World Heritage Research: Browse Publications: Page 475

Multi-species Perspectives on Anthropogenic Environments: Dental Pathology Patterns, Marquesas Islands (Polynesia)

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2015 — WHE7203623194

A multi-species dental pathology analysis of humans, pigs, and dogs from the Marquesas Islands reveals worsening environmental conditions over 600 years of human occupation. Increased calculus and caries suggest dietary shifts adverse to oral health, while rising enamel hypoplasia severity indicates heightened non-specific stressors. Pigs also show evidence of changing human management practices. The study combines species-specific life histories with pathology patterns to link anthropogenic impacts and deteriorating climate to declining conditions across all three species.

Multi-Year Impacts of Ecotourism on Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Visitation at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2015 — WHE47609A4502

A five-year analysis of whale shark (Rhincodon typus) encounters at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, found no evidence that ecotourism interactions negatively impacted shark visitation patterns. Instead, physical and biological environmental factors were identified as the primary drivers of whale shark presence. The study, which examined 2,823 encounter records for 951 individual sharks collected between 2007 and 2011, revealed that re-encountered sharks tended to arrive earlier, stay longer, and be encountered more frequently within a season compared to those seen only once. Sequential year comparisons showed no consistent patterns of disturbance, and shark departure rates were negatively correlated with the number of operator trips, further supporting the lack of ecotourism impact. This research provides a methodological framework for assessing the effects of ecotourism on marine megafauna visitation over multiple years.

Municipal Waste Map: a Case Study of Guimarães, Portugal

Historic Centre of Guimarães and Couros Zone — 2015 — WHE8B1CC7C8FA

A comprehensive Municipal Waste Map for Guimarães, Portugal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and candidate for European Green Capital 2020—reveals critical insights into waste production patterns shaped by urban density, land use, and socio-demographic factors. The study highlights that one-third of the population resides in the urban core, significantly influencing waste management challenges. By integrating multi-disciplinary data on land use, citizen demographics, and human resources, researchers have mapped waste generation across a 'diffuse territory,' where varied economic activities create distinct scenarios. This approach supports the development of a Strategic Waste Plan (2016–2025), aligning with Guimarães' sustainability goals, including its bid for European Green Capital status.

Museum of Light: The New Acropolis Museum and the Campaign to Repatriate the Elgin Marbles

Acropolis, Athens — 2015 — WHEF3FBFE9ACE

The New Acropolis Museum, designed to replicate the natural light conditions of the Parthenon, has become a powerful tool in the campaign for the repatriation of the Elgin Marbles. While it is often argued that the sculptures are best appreciated under Athens' bright sunlight, this study challenges that assumption, asserting that the museum's design, driven by political motives, actually disrupts the original architectural context in which these marbles were displayed in 5th century BC. The research examines how the emphasis on natural light, both during the construction of the museum and in repatriation campaigns, has shaped perceptions and arguments surrounding the display and ownership of the Elgin Marbles.

Music and Ritual in the Procession of All Souls Day in Seville Cathedral (14th – 17th centuries)

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2015 — WHE2F0BAE0B94

The All Souls Day procession in Seville Cathedral, spanning the 14th to 17th centuries, uniquely integrated spatial and sensory elements, particularly sound, creating a profound emotional impact on citizens. This ritual, tied to theological themes of Purgatory, demonstrated a gradual increase in private endowments over time, reflecting its significance. The procession's dramatic transformation in the late 15th century and its distinct auditory identity set it apart from other annual processions, with 211 such events occurring annually by the early 18th century. The study emphasizes the interplay between liturgical rank, spatial dynamics, and sensory experiences, offering insights into the cultural and religious evolution of Seville during this period.

Mycobial Deterioration of Stone Monuments of Dharmarajika, Taxila

Taxila — 2015 — WHE30A87576AF

A study on the mycobial deterioration of stone monuments at Dharmarajika, Taxila, revealed that 19 fungal species, including Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus spp., and Cladosporium herbarum, contribute to biodeterioration through biofilm formation and organic acid production. These fungi secrete corrosive acids such as oxalic, citric, and acetic acids, which accelerate stone decay—a significant threat to the preservation of tropical heritage sites. The research highlights the role of microbial metabolism in monument degradation, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation strategies.

Myth, Literature, and the Creation of the Topography of Thebes

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2015 — WHE755EDFA358

Thebes' urban topography, shaped over millennia, mirrors its mythic past more closely after Alexander the Great's destructive campaign in 335 BC. This study reveals how Greek literature—from oral epics to Roman travel accounts—influenced the city's physical development, blending fictional narratives with real spaces. By analyzing literary representations alongside archaeological evidence, researchers demonstrate that Thebes' built environment increasingly reflected its legendary history, particularly after catastrophic events. The findings highlight the interplay between myth, literature, and urban planning in one of Greece's most myth-rich cities.

Myth, Memento, and Memory: Avebury (Wiltshire, England)

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2015 — WHED64FBF6D1B

Monuments, like Leonard Shelby’s tattoos in Memento, serve as mementos that require interpretation by future generations, often losing their original meaning over time. Wheatley argues that just as Shelby’s amnesia forces him to reconstruct his past through physical traces, human communities encounter prehistoric sites without the cultural memory of their creators' intentions. These monuments, inscribed on the landscape, become distorted or misinterpreted, much like Shelby’s notes and photos, leading to unintended actions. The study contrasts this model with traditional biographical narratives, suggesting that mementos—whether tattoos or earthworks—better represent how past traces shape future behavior while being subject to interpretation and cultural drift.

Nabatean Tombs Orientation By Remote Sensing: Provisional Results

Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ) — 2015 — WHE202B3E7CC4

A study analyzing the orientation of 32 Nabatean rock-cut tombs at Hegra (al-Hijr / Madāʾin Ṣāliḥ) and Petra, Jordan, reveals no dominant alignment despite notable orientations toward cardinal directions. The research suggests that some tombs align with sunrise, sunset, or solstitial/sunrise events, potentially allowing sunlight to enter intricately sculpted facades—a feature likely designed for elite burial sites. Using Google Earth satellite imagery combined with in-situ compass and total station measurements, the study found a positional error of approximately 20 meters between remote sensing data and ground truth. However, definitive conclusions on deliberate orientation remain inconclusive due to limited evidence.

Namib Desert dune/interdune transects exhibit habitat-specific edaphic bacterial communities

Namib Sand Sea — 2015 — WHE39C0165C1A

Research in the Namib Sand Sea reveals that distinct bacterial communities inhabit specific dune and interdune zones, shaped by habitat stability, soil texture, and nutrient content. The study analyzed 125 soil samples from five parallel transects using T-RFLP and 454 pyrosequencing, identifying four unique bacterial profiles—dune top, slope, base, and interdune—linked to physicochemical gradients. Habitat filtering emerged as a key driver of microbial diversity in this hyper-arid environment, highlighting the complex interplay between soil properties and bacterial community structure.

Nanoarchaeota, Their Sulfolobales Host, and Nanoarchaeota Virus Distribution across Yellowstone National Park Hot Springs

Yellowstone National Park — 2015 — WHE937C64F1B7

A groundbreaking discovery reveals the presence of Nanoarchaeota, obligate symbionts with reduced genomes, thriving in high-temperature (∼90°C), acidic (pH ≈ 2.5 to 3.0) hot springs within Yellowstone National Park (YNP). This finding challenges previous assumptions that Nanoarchaeota were exclusive to marine thermal vent environments. Single-cell genome analysis identified two nearly identical genomes, more closely related to the recently proposed Nanobsidianus stetteri from a neutral YNP hot spring than to the marine Nanoarchaeum equitans. The study employed community metagenomics and single-cell analysis, alongside catalyzed reporter deposition-fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD-FISH), to pinpoint Sulfolobales as their host species. Additionally, an integrated viral sequence within one Nanoarchaeota genome suggests a virus replicating within these symbionts, indicating a complex microbial ecosystem in YNP's acidic hot springs.

Narratives of Peace and Progress: Atomic Museums in Japan and New Mexico

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2015 — WHE791847E223

Cultural narratives of nuclear history diverge sharply between Japan and the United States, revealing contrasting memories of progress and loss. A 1991 collage by Japanese-American artist Patrick Nagatani juxtaposes scientific exhibits from New Mexico's Bradbury Science Museum with haunting imagery of Hiroshima's atomic bomb victims—ghostly children and glass jars containing bodily remains—to highlight these differences. The study analyzes the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Bradbury Science Museum, demonstrating how sites of memory can both foster group healing and expose deep cultural divides tied to trauma. This work underscores how public remembrance shapes national identity, blending scientific achievement with human suffering in complex and often conflicting ways.

Nasal probe and toothpick tool use by a wild female bearded capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus)

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2015 — WHE1E0A5A5288

Researchers document the first observation of probe tool use by a wild adult female bearded capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus) at Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil. The individual employed stick tools and grass stems to probe her nostrils, often eliciting sneezes, and used sticks to clean her teeth or gums. These self-directed behaviors—dubbed 'nasal probe' and 'toothpick'—have not been previously reported in wild capuchins. While male capuchins at the site commonly use tools for foraging, this female's novel actions expand the known behavioral repertoire of the species. The study highlights idiosyncratic tool-use patterns in wild primates, offering new insights into cognitive and behavioral flexibility.

National Treasures Program Strategies for Engaging Diverse Communities

La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico — 2015 — WHEAE8CA940A4

A key insight from the study is that engaging diverse and previously underrepresented communities can significantly enhance the preservation and recognition of historic sites. The research demonstrates how strategic outreach to new constituencies, such as African American churches near Fort Monroe or Native American tribes associated with Chimney Rock, can lead to national monument designations. This approach involves collaborating with community leaders, leveraging existing partnerships (e.g., Crow Canyon Archaeological Center), and tailoring advocacy efforts to reflect the cultural significance of these sites. The study also highlights the importance of respectful engagement and trust-building in preservation efforts, as seen in the successful designation of Chimney Rock National Monument through coordinated tribal support.

Native plant species richness on Eastern Polynesia’s remote atolls

Henderson Island — 2015 — WHED18BC68F81

Native plant species richness on remote atolls in Eastern Polynesia is primarily influenced by atoll area and proximity to raised atolls or large volcanic islands, such as Makatea and Tahiti. These factors explain 47.1% and 36.9% of the variation in species richness, respectively, while isolation indices show no significant relationship. The study analyzed 49 remote atolls with complete botanical surveys, using Spearman’s rank correlation and linear regression to assess eight abiotic predictors, including area, elevation, shoreline length, and distances to potential refugia or stepping-stone islands. Findings suggest that larger atolls with closer proximity to raised landmasses support greater species diversity, indicating the role of these areas as dispersal hubs during sea-level changes.

Nd:YAG long Q-switched versus short free-running laser cleaning trials at Chartres cathedral, France

Chartres Cathedral — 2015 — WHEAC93DC8833

Laser cleaning trials using Nd:YAG (1064 nm) devices on outdoor sculptures at Chartres Cathedral, France, revealed that short free-running (SFR) mode at 300 mJ output energy and long Q-switched (LQS) mode at 150 mJ output energy effectively preserved the oxalate layer lining the stone surface while removing black crust. The LQS mode resulted in a slightly yellowed appearance, whereas the SFR mode produced a darker but less yellow surface. Microscopic and scanning electron microscope analyses confirmed that both laser regimes maintained the oxalate layer, with minimal trace of black crust remaining under the chosen operating conditions. These findings suggest that precise control over laser parameters can optimize cleaning efficacy while safeguarding the stone's structural integrity.

Nelson Mandela, Robben Island and the Imagination of a New South Africa

Robben Island — 2015 — WHE7CCFBC5659

Robben Island's prison experience, particularly during Nelson Mandela's incarceration from 1962 to the early 1990s, significantly shaped South Africa's discourse on belonging. The study reveals that through formal education and informal seminars, Mandela and his fellow prisoners grappled with complex questions of identity, race, nation, and political economy. This process allowed them to articulate and rehearse alternative visions for a post-apartheid South Africa, demonstrating the transformative power of collective introspection and debate in redefining national identity.

Nest-site selection, breeding success, and diet of white-tailed eagles(Haliaeetus albicilla) in the Danube Delta, Romania

Danube Delta — 2015 — WHE0C14D9AA2F

White-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) in the Danube Delta, Romania, primarily nest in tall trees, such as willows and white poplars, with most nests built above 15 meters. The breeding population is concentrated in the northern and northwestern parts of the delta, likely due to the availability of suitable nesting sites in less-disturbed areas. Despite a diverse diet consisting of birds, fish, and mammals—with wildfowl and large cyprinids being the most significant contributors—the population exhibits low breeding success, with an average of 0.67 fledglings per pair. The study suggests that maintaining or providing artificial nesting sites could be crucial for sustaining this population, which is locally important but has been understudied compared to other European regions.

Nesvyžiaus Radvilų Bibliotekos Paveldas Lietuvoje

Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh — 2015 — WHEFDA25506F5

The Radziwills, a prominent aristocratic family from the Great Duchy of Lithuania, assembled one of the largest private book collections in the region during the 16th to 18th centuries. However, after the first partition of Poland in 1772, this extensive library was relocated to St. Petersburg, leaving only scattered remnants in Lithuanian libraries today. Recent international efforts, including virtual reconstructions and collaborative projects, have revived interest in preserving and studying this dispersed cultural heritage. Key surviving copies, marked with Radziwill ex-librises, are housed in institutions such as the Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology, and the Kazys Varnelis house-museum. A digital catalogue compiled by the Karol Estreicher Institute of Polish Bibliography further documents this legacy, highlighting its significance for both academic research and cultural preservation.

New Additions to the Liverwort Flora of Subantarctic Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2015 — WHE2B9E437FE0

A recent study has significantly expanded the known liverwort flora of Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Subantarctic. Researchers identified 16 new species, including two non-type varieties, bringing the total number of recorded liverworts on the island to 62. This makes Macquarie Island's hepatic diversity second only to South Georgia in the Subantarctic region. The study also introduced a new combination for Lophocolea novaezeelandiae var. meridionalis. The findings were derived from detailed taxonomic analysis, contributing valuable insights into the biodiversity of this remote and ecologically significant site.

New arsenate minerals from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. III. Popovite, Cu5O2(AsO4)2

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2015 — WHECECF259091

Researchers have discovered popovite, a novel arsenate mineral with the formula Cu5O2(AsO4)2, in the sublimates of the Arsenatnaya fumarole at Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka. This mineral occurs as prismatic or tabular crystals and crusts, exhibiting an olive green to dark olive-green color with a vitreous to greasy luster. Popovite is characterized by its triclinic crystal structure, featuring (010) layers of Cu(1)O6 octahedra and isolated AsO4 tetrahedra, which contribute to its unique framework. The discovery was made through electron-microprobe analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing a novel structure type not previously documented in mineralogy. Popovite is named after Russian mineralogists Vladimir and Valentina Popov, honoring their significant contributions to the field.

New botanical discoveries of Myrtaceae from Bolivia and notes on Psidium hians

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park — 2015 — WHEF7D96D951E

Researchers have identified Myrcia proencana, a new species of Myrtaceae, from the Serranía de Huanchaca within Bolivia's Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. This discovery highlights the region's rich botanical diversity and contributes to the understanding of Myrtaceae species in South America. The study also reclassifies Psidium hians as an accepted name while including P. nutans in its synonymy, resolving taxonomic ambiguities. Additionally, five other Myrtaceae species—Eugenia paranahybensis, E. pitanga, E. suberosa, Psidium misionum, and P. myrsinites—are reported for the first time in Bolivia's flora, expanding the known distribution of these plants.

New data from fortified coastal settlement of Cap de Forma, Maó-Menorca (Balearic Islands)

Talayotic Menorca — 2015 — WHEB8A456C0CE

New radiometric data from the fortified coastal settlement of Cap de Forma, Menorca, reveals insights into the early Talayotic period, a significant phase in the island's prehistory. The study, focusing on three living spaces adjacent to an atypical cyclopean monument, provides chronological context for artifacts and structures dating back to the beginning of this period. Located on a strategic isthmus near a natural harbor, the site offers a rare glimpse into the architectural and cultural practices of Talayotic settlements. The research employs radiometric techniques to interpret recent archaeological findings, contributing to our understanding of the region's protohistorical development.

New dental and isotope evidence of biological distance and place of origin for mass burial groups at C ahokia's mound 72

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2015 — WHE79F053901B

A new analysis challenges the notion that mass burial groups at Cahokia's Mound 72 were non-local sacrificial offerings, instead suggesting they may have originated from within the region. Using dental morphology and strontium isotope (Sr) analyses, researchers found these individuals phenotypically similar to other regional groups, with Sr signatures aligning with Cahokia's local range. However, one burial group (F229-lower) exhibited distinct biological traits, indicating possible migration or a restricted population from an outside region with a similar Sr signature. This study refines interpretations of early Mississippian sociopolitical dynamics at Cahokia by integrating multiple indicators of relatedness and origin.

New discoveries in a Nabataean tomb. Burial practices and ‘plant jewellery’ in ancient Hegra (Madâ’in Sâlih, Saudi Arabia)

Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ) — 2015 — WHE9596A69E9E

Excavations at the Nabataean tomb IGN 117 in Madâ’in Sâlih (ancient Hegra, Saudi Arabia) revealed unprecedented 'plant jewellery'—pierced dates strung with date-palm leaflets on fabric and leather. This rare find, dating to the Nabataean-Roman period (1st–4th century AD), challenges our understanding of funerary practices in the Near East. The discovery, analyzed through interdisciplinary methods, sheds light on burial rituals, including body preservation techniques, while raising questions about the symbolic significance of date palms in ancient funerary contexts.

New Fossil Ephemeroptera and Coleoptera from the Ladinian(Middle Triassic) of Canton Ticino (Switzerland)

Monte San Giorgio — 2015 — WHEEF8F20E165

A groundbreaking discovery from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte San Giorgio has uncovered two new fossil insects from the Middle Triassic period, providing unprecedented insights into ancient ecosystems. The findings include Tintorina triassica, a novel species of mayfly representing a potentially new family and suborder within Ephemeroptera, and Notocupes sp., an elytron belonging to the Cupedidae family of beetles. These fossils mark the first insect discoveries in the renowned deposits of Monte San Giorgio-Besano, primarily celebrated for its vertebrate fossils. The presence of Ephemeroptera suggests the existence of landmasses with adjacent freshwater basins during this period, facilitating the exceptional preservation of organisms in fine-grained sediments. This study significantly expands our understanding of Triassic biodiversity and paleoenvironments.

New Insights into the Tiwanaku Style of Snuff Trays from San Pedro de Atacama, Northern Chile

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2015 — WHE3107C2D075

A new definition for the Tiwanaku style of snuff trays, based on three distinct morphological features—trapezoidal shape, incurving sides, and sharp top corners—reveals that such trays form a cohesive group distinct from local San Pedro-style trays. This finding, supported by principal component analysis, suggests that shape is a critical trait for style classification, irrespective of iconography. The study also indicates that during the Middle period in San Pedro de Atacama, four main types of snuff trays coexisted: Tiwanaku-style with and without iconography, and local San Pedro-style with and without iconography. This co-occurrence raises intriguing questions about the social implications of style diversity.

New Perleidiform from the Lower Ladinian (Middle Triassic) of the Northern Grigna (Northern Italy)

Monte San Giorgio — 2015 — WHE1E45905028

A new deep-bodied perleidiform fish, distinguished by its prominent dorsal hump, ornate scales, and unique pencil-like teeth, has been identified from the lower Ladinian (Middle Triassic) Buchenstein Formation in Northern Grigna, Italy. This discovery, derived from a single specimen, highlights significant morphological affinities with Felberia and "Dipteronotus" ornatus, suggesting evolutionary links within this group. The study also marks the first documentation of fossil vertebrate remains in the Buchenstein Formation across the Southern Calcareous Alps, underscoring its paleontological importance. Excavations at the site, initiated in 2003, have uncovered approximately 900 fossils—predominantly fish—revealing a diverse fauna akin to that of Monte San Giorgio, despite suboptimal preservation likely due to thermal alteration.

New perspectives on stone bead technology at Bronze Age Troy

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2015 — WHECC943260C8

Analysis of stone beads from Bronze Age Troy reveals diverse bead production and drilling technologies, with some originating locally or nearby in Anatolia while others link to distant regions like Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. The study employed visual examinations, measurements, photography, and silicone impressions analyzed under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to assess manufacturing techniques and raw materials, including carnelian and rock crystal beads. These findings highlight the complexity of lapidary technology and trade networks in Anatolia during the third to second millennium BC.

New Possible Astronomic Alignments at the Megalithic Site of Göbekli Tepe, Turkey

Göbekli Tepe — 2015 — WHE06E9D38932

A new analysis of Göbekli Tepe, one of the world's oldest and most significant megalithic sites, reveals previously unidentified astronomical alignments. Researchers found that two enclosures (F and A) are oriented toward specific celestial events: Enclosure F aligns with the sunrise during the Harvest Festival, while Enclosure A points to the moon's minor standstill at its highest declination. These discoveries, derived from precise calculations accounting for atmospheric extinction, challenge earlier astronomical dating by Collins (2013) but remain consistent with radiocarbon-based chronologies proposed by Dietrich (2011). The study suggests that these alignments may reflect cultural or ritual significance, offering fresh insights into the site's possible functions and the advanced astronomical knowledge of its builders.

New record of the frogfish Fowlerichthys avalonis (Actinopterygii, Antennariidae) at the oceanic Revillagigedo Archipelago, west Mexico

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2015 — WHEDE596FE6F0

Researchers document the first occurrence of the roughbar frogfish, Fowlerichthys avalonis, at Socorro Island in Mexico's Revillagigedo Archipelago. This discovery extends the species' known range by 400 km from the mainland, marking it as the fourth Antennariidae species recorded in the archipelago. The finding was made using submersible video footage captured at a depth of 66 m, providing new insights into the distribution and biodiversity of this endemic frogfish species in the eastern Pacific.

New Records of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from Bolívar State in South Eastern Venezuela, with 27 New Species for the State and 5 of Them New in the Country

Canaima National Park — 2015 — WHEBB39F7241A

A groundbreaking study identifies 27 new mosquito species for Bolívar State, Venezuela, including five previously unknown to the country. Conducted across 16 localities in Canaima National Park and Gran Sabana Municipality, this research marks a significant contribution to mosquito ecology and biogeography in South Eastern Venezuela. The findings highlight the region's rich biodiversity while emphasizing the medical importance of these species. The study also provides a checklist of mosquito species reported in Gran Sabana County, offering valuable insights for future epidemiological studies.

New species of Himalmartensus Wang & Zhu, 2008 (Araneae: Amaurobiidae) with the first description of a male from the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, India

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks — 2015 — WHE437DDBB740

Researchers have identified a new spider species within the genus Himalmartensus from the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, part of India's Western Himalayas. This discovery is significant as it includes the first description of a male specimen for this genus in India, expanding our understanding of regional biodiversity. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to characterize the new species, contributing valuable insights into the taxonomic diversity of Amaurobiidae spiders in this UNESCO-listed region.

New stratigraphic, geochronological, and structural data from the southern Guanajuato Mining District, México: implications for the caldera hypothesis

Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines — 2015 — WHE6956323821

A new geological map and geochronological data reveal that the volcanic activity in the southern Guanajuato Mining District (GMD) occurred between approximately 33.5 and 31.3 million years ago, coinciding with NW–SE normal faulting. This activity is linked to the formation of the Bufa, Calderones, and Cedro formations, which are part of a volcanic center that also contributed to the world-class silver ore deposits in the region. The study suggests that the Chichíndaro Rhyolite, though sparsely present in the area, is more extensive outside it and postdates major faulting. Structural analysis indicates an extensional phase that continued throughout the Oligocene, with the hydrothermal event beginning shortly after the emplacement of the Cedro Formation and lasting for at least two million years due to the subsequent rhyolitic volcanism.

New Theban Tombs Mapping Project (NTTMP) Preliminary Report, Seasons 2014-2015 (a)

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2015 — WHE82A08A6641

The New Theban Tombs Mapping Project (NTTMP) has identified a critical gap in the documentation of Ancient Thebes' necropolis. Since the last comprehensive mapping effort by F. Kampp in 1989, no up-to-date maps have been established to include newly discovered tombs, particularly after the demolition of al-Qurna village in 2005. The project aims to address this by creating a general map of the entire necropolis with full documentation and a consistent numbering system, building on previous surveys like those conducted by Porter & Moss and P. Piccione. This initiative seeks to enhance the value of newly discovered tombs, attract scholarly attention, and raise funds for their preservation, thereby contributing significantly to the archaeological and topographical understanding of this historic site.

Niche differentiation of bacterial communities at a millimeter scale in Shark Bay microbial mats

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2015 — WHED06E786F01

Microbial mats in Shark Bay, Australia, exhibit distinct niche differentiation at millimeter scales, offering insights into early Earth ecosystems. The study revealed that smooth and pustular mat types harbor unique bacterial communities, with Cyanobacteria dominating the surface layers while deeper anoxic zones are dominated by Chloroflexi (smooth mats) or Alphaproteobacteria (pustular mats). High-throughput sequencing of 8.26 million 16S rRNA gene sequences identified 58 bacterial and candidate phyla, alongside biogeochemical measurements that showed smooth mats have steeper oxygen and hydrogen sulfide gradients, higher oxygen production, and sulfate reduction rates. Specific elements like molybdenum, magnesium, manganese, iron, vanadium, and phosphorus correlated with mat types and phylogenetic groups, suggesting surface anoxic niches, differential nitrogen fixation, and methane metabolism interactions.

Night Scene of the Building Facade with the Possibility of the Communication(2014 IALD International Lighting Design Awards - Special Citations / 2014 IES Illumination Awards - Award of Merit, Japanese Illumination Designs Highly Recognized in Overseas as Well 2013/2014)

Himeji-jo — 2015 — WHE19D353551E

Award-winning lighting design for Himeji-jo's building facade introduces innovative, emotionally resonant projections that blend historical and contemporary themes. The approach uses light as a 'project' to evoke innovation and advancement, aligning with the town's development axis connecting Himeji Station and Castle. Keywords like 'projection,' 'on the leading edge,' and 'full of plans' guide the design, structured around time ('past, present, future') and themes ('history and climate,' 'Real Time,' 'dream'). Recognized internationally for its emotional impact and technical sophistication, this design transforms nighttime perception while preserving cultural significance.

Nine new species of Itaplectops (Diptera: Tachinidae) reared from caterpillars in Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica, with a key to Itaplectops species

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2015 — WHEFB0EAFE330

Nine new species of the fly genus Itaplectops (Diptera: Tachinidae) are described from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), northwestern Costa Rica. These species were reared from caterpillars in the families Limacodidae and Dalceridae, with descriptions supported by morphological, photographic, and genetic barcode data. The study also revises the systematic placement of Itaplectops, moving it to the tribe Uramyini, and provides a key for differentiating Itaplectops species and related genera. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of fly biodiversity in ACG.

Non-destructive in situ spectroscopic analysis of greenstone objects from royal burial offerings of the Mayan site of Palenque, Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2015 — WHEF46481C56F

A non-destructive spectroscopic analysis of greenstone objects from royal burial offerings at the Mayan site of Palenque, Mexico, reveals insights into the sourcing and use of these minerals during the Classic period (A.D. 200–900). The study identified jadeite, omphacite, amazonite, albite, muscovite, and green quartz using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF) provided elemental composition data. Notably, it suggests the exploitation of an unknown jadeite source for early burials (A.D. 250–450), alongside the beginning use of Verapaz and Motagua deposits. A greater mineral diversity was observed during Palenque's zenith (A.D. 600–850), corresponding to the reign of Pakal, with color measurements indicating consistency within individual burials.

Non-Rainfall Moisture Activates Fungal Decomposition of Surface Litter in the Namib Sand Sea

Namib Sand Sea — 2015 — WHE48C8CFC9D5

A mesophilic Ascomycete fungal community plays a crucial role in the decomposition of surface litter in the hyper-arid Namib Sand Sea, despite minimal rainfall (0-17 mm annually). These fungi respond rapidly to non-rainfall moisture sources like fog and dew, which occur every 3 days on average. Key traits enabling their survival include darkly-pigmented hyphae, a broad thermal range including low temperatures during fog events, and resilience to extreme desiccation and UV radiation (up to 50°C for five hours). The fungi significantly reduce the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio of litter, making it more palatable for detritivores like termites. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that detritivores alone drive decomposition in this ecosystem and underscores the importance of fungal activity in energy flow and biogeochemical cycling, with potential implications for climate change impacts on precipitation, dew, and fog regimes.

Norovirus Outbreaks Among Colorado River Rafters in the Grand Canyon, Summer 2012

Grand Canyon National Park — 2015 — WHE95224F9817

Recurrent norovirus outbreaks affected Colorado River rafters in the Grand Canyon during summer 2012, with incidence rates ranging from 6% to 88% across infected trips. The study identified two distinct genogroups of norovirus (GI and GII) in fecal and vomit samples but found no evidence of contamination on rafting equipment or hiking corridors. Findings suggest transmission likely occurred through direct contact with infected individuals, emphasizing the need for improved norovirus prevention and containment measures in isolated groups.

Notes on the presence of Manta alfredi in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2015 — WHEC4D8A6EEF1

A new record of the reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) has been documented within the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), Philippines, challenging previous assumptions that only oceanic manta rays (M. birostris) inhabited the site. Analysis of 33 photographs from the Tubbataha Management Office database revealed that 32 individuals were M. alfredi, identified by distinctive black marks posterolateral to the last gill slits and between rows of gill slits. Expert validation confirmed these findings, marking the first documented presence of M. alfredi in both the TRNP and the Philippines. This discovery underscores the need for updated conservation policies to account for both manta ray species' ecological significance. The study also recommends further research on population dynamics, structure, and abundance, while advocating for international collaboration to enhance global understanding of these species.

Novel environmental species isolated from the plaster wall surface of mural paintings in the Takamatsuzuka tumulus: Bordetella muralis sp. nov., Bordetella tumulicola sp. nov. and Bordetella tumbae sp. nov.

Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara — 2015 — WHECE99CC6E7A

Researchers have discovered three novel species of the genus Bordetella—Bordetella muralis, Bordetella tumulicola, and Bordetella tumbae—isolated from 1300-year-old mural paintings within the Takamatsuzuka tumulus in Japan. These Gram-stain-negative coccobacilli, identified using polyphasic analysis including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, fatty acid profiling, and DNA-DNA hybridization, represent new lineages within the Bordetella genus. The findings suggest that these bacteria may be ubiquitous in environmental settings like soil or water, expanding our understanding of microbial diversity in ancient and natural habitats.

Numerical Analysis of Enhalus acoroides Seed Dispersal in the Northwestern Sea Area of Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2015 — WHE1648FF4D51

A numerical analysis of Enhalus acoroides seed dispersal in the northwestern sea area of Iriomote Island, Japan, revealed that seeds have an extremely limited dispersal capacity. With an average floating time of 2.4 hours, seeds travel only about 261 meters on average, a distance negligible compared to the island's scale (10 km east-west and 15 km north-south). This restricted movement is primarily due to short floating durations and weak currents in potential settlement areas. The study also found minimal seed exchange between existing seagrass beds, indicating that vanished beds have little chance of natural recovery without external intervention. These findings underscore the fragility of E. acoroides populations, with implications for conservation efforts in UNESCO-listed marine ecosystems.

Numerical Analysis of Enhalus acroides Fructification Dispersal in the Northwestern Sea Area of Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2015 — WHE42830B0C8E

A numerical analysis of Enhalus acroides (sea grass) fruit dispersal around Iriomote Island, Japan, reveals that floating fruits can travel significantly farther than seeds—averaging 879 to 2,494 meters and up to 15,403 meters, with floatation durations ranging from 30 seconds to 26 days. This suggests fruit dispersal plays a critical role in expanding the species' distribution, unlike seed dispersal, which typically covers much shorter distances (average 261 meters). The study also indicates rare but possible long-distance fruit exchange between distant populations and potential recovery of vanished sea grass colonies. Researchers used observation and experimental data to model dispersal dynamics in the northwestern coastal waters of Iriomote Island.

Numerical Analysis of Inundation Flow due to Heavy Rainfall in Amami Oshima Island

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2015 — WHE48F88D3D8F

A numerical analysis of the 2010 heavy rainfall event on Amami-Oshima Island revealed that inundation flows in the Sumiyo River Basin could be accurately reproduced using solely rainfall data, despite limited observation records. The study confirmed that levee failure along the Hiya River expedited water level rise in the Nishi-Nakama district, while mangrove forests at the river mouth had no significant impact on upstream flooding. This finding underscores the potential of numerical modeling to predict inundation processes in data-scarce regions, offering critical insights for flood risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Numerical simulation of the evolutionary process of Danxia landforms

China Danxia — 2015 — WHE4E3F33D178

A groundbreaking numerical simulation reveals the dynamic evolutionary process of Danxia landforms, offering unprecedented insights into how tectonic activity and fluvial erosion interact to shape these distinctive landscapes. Unlike previous conceptual models, this study quantitatively demonstrates the formation stages of Danxia landforms, highlighting the significant role of fractures and joints in constraining their development. By integrating lithology, vertical joint sets, tectonic history, and rainfall—factors previously difficult to quantify—the research provides a robust yet flexible model that captures the physical processes underlying these unique geological features. While acknowledging potential imprecision, the findings underscore the model's ability to represent typical Danxia landform dynamics, bridging the gap between field observations and theoretical understanding.

O Ecoturismo, o Meio Ambiente e o Parque Estadual da Serra dos Pirineus na percepção dos visitantes e moradores de Pirenópolis (GO)

Historic Centre of the Town of Goiás — 2015 — WHE2172B03226

Visitors to the Pirineus State Park (PESP) in Pirenópolis, Brazil, demonstrate strong environmental awareness and support for conservation principles, while local residents feel valued and engaged with ecoturism activities. However, the park's ecotouristic potential remains underutilized due to a lack of structured educational programs that interpret the environment and promote sustainable tourism practices. The study used structured questionnaires to analyze perceptions among 203 visitors and 150 residents, revealing high visitor concern for environmental protection but highlighting gaps in resident involvement through formal education initiatives. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in perception between groups, underscoring the need for targeted ecotourism development that integrates both conservation messaging and community participation.

O Paraíso em Goiás: pioneirismo místico na Chapada dos Veadeiros

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2015 — WHE17E743131C

Alto Paraíso de Goiás, home to the mystical and ecologically rich Chapada dos Veadeiros, exemplifies the 're-enchantment of the world' through its unique blend of spiritual and natural attractions. The study reveals how the region transitioned from early pioneer settlements to becoming a magnet for esoteric groups post-Brasília's construction, reflecting postmodern shifts in religiosity toward pluralism and dis-institutionalization. Methodologically, it integrates historical analysis with theoretical frameworks on mysticism, offering insights into the socio-cultural dynamics shaping this UNESCO-listed site.

O reforço do turismo como setor estruturante em Évora

Historic Centre of Évora — 2015 — WHED0FF8D8420

Over the past three decades, tourism has become a dominant economic and functional force in Évora's historic center, reinforcing its role as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study reveals that between 1985 (pre-classification) and 2014, tourism-related urban functions—such as hospitality, cultural services, and retail—expanded significantly, reshaping the city’s economic landscape. Using demographic data and spatial analysis, researchers assessed how tourism distribution evolved, noting a peak in 2012 amid global economic constraints. The findings suggest that while tourism remains pivotal to Évora’s identity, its growth may face challenges without strategic planning. This work highlights the need for sustainable development to balance heritage preservation with economic vitality.