heavy phalanx and Gallic cavalry. Analysis suggests this plaque reflects a courtly narrative that exaggerated the role of Eumenes II and his forces in the joint victory, offering new insights into historical perceptions of military heroism. The study reconstructs the lost artifact's significance through detailed examination of its surviving descriptions.
Timbuktu
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2016 —
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Timbuktu's ancient manuscripts, a treasure trove of historical and scholarly significance, faced severe threats during the 2012 occupation by Islamist groups. A group of librarians, often referred to as 'bad-ass librarians,' successfully smuggled out over 350,000 manuscripts, preserving a wealth of knowledge that spans centuries. These manuscripts include works on astronomy, medicine, law, and Islamic scholarship, providing invaluable insights into the intellectual history of West Africa. The librarians employed innovative strategies to protect and transport these delicate documents, demonstrating remarkable ingenuity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Białowieża Forest
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2016 —
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The Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site and one of the last primeval forests in Europe, faces critical conservation challenges due to ongoing bark beetle outbreaks. The study highlights that strict protection measures are essential to preserve its unique biodiversity and natural processes, including the maintenance of diverse forest communities and spontaneous restoration. Two contrasting approaches—one favoring active management and the other advocating for minimal human intervention—are debated. Key factors for preservation include adhering to existing conservation policies, integrating research findings, and limiting activities such as firewood collection and security measures near roads. Without stringent protection, the forest risks losing its globally recognized value, mirroring the fate of other temperate-zone forests.
Laurisilva of Madeira
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2016 —
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A recent study updates the knowledge on blowfly diversity and distribution within the Madeira Archipelago, revealing seven species, including five new records for Porto Santo and three for the Desertas Islands. Notably, the presence of <em>Calliphora loewi</em> in the Laurisilva forest was confirmed, with its first instar larva redescribed, highlighting significant differences from earlier descriptions. The research also provides the first identification key for adult Madeiran blowflies, contributing to a broader understanding of Macaronesian Calliphoridae diversity.
Mount Etna
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2016 —
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A network of four borehole dilatometers on Mount Etna provides unprecedented precision in measuring volcanic strain, enabling the detection and analysis of magma dynamics during eruptions. Installed between 2010–2011 and 2014 at depths exceeding 100 meters, these instruments record volumetric strain with a nominal precision up to 10−11 across a wide frequency range (10−7–25 Hz). The study demonstrates their capability to capture short-term strain changes during lava fountains (2011–2013 and December 28, 2014), while analytical and numerical models constrain eruption source depth and magma volume. This tool offers potential for long-term monitoring of volcanic activity phases, bridging gaps in understanding Etna's dynamic behavior.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2016 —
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Stari Most, a UNESCO-listed Ottoman-era bridge in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, serves as a powerful symbol of post-conflict reconciliation. The study conceptualizes its reconstruction as a 'stage of memory,' where the institutional narrative of rebuilding acts to bridge social divides in a city still divided along ethnic lines. Stari Most's destruction during the Bosnian War (1993) and subsequent restoration (2004) reflect UNESCO's mission to foster peace through cultural solidarity. The research identifies two key dimensions: the physical reconstruction as a structural metaphor for reconciliation, and the symbolic role of the bridge in institutional narratives that emphasize unity amid division. This approach highlights how heritage conservation can function as both a material and discursive tool for healing post-conflict societies.
Mount Athos
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2016 —
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A detailed analysis of the marble architectural members within the Byzantine bell-tower at Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, dating to 1427, reveals significant insights into the sculpted decoration of the middle and late Byzantine period. The study highlights the unique nature and organization of marble decoration in a non-ecclesiastical Athonite building, constructed shortly after the Ottoman occupation of Mount Athos. Additionally, the presence of reused spolia raises intriguing questions about their provenance, though these remain unresolved due to limited evidence. The research employs a thorough examination of architectural elements to enrich our understanding of Byzantine art and craftsmanship during this transitional period.
The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape
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2016 —
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The Camisard Uprising (1702–1705) was a violent religious and political conflict in the Cévennes region of southern France, marked by brutal clashes between Protestant rebels, known as Camisards, and French royal forces. This study highlights the uprising's complex interplay of religious fervor, regional identity, and military strategy, drawing parallels with historical conflicts such as the Albigensian Crusade, Jewish persecution under Nazi rule, and French Resistance during World War II. The research leverages David Crackanthorpe’s deep familiarity with the Cévennes landscape and his expertise in comparative historical analysis to provide vivid character sketches of key figures, including rebel leaders like Jean Cavalier and royal officials such as Nicolas de Lamoignon de Basville. Additionally, it incorporates contemporary accounts to contextualize the Camisards' motivations, blending humor and irony into a nuanced narrative that challenges simplistic interpretations of their actions.
Yin Xu
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of handle-shaped jade artefacts from Yinxu (c.1300–1046 BCE) reveals that these objects were likely crafted through a four-step process—rough shape cutting, edge reforming, handle making, and single-side polishing—contradicting earlier assumptions about their manufacturing techniques. The study, employing digital microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, also challenges the notion that these artefacts served as hairpins or handles, instead suggesting they were used as sacrificial offerings during the Shang Dynasty period in China. This finding provides new insights into the functional and ritual significance of jade objects from this era.
Kasbah of Algiers
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2016 —
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The Casbah of Algiers serves as a potent example of how cultural heritage can be weaponized politically. Unlike much architectural history literature that focuses on colonial conflicts or distant pasts, this study highlights the paucity of post-independence construction in the Casbah, particularly in its immediate aftermath. By drawing from James D. Le Sueur's broader historical analysis and Çelik's work on material-world conflicts, it underscores the political dimensions embedded in the preservation—or neglect—of this iconic site. The research approach combines historical and architectural perspectives to reveal how power dynamics shape heritage narratives, offering a nuanced counterpoint to dominant discourses.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2016 —
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Urban regeneration projects in Istanbul, including those targeting historic districts like Fener and Balat, risk spatial fragmentation, degeneration, disidentification, alienation, and gentrification due to weak governance, socioeconomic disconnection, and inadequate modern conservation principles. The study analyzes the 'District Fener Balat Rehabilitation Program,' initiated post-1996 Habitat II Conference, and examines its challenges based on technical expertise reports from administrative court proceedings and graduate theses supervised by the authors over a decade. Findings highlight the tension between urban regeneration goals and heritage conservation in historic urban environments, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that balance development with the preservation of unique cultural and urban patterns.
Historic Areas of Istanbul
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2016 —
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Urban regeneration projects in Istanbul, particularly those targeting historical districts like Fener Balat, face significant challenges that risk spatial fragmentation and the loss of cultural identity. The study highlights weak governance, disconnection from socioeconomic contexts, and a lack of modern conservation principles as key obstacles to maintaining spatial continuity. These factors contribute to risks such as degeneration, disidentification, alienation, and gentrification in the district. The analysis is based on technical expertise reports from administrative court proceedings and graduate thesis research conducted over the past decade.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
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2016 —
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A sophisticated ethnoecological knowledge among white truffle gatherers (Tuber magnatum Pico), or 'trifulau,' in South Piedmont, Italy, highlights a complex and intimate relationship between humans, dogs, and the environment that has sustained truffle hunting for centuries. This traditional environmental knowledge (TEK) is now under threat due to climate change—marked by hotter, drier summers—and socio-economic shifts, including the expansion of viticulture. The study, based on in-depth interviews with 34 gatherers between 2010 and 2014, reveals that truffle hunting success depends heavily on the synergy between gatherers' ecological perceptions, their dogs' training, and specific environmental conditions. The research underscores the urgent need for sustainable gastronomy initiatives to preserve this cultural heritage while raising awareness about the interdependence of locals, truffles, and their natural habitat.
Medieval City of Rhodes
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2016 —
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Rhodes' historic town underwent significant shifts in symbolic and geographic significance, reflecting changes in urban and architectural evolution under Ottoman and Italian rule. Iconography until the twentieth century reveals a transition from a medieval stronghold to a travel destination, marked by the search for medieval souvenirs and a new attitude towards built heritage. The study traces how Turkish and Italian ideologies and practices influenced this transformation, highlighting the city's evolving role in historical narratives.
Monastery of Alcobaça
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2016 —
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A rare medieval color palette was identified in the glazed tiles of Alcobaça Monastery, representing some of the earliest examples of tin-opacified glazes in Christian Portugal. The study found that the variety of colors—white, turquoise, brown, and shades of green—arose from different proportions of CuO, Fe2O3, and SnO2 within a lead-glazed matrix, combined with a K-feldspar-rich slip layer. This technology reflects a fusion of Cistercian traditions and Islamic tin-glazing techniques introduced to the Iberian Peninsula in the 10th century. Analytical methods including µ-PIXE, µ-Raman spectroscopy, and optical microscopy were used to characterize the tiles' chemical composition, providing insights into their historical significance.
Rock Art of Alta
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2016 —
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Research at Juliq’ Cave, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, reveals that Classic-period Maya pictographs—comprising simple lines, handprints, and shapes—served as a spatial organizing framework for ritual movement within the cave. These pictographs, rather than depicting complex iconography, structured human presence and transitions through the alien Underworld landscape, linking it to the surface world via sacred processions. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach, prioritizing context over iconographic content to interpret the art's function as a means of ordering space and marking moments of ritual significance.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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2016 —
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Rural settlements in the Gjirokastra region exhibit distinct economic orientations shaped by terrain, with agriculture and livestock dominating in lowland areas, while petty farming prevails in mountainous regions. Historical land-use policies, particularly those limiting agricultural expansion pre-1990, have significantly influenced settlement patterns. Post-1990, the absence of structured rural development policies has left these areas vulnerable to unchecked urbanization. The region's cultural and architectural heritage, marked by shared Albanian-Greek traditions, offers a unique model for sustainable cross-border rural development. This study leverages real estate registry data to classify settlements based on land-use categories, providing insights into the interplay between topography, economic activity, and historical policy legacies.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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2016 —
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Research on the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst reveals evidence suggesting that <em>Folsomia manolachei</em>, a common European springtail, may represent a complex of cryptic species adapted to extreme karst environments. Genetic analysis using mitochondrial COI barcoding identified significant intra- and interspecific genetic differentiation in populations, with the cold-adapted population from Silická ľadnica Ice Cave showing exceptional resilience to low temperatures (LD50 of −7.8°C), outperforming other <em>F. manolachei</em> and related species like <em>F. penicula</em>. The study highlights a potential cryptic speciation event in harsh karst microhabitats, supported by a distinct barcoding gap and survival data. These findings challenge the notion of phenotypic plasticity in <em>F. manolachei</em>, offering insights into its evolutionary adaptation to glaciated karst ecosystems.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
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2016 —
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A groundbreaking re-evaluation of the Temple of Hera at Olympia challenges long-held assumptions about Doric architecture. Contrary to the traditional belief that its columns were initially wooden and later replaced with stone, archaeological evidence, historical testimony from Pausanias, and recent fieldwork suggest the peristyle was likely constructed with stone from the outset. This finding undermines the 'tectonic theory' of Doric origins, which posits a progression from wood to stone in temple construction. The study integrates comparative site analysis and textual sources to reshape our understanding of early Doric architectural development.
Ningaloo Coast
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2016 —
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Research reveals that coastal mesoscale eddies significantly influence nutrient fluxes and phytoplankton dynamics along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, often overriding the effects of wind-driven upwelling. A 3-D hydrodynamic model coupled with a biogeochemical NPZD model was used to simulate currents, temperatures, and chlorophyll a concentrations during austral spring-summer 2010. While wind stress and stratification primarily controlled shelf currents and biogeochemical variables in individual upwelling events, the presence of an anticyclonic eddy introduced complex spatial and temporal variations in nutrient profiles, independent of wind stress. This highlights the need to account for mesoscale and submescale processes to accurately predict coastal phytoplankton dynamics in eddy-intensive regions like Ningaloo Reef.
Lut Desert
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2016 —
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Efficient utilization of just 10% of the Lut Desert's area, one of Iran's largest salt deserts and among the world's driest regions, could generate significant solar energy to meet the electrical demands of Kerman province and Iran. This study demonstrates that harnessing solar power in this underutilized landscape offers substantial potential for energy supply, cost reduction, and socio-economic benefits, including job creation and improved living standards for local residents. Additionally, the region shows promise for wind and geothermal energy, though further research is needed to quantify these resources. The findings underscore the strategic importance of renewable energy development in Iran, particularly as a means to mitigate international sanctions on traditional fossil fuel-based industries.
Western Caucasus
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2016 —
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Research reveals that seismic wave propagation in the Western Caucasus is significantly influenced by the region's complex geological and tectonic structure, with distinct variations observed between Sochi and Anapa. The study identifies a correlation between the Q-factor (a measure of seismic energy absorption) and local tectonic features, such as fault structures, thrusts, and sedimentary cover thickness. Specifically, the Q-factor behaves differently in low frequencies near Sochi (Q(f) ~ 55f^0.9) compared to Anapa (Q(f) ~ 90f^0.7), suggesting that tectonic dislocations play a key role in seismic wave attenuation. Additionally, the study highlights local variations in seismic radiation and propagation parameters, likely tied to geological features like shatter zones and oblique seismic boundaries. This work provides critical insights for forecasting seismic behavior in mountainous regions with intricate geological structures.
Pasargadae
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2016 —
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A little-known and unfinished museum at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pasargadae, southern Iran, exemplifies local adaptation and appropriation, meriting recognition as part of the site's heritage. The Pasargadae Museum uniquely combines ancient Achaemenid and Islamic-era architectural motifs, such as the Ayvan (Iwan) and pointed arch, while its tower reflects the traditional Persian garden's axial crossing point. Unlike Persepolis, this museum stands out as one of the first site museums in Iran designed by a locally-trained architect, adding layers of historical and cultural significance to Pasargadae's landscape.
Virunga National Park
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2016 —
WHE9CFD305662
Strict conservation enforcement and joint military operations in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, paradoxically intensify armed mobilization by fueling guerrilla livelihoods. These unauthorized activities—such as cultivation, fishing, and logging—often occur under the protection of armed groups, creating a complex interplay between resource exploitation, conflict dynamics, and insurgent resistance. The study demonstrates that traditional conservation strategies may inadvertently exacerbate violence rather than mitigate it, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches that address both ecological preservation and local livelihood security.
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
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2016 —
WHE9CFE18722D
A unique concentration of ancient settlements, numbering one every two square kilometers in the densest regions, has been identified across northern Syria, Jordan, and the Negev Desert. These 'dead cities'—more accurately described as towns or villages—exhibit remarkable preservation of architecture, reflecting high levels of security without defensive walls. The study highlights the density and variety of these settlements, with administrative and market centers distinguishable by their size and public buildings. Surveys from the Plain of Antioch to semi-desert areas reveal a previously underappreciated pattern of rural development in antiquity.
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
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2016 —
WHEC2B0AF704D
A groundbreaking political and social history of Qatar reveals the dynamic interplay between continuity and change in Qatari society, tracing its evolution from the late 18th century when the Utub settled Zubarah to the present day. The study highlights Qatar's internal development alongside its complex relationships with neighboring Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as well as its ties with Britain. It identifies the inner logic of Qatari political and social structures, demonstrating how the society's resilience in adversity has enabled it to adapt to new levels of prosperity. This pioneering work, first published in 1979, provides a concise yet comprehensive narrative that sheds light on the forces shaping Qatar's trajectory.
