Aldabra Atoll
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2010 —
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Research on the Chaerephon 'pumilus' bat complex in the western Indian Ocean reveals distinct genetic lineages, including a newly described species from Madagascar. Analysis of cytochrome b and D-loop sequences, alongside morphological traits, demonstrates that populations on Aldabra Atoll cluster with those in the Comoros rather than Madagascar, suggesting historical dispersal and isolation events. Unlike the Comoros, where bats exhibit gene flow across islands separated by 40–80 km, Aldabra's fauna reflects a mixed origin linked to both Madagascar and the Comoros. This study clarifies the complex evolutionary history of these small bats (9–17 g), highlighting how water barriers have driven population differentiation in volant vertebrates.
Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
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2010 —
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Pécs, Hungary is celebrated for its rich cultural legacy and diverse history. The city's early Christian necropolis of Sopianae, dating back to the fourth century CE, stands as a testament to its layered past, which includes Roman origins, Ottoman rule, and its current role as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese. This multicultural heritage is reflected in the city's architecture, including mosques and minarets, and its vibrant cultural scene, marked by annual festivals such as the International Romany Festival and the International Culture Week. Pécs was honored as a 2010 European Capital of Culture, further emphasizing its significance as a hub for cultural exchange and celebration.
Kasbah of Algiers
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2010 —
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The Kasbah of Algiers, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces significant structural decay due to age, lack of maintenance, and natural disasters such as earthquakes. A safeguard sector plan, implemented since 2003 under Algeria's cultural heritage preservation law, aims to address these challenges through emergency measures like propping up structures and vulnerability assessments. The study, conducted by the CNERU Group, outlines methodologies for rehabilitation and long-term safeguarding, balancing immediate stabilization with in-depth analysis of minor and major heritage elements. This approach provides a model for preserving historic urban nuclei under constraints, offering insights into the intersection of emergency intervention and sustainable conservation strategies.
Mount Huangshan
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2010 —
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The Huangshan granitic intrusion, located at the southeastern boundary of the Yangtze Block in Anhui Province, China, reveals significant insights into the petrogenesis and geodynamics of southeastern China during the Late-Mesozoic. This study identifies four distinct stages of granite formation, characterized by high silica (SiO2 > 75%), alkali content, and low calcium (CaO < 1%). The granites exhibit A-type characteristics, such as enrichment in rare earth elements (REE) and high-field strength elements (Zr, Hf, Nb), while being depleted in Ba, Sr, and Ni. Geochemical and isotopic analyses suggest that the primary magmas originated from Proterozoic andesitic rocks, providing a deeper understanding of the region's geological history.
Everglades National Park
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2010 —
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Researchers have identified two new species of philometrid nematodes infecting marine fishes in the Everglades National Park, Florida. Philometra brevispicula sp. n., found in the subcutaneous tissue of the mouth of gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), is distinguished by its small cephalic papillae, absence of oesophageal teeth, and unique caudal projections in gravid females, along with markedly short spicules in males. Philometroides grandipapillatus sp. n., detected in the pectoral fin muscle of crevalle jack (Caranx hippos), stands out due to its narrow, protruding cephalic region, large external cephalic papillae, and lack of caudal projections. Additionally, Caranginema americanum was recorded for the first time in the northern Gulf of Mexico from the same host. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to characterize these nematodes, contributing new insights into their taxonomy and host-parasite relationships within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sydney Opera House
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2010 —
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Flickr, a photosharing platform, serves as more than just an online photo album; it functions as a dynamic social network where personal photographic practices contribute to intangible heritage. This study highlights how Flickr groups, such as those centered around the Sydney Opera House, facilitate complex visual and textual conversations that shape collective identity and cultural value. By analyzing these socio-visual practices through the lenses of Van Dijck, Van House, Munjeri, and Warner, the research demonstrates that such engagements constitute a form of intangible heritage, enriching the broader cultural significance of world heritage sites like the Sydney Opera House.
Lake Baikal
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2010 —
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A study of Lake Baikal's bacteriophages reveals a high diversity of T4-like myoviruses, distinct from known sequences and more closely related to marine cyanophages. Phylogenetic analysis of the g23 gene fragments showed that most Lake Baikal phages clustered with uncultured T4 phages from marine and rice field environments, suggesting unique ecological adaptations or evolutionary pathways in this ancient lake's ecosystem.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2010 —
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Brazilian savannas under high fire frequency exhibit phylogenetic over-dispersion, contrary to expectations that closely related species would dominate fire-prone communities. Instead, these ecosystems host a mix of long-lived resprouting species from diverse lineages, suggesting fire plays a distinct role in structuring plant communities compared to other fire-adapted regions. The study analyzed 801 woody species across central and southeastern Brazilian savannas (including UNESCO-listed Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks) and adjacent semi-deciduous seasonal forests, comparing phylogenetic distances between sites with varying fire regimes. Phylogenetic signal analysis revealed evolutionary conservation of life forms, while randomization tests confirmed over-dispersion in high-fire savannas and clustering in low-fire forest sites. These findings challenge traditional models of fire-driven community assembly, highlighting the resilience of phylogenetically diverse species in Brazilian savannas.
Papahānaumokuākea
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2010 —
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A genetic analysis of the Pacific blueline surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigroris) reveals a cryptic endemic species within the Hawaiian Archipelago, distinct from its broader Pacific population. Using mitochondrial DNA data, researchers identified significant genetic divergence (d = 0.041) between Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian populations, suggesting the existence of two taxa—one endemic to Hawaii. While Johnston Atoll, located southwest of Hawaii, shares this Hawaiian species, it exhibits distinct population genetics, indicating limited gene flow for this widespread reef species. The study also detected a modest bias in gene flow from southeast to northwest within the Hawaiian Archipelago, implying that the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument may act as a recipient rather than a source of propagules. No consistent genetic differences were observed among other Pacific island sites or within Hawaiian locations.
Willandra Lakes Region
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking exploration of Australia's natural histories reveals how landscapes and landforms are interpreted to shape visions of the land, nation, and past. The study delves into three heritage sites—Adelaide’s Hallett Cove, Lake Callabonna in South Australia, and the UNESCO-listed Willandra Lakes Region in New South Wales—offering philosophical insights into heritage management and cultural identity. It examines deep-time imaginings, from glaciers and ancient oases to giant wombats and monster kangaroos, linking these with broader issues of belonging, uniqueness, and intellectual community. The research combines geological heritage, cultural property, and contemporary notions of antiquity to provide an original perspective on Australia’s complex relationship with its landscapes.
The Great Wall
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2010 —
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Heritage tourism at the Great Wall of China, particularly at Badaling and Mutianyu sections, significantly enhances local residents' place attachment. This study found that tourism development boosts their pride in their community, strengthens emotional and functional ties to their hometown, and increases willingness to stay while providing employment opportunities. Questionnaire surveys conducted in 2008 revealed that residents experienced heightened recognition of the Great Wall's value and attractiveness, suggesting that heritage tourism can foster positive sociocultural impacts. The findings offer practical insights for planning and managing sustainable heritage tourism.
Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point
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2010 —
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New radiometric dates from the Poverty Point mounds challenge long-standing assumptions about the temporal relationship between the site's earthen ridges and mounds, revealing a more complex developmental sequence. Previous research, biased toward dating the ridges, had led to the assumption that mound construction occurred within the same timeframe as the ridges. However, these findings provide critical insights into the pace of mound construction, population dynamics, labor organization, and social complexity at Poverty Point. By addressing sampling biases in archaeological chronology, this study offers a refined understanding of how prehistoric societies interacted with their environment, contributing to broader interpretations of cultural landscape evolution.
Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking study provides the first modern laboratory evidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in the skeletal remains of four members of the Renaissance Medici family, confirming historical accounts that tertian malarial fevers caused their deaths. Using immunological investigations to detect ancient proteins (PfHRP2 and PfLDH) in bone samples, researchers validated the clinical diagnoses issued by court physicians over 450 years ago. This method, successfully applied to skeletal remains for the first time, opens new avenues for investigating large archaeological series beyond mummified tissues. The findings underscore the Medici family's high exposure to malaria due to their hunting activities in endemic areas of Tuscany.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2010 —
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Researchers discovered five unique platinum-group mineral (PGM) grains, including previously unconfirmed Pt–Fe alloys and rare sulfides, in a placer deposit at Burwash Creek, Kluane area, Yukon. These minerals exhibit elevated levels of Pd, Rh, Ir, and Fe, along with notable silicate melt inclusions enriched in large-ion lithophile elements. The findings suggest an association with Alaskan–Uralian-type mineralization rather than the local Triassic ultramafic–mafic complex. The study employed electron-microprobe analysis (EMP) and laser-ablation ICP–MS to characterize the PGMs and their geochemical context, providing insights into the geological processes underlying this remote placer deposit.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
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2010 —
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A paramount king, identified with the sun, ruled tenth-century Chichen Itza alongside a high priest and a political-military elite symbolized by an S-shaped serpent. The Temple of the Wall Panels reveals the initiation and afterlife journey of jaguar-warriors, paralleling Aztec warrior beliefs described by Sahagún. These warriors, depicted transforming into birds or butterflies, suggest shared Teotihuacan ideologies. The temple's architecture and iconography imply it served as a warrior residence, distinct from atelpochcalli, highlighting the community's collective military and religious roles.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2010 —
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Endemic Hawaiian Hylaeus bees exhibit remarkable pollen foraging fidelity, predominantly collecting native plant species despite the availability of multiple floral resources. Molecular genetic analysis revealed that at high elevations in Haleakala, 86% of pollen samples from bee crops originated from the Hawaiian silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum), while lower elevations exclusively featured pukiawe (Leptecophylla tameiameiae) pollen. This selective foraging behavior was consistent across 21 Hylaeus specimens, with 100% of identified pollen loads being native. The study employed molecular methods to bypass traditional palynological challenges, offering a high-throughput approach for assessing pollinator-plant interactions without specialized expertise. These findings highlight the potential for similar analyses to inform conservation strategies and expand our understanding of global pollination dynamics.
Qinghai Hoh Xil
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2010 —
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Research reveals that surface soils on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) contain significantly lower levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as DDXs and HCHs, compared to eastern China. PAH concentrations were 1-2 orders of magnitude lower, while OCPs varied by 2-7 times across four sub-areas. The study found that PAHs in remote western QTP regions, including the Hoh Xil Mountains, likely originate from long-range transport and represent background levels for East Asia, serving as a critical receptor area for global atmospheric studies. In contrast, elevated PAH and OCP levels in Lhasa and east Qinghai were primarily locally sourced, with additional contributions from adjacent urban areas like Lanzhou. The research used soil sampling, emission density analysis, and air mass trajectory modeling to correlate pollutant levels with population density, soil organic carbon content, and geographic distribution.
Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory
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2010 —
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A study on Djerba Island, Tunisia, found no association between specific genetic variants (Gly972 Arg and Ala513Pro in IRS1, Gly1057 Asp in IRS2) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Arab and Berber ethnic groups. The research compared genotype and allelic frequencies between T2DM patients and healthy controls using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Despite examining these insulin receptor substrate gene polymorphisms, no significant differences were observed, suggesting these variants do not contribute to T2DM risk in the studied populations.
Aldabra Atoll
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2010 —
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Aldabra giant tortoises exhibit significant population structure despite no variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences, suggesting allopatric divergence driven by geographical barriers and ecological partitions. This study analyzed mtDNA control region sequences and microsatellite loci from three locations on Aldabra's two major islands, revealing reduced genetic variability likely due to a founding event during the last interglacial period and historical bottlenecks. While mtDNA showed no variation, nuclear markers indicated population subdivisions, highlighting the influence of ecological factors on tortoise movement and population dynamics in this isolated terrestrial ecosystem.
Central Amazon Conservation Complex
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking study on the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the last Neotropical mega-herbivore, reveals that its population history and phylogeography were significantly shaped by Pleistocene climatic events, parapatric speciation, Andean foothill divergence, and the Amazon River's role as a gene flow barrier. The research, using mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene variation, suggests a late Pleistocene divergence for lowland tapir, aligning with fossil records, and proposes western Amazonia—particularly the ecological gradient between Andean subcloud forests and Amazon lowland forests—as a critical region for tapir diversification. Contrary to conservation priorities, genetic structure does not correspond with proposed ecogeographic regions, questioning their effectiveness for vagile species. The study underscores the complex evolutionary history of lowland tapirs and highlights the need for further research with broader sampling and loci to refine conservation strategies.
Shiretoko
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2010 —
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A molecular phylogeographic analysis of flightless Aegialites beetles from Hokkaido's coasts revealed two distinct genetic lineages with divergent population structures and histories. Lineage A, found on the Sea of Japan and Okhotsk coasts, showed rapid population expansion, while lineage B, predominantly on the Pacific coast and Shiretoko Peninsula, exhibited higher genetic divergence among populations. Despite their unidimensional habitat, no correlation was observed between genetic differentiation and geographic distance in either group. The study suggests allopatric divergence of these lineages during the Pliocene, providing insights into their evolutionary trajectories.
Lamu Old Town
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2010 —
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A fluid, porous identity characterizes the Swahili civilization of Lamu's archipelago (1600–1800), challenging rigid notions of spatial and cultural boundaries. Despite urban centers like Lamu functioning as integrative hubs with strong ties to inland regions, their social hierarchies reflect a dynamic, permeable identity—one that defies static definitions. This study reveals how the interplay between coastal cities and their hinterlands exposes the ambiguity at the heart of Swahili identity, emphasizing its adaptability over time.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2010 —
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Researchers have identified and described <em>Potamonautes lipkei</em>, a new species of freshwater crab from the Potamonautidae family, found in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal. This discovery expands the diversity of West African freshwater crabs, with <em>P. lipkei</em> distinguished by unique morphological traits such as its carapace, chelipeds, thoracic sternum, and gonopods. The species was collected from burrows along small streams and the Gambia River, highlighting its habitat preferences. The study compares this new species to other Potamonautidae crabs in West Africa, contributing to the understanding of the genus's broad distribution across sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile Basin.
Gros Morne National Park
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2010 —
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A study predicts that moose browsing, without hunting regulation, could significantly reduce forest growing stock by 12% to 32% over 160 years in Gros Morne National Park (GMNP), Newfoundland. Specifically, balsam fir and white birch populations are projected to decline sharply, while black spruce and grassland cover expand. In contrast, domestic woodcutting, even at current levels, is unlikely to impact forest growing stock or old-growth forests but may further threaten already low white birch populations. The research used long-term scenario analysis comparing GMNP-specific conditions—where hunting is prohibited—to neighbouring industrial forests with regulated moose populations. Four scenarios were tested, including combinations of timber harvesting and browsing, revealing that moose browsing poses a greater threat to forest composition than woodcutting.
Mount Etna
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2010 —
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A new methodology for predicting the impact of lava flows at Mount Etna, Italy, has been developed, offering high-resolution susceptibility maps that can adapt to real-time scenarios. This approach combines a computational model simulating lava flows with a validation procedure to assess accuracy in the study area. The research provides critical tools for civil defense planning and land use management, enabling authorities to quantify potential damage from eruptions and evaluate protective measures efficiently. By extracting specific scenarios from simulation databases, this method supports both long-term strategic planning and immediate response during imminent eruptions.
Timbuktu
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2010 —
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A new study reveals that Timbuktu, renowned for its medieval significance as a Saharan caravan hub, also possessed distinct urban characteristics during its prehistoric phase before AD 1000. By mapping settlement patterns in the region's hinterland, researchers uncovered evidence of early urbanism and explored how shifts in the Sahara's climate influenced social dynamics. This approach combines spatial analysis with environmental data to reconstruct Timbuktu's past, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of prehistoric communities in a rapidly changing landscape.
Anticosti
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2010 —
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Research on Anticosti Island, Quebec, reveals that preindustrial balsam fir forests exhibited rare stand-initiating events over the past 160 years, challenging the conventional cyclic disturbance model. Using historical forest maps and dendrochronology, scientists reconstructed a landscape dominated by overmature softwood stands with sporadic younger inclusions, suggesting an alternative dynamics model for maritime eastern Canada's balsam fir ecosystems. This finding implies that sustainable forest management should align with this natural variability to preserve ecological integrity.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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2010 —
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A single species of freshwater crayfish, Euastacus spinifer, was found to occur at higher altitudes than previously recorded in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The study suggests that crayfish could potentially serve as a rapid bioindicator of human impacts, such as those caused by canyoning, due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. Although no significant difference in crayfish abundance or size was observed between high and low visitation canyons, differences were noted between individual canyons. Additionally, crayfish within the same canyon exhibited consistent color morphs, indicating potential genetic selection pressures. The research proposes that with a comprehensive baseline dataset, crayfish could be used by non-specialists to assess environmental impacts and support management decisions.
Ujung Kulon National Park
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2010 —
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Video camera traps have proven to be a promising tool for quantifying the behavior of the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park. This study, conducted on ten individuals, provides baseline behavioral data by analyzing both the duration and frequency of specific activities, offering new insights into the reclusive species' ethogram. The research suggests that video traps can effectively capture detailed behavioral observations, which are essential for understanding and conserving this endangered rhinoceros population.
Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region
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2010 —
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A preliminary investigation of Lake Ohrid revealed 17 species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) from 476 adult specimens collected across 21 stations in June 2009. This study is notable for addressing a significant data gap regarding this invertebrate group in the lake, which is otherwise well-documented in other European lakes. The findings indicate a relatively low species diversity, likely influenced by the lake's mountainous location and moderate climate. Enallagma cyathigerum was the most abundant species, thriving due to its association with elodeid plants like Potamegeton perfoliatus. Four of the identified species are endemic to Southern Europe, while the rest are widespread across the continent. This research provides foundational data for understanding odonate biodiversity in Lake Ohrid and highlights the ecological significance of its unique environment.
Venice and its Lagoon
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2010 —
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A rare surviving example of 19th-century English engineering, the Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. hydraulic crane at Venice's Arsenal, is being restored to preserve its historical significance. The preliminary study identified critical causes of damage and past interventions, providing a foundation for targeted conservation efforts. This crane, one of the last remaining from its era, represents an important technological milestone and is supported by UNESCO's Venice in Peril Fund. The research combines historical analysis with structural assessment to guide restoration, ensuring the crane's longevity while maintaining its authentic character.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2010 —
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GPS observations from 1997 to 2009 reveal that the Central Sikhote-Alin region in southeastern Russia exhibits internal and external stability, with no significant present-day tectonic activity detected along the Central Sikhote-Alin Fault. This challenges the notion of a unified Amurian microplate, suggesting instead a more complex structure composed of separate blocks. The study utilized GPS data from a regional geodynamic network to assess crustal velocity fields, providing insights into the region's geodynamic stability and tectonic behavior.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2010 —
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A groundbreaking interdisciplinary study at Çatalhöyük, Turkey, challenges conventional explanations for the Neolithic transition to complex societies by highlighting the pivotal role of spirituality and religious ritual. From 2006 to 2008, an international team of natural scientists, archaeologists, anthropologists, philosophers, and theologians collaborated on-site, integrating field observations with laboratory analyses. This unique approach revealed that spiritual practices likely facilitated social organization, economic shifts, and cognitive developments during this transformative period. The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in reinterpreting the emergence of civilization in Anatolia and the broader Middle East.
City of Potosí
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2010 —
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Archaeological research at the Pulacayo site (Escaramayu, Potosí, Bolivia) reveals evidence of sophisticated metal processing during the Middle Horizon (c. 500–900 CE). Four metallurgical furnaces, associated with Middle Horizon structures, were identified, three used for smelting and one likely for refining metals in ceramic crucibles. Isotope analysis of slag, metals, and minerals confirms that the ore processed originated from nearby polimetallic deposits (lead, silver, copper, zinc), linking local extraction to advanced metallurgical techniques. This discovery underscores the region's technological sophistication during a pivotal period in Andean prehistory.
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
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2010 —
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The Sanchi stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a third-century BCE Buddhist monument, has undergone significant transformations from ruins to a revered heritage site over two centuries. This study reveals how its history intertwines with colonial India's archaeological practices and the evolving narratives of national identity. By analyzing institutional shifts, archaeological techniques, and competing historical interpretations, the research demonstrates that Sanchi’s reconstruction reflects broader struggles for defining India’s past during the 19th century. The findings highlight how heritage preservation became entangled with colonial power dynamics and post-independence nationalism.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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2010 —
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A comprehensive analysis projects that approximately 1.6% of all cancers among Marshall Islands residents may be attributable to radiation exposure from nuclear tests conducted at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls between 1948-1958, with a 90% uncertainty range of 0.4% to 3.4%. This study represents the first detailed assessment of cancer risks linked to regional radioactive fallout, using advanced dose-response models based on data from the National Research Council and the National Institutes of Health. The research estimates that 55% of cancers in 82 individuals exposed in 1954 on Rongelap and Ailinginae Atolls could be radiation-related, while risks for other populations vary significantly by location and exposure conditions. Notably, thyroid cancer and leukemia show higher attributable risks, with variations ranging from 12% to 95% and 2% to 78%, respectively, depending on the atoll. This analysis provides the most precise dose reconstruction to date, incorporating data from all nuclear tests and populations across the Marshall Islands.
Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat
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2010 —
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Rani ki Vav, a monumental stepwell in Gujarat, India, exemplifies the architectural and cultural significance of subterranean structures from the 11th century. Constructed between 1063 and 1090 A.D., this brick-and-stone structure measures 64m long, 20m wide, and 27m deep, featuring intricate sculptures and a unique design with bracing structures to counteract lateral thrusts. The stepwell, once filled by floods in the 13th century, was restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) starting in 1960, preserving its authenticity and integrity through meticulous conservation efforts. Weathering tests on the sedimentary sandstone revealed insights into material degradation over centuries. Today, Rani ki Vav stands as a testament to advanced craftsmanship and technology, highlighting the cultural and historical importance of stepwells in arid regions.
Pitons Management Area
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2010 —
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A novel application of Permanent Scatterers Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (PSInSAR™) demonstrates its potential as a highly precise tool for monitoring ground deformation in volcanic areas, particularly at Piton de la Fournaise. The study reveals two distinct zones of deformation: subsidence on the eastern flank due to old lava flows and significant activity at the summit cone, often preceding eruptions. PSInSAR-derived velocities align closely with continuous GPS (cGPS) measurements, capturing both long-term ground displacements (0.05–0.35 m/year) weeks or months before eruptions and rapid, large-scale movements during eruptive events. Despite challenges like signal loss during rapid deformation, the technique offers reliable, large-area monitoring of volcanic activity, as validated by this ESA Globvolcano project research.
Mount Taishan
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2010 —
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A study conducted at the summit of Mount Tai, China, in June 2006 revealed that oxygenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were predominant among non-methane VOCs (NMVOCs), contributing significantly to tropospheric ozone chemistry. Using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), researchers detected over thirty types of NMVOCs, including alkenes, aromatics, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones, with notable diurnal variations driven by local photochemistry. An episode of high NMVOC concentrations on the night of June 12 was attributed to agricultural biomass burning. The study compared ΔNMVOCs/ΔCO ratios from this event and a period without biomass burning plume to emission ratios from various sources, providing insights into VOC dynamics in industrialized regions.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
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2010 —
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Scientists have identified pyracmonite, (NH4)3Fe(SO4)3, a new ammonium iron sulfate mineral, within the active intracrater fumarole of La Fossa crater on Vulcano Island in Italy's Aeolian Islands. This discovery, occurring at approximately 250°C, reveals its trigonal crystal structure and association with other minerals like salammoniac and kremersite. Pyracmonite exhibits unique properties such as a measured density of 2.22(1) g/cm³, an average refractive index of 1.562(3), and a structure identical to synthetic (NH4)3Fe(SO4)3, indicating its significance in mineralogy. The study utilized single-crystal X-ray diffraction, confirming the mineral's isostructural relationship with high-temperature synthetic compounds, thereby advancing our understanding of volcanic minerals.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2010 —
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Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean road system, faces significant conservation challenges during its nomination process for UNESCO World Heritage status. A decade-long effort by Chile's National Council for Monuments revealed critical issues in participatory planning and management, highlighting the complexities of preserving such a vast human heritage site. The study underscores the need for effective strategies to address these challenges while ensuring the integrity of this remarkable cultural landscape.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2010 —
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Qhapaq Ñan, the primary roadway of the Inca Empire's extensive Andean network, remains functional and culturally significant today despite centuries of historical transformations. This study reveals that its value extends beyond mere archaeological significance, encompassing territorial management, patrimonial governance, and landscape preservation across six modern-day countries. The research emphasizes the road's enduring functionality and the need for transnational conservation efforts that integrate both monument protection and broader territorial stewardship. By analyzing historical and contemporary data, the study underscores Qhapaq Ñan's role in shaping Andean landscapes and its continued relevance in cultural and ecological contexts.
Macquarie Island
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2010 —
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Simultaneous eradication of rabbits, rats, and mice from Macquarie Island is strongly supported by qualitative modelling due to the high likelihood of continued ecological impacts if only one or two species are targeted. The study predicts positive outcomes for native tall tussock vegetation and burrow- and surface-nesting seabirds but also highlights risks, such as potential failure in eradicating mice and unintended consequences from redpolls and starlings. This approach demonstrates that qualitative modelling can provide consistent insights even with significant ecosystem uncertainty, aiding strategic conservation planning.
Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen
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2010 —
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Extensive coal mining over the past century in the Ruhr District, Germany, has led to significant ground subsidence, with some areas experiencing drops of more than 25 meters. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex shows the most pronounced subsidence, highlighting the long-term impact of industrial activity on the landscape. Researchers digitized historical elevation data from 1892 and compared it with current Digital Elevation Models to quantify these changes. Their analysis revealed that while depressions are common, mining subsidence also affects elevated terrain features, often invisible without digital comparison. On average, the studied area—covering approximately 2700 km²—has lowered by about 1.6 meters, with regional variations ranging from 0.51 meters in Kamen to 5.16 meters in Gelsenkirchen's Emscher floodplain.
Yellowstone National Park
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2010 —
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A novel application of Random Forests to landscape genetic data reveals that habitat permeability, topographic morphology, and temperature–moisture regimes significantly influence the connectivity of Bufo boreas (the Yellowstone toad) in Yellowstone National Park. The study found that growing-season precipitation, fire history (specifically the 1988 Yellowstone fires), cover, temperature, impervious surfaces like roads, and topographic complexity explain 56% of the variation in connectivity. Notably, habitat permeability operates on fine scales, while topographic and climatic factors affect connectivity across multiple scales, emphasizing the need for cross-scale analysis. Hierarchical analysis further showed that within-genetic clusters (identified using Structure), dispersal cover, precipitation, and impervious surfaces explained more variation (74%) than between clusters (45%), highlighting the importance of fine-scale ecological processes in shaping population structure.
Península Valdés
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2010 —
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Wind-driven land degradation in the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Patagonia, is effectively monitored using radar remote sensing. This study reveals that active microwaves better discriminate aeolian features than visible or infrared sensors, with L-band data providing detailed insights into sand ridges and C-band data detecting larger tracks. The research highlights the utility of specific radar configurations for assessing wind erosion in mid-latitude regions, offering valuable recommendations for future reconnaissance efforts.
Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site
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2010 —
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Nuclear weapons testing at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls between 1946 and 1958 exposed the Marshall Islands population to radioactive fallout, with 20 of 66 tests resulting in measurable deposition on inhabited atolls. The study estimated radiation doses for 63 radionuclides across 32 atolls, revealing significant geographic variation: southern atolls received the lowest doses (5–12 mGy for adults), while northern atolls, particularly Utrik and Rongelap Island, experienced much higher internal doses due to short-lived radionuclide intake. External exposure was the primary contributor to red bone marrow and stomach wall doses, except in northern regions where internal thyroid doses reached up to 7,600 mGy for adults on Rongelap Island during the Castle Bravo test. The analysis projected about 170 excess radiation-related cancers among over 25,000 Marshallese, with most already expressed, compared to ~10,600 spontaneous cancers.
Mogao Caves
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2010 —
WHE8787DFD443
Radiocarbon dating of plant remains from four early caves at the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's largest stone cave temples, reveals that these caves were constructed between AD 380–550. The study, using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), analyzed samples from caves 268, 272, 275, and 285—with the latter containing an inscription corroborating its early dating. Two samples from cave 275 yielded a precise calibrated age range of AD 380–430, while other samples spanned AD 400–550. This chronology provides critical insight into the origins and development of this significant Buddhist cultural site during the Northern Wei Dynasty.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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2010 —
WHE0D95FE784F
Invasive tree species significantly alter rainfall partitioning and cloud water interception (CWI) in Hawaiian forests, potentially impacting water resources. A study comparing native <em>Metrosideros polymorpha</em> and invasive <em>Psidium cattleianum</em> forests in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park found that while the invaded site had higher stemflow (1091 mm annually), the native forest exhibited greater canopy storage capacity (1.86 mm vs. 0.85 mm) and CWI (1188 mm vs. 734 mm). Despite being located farther from orographic clouds, the native forest intercepted more cloud water, suggesting structural advantages in harvesting droplets. However, invasive species reduced net rainfall reaching the ground (110% of rainfall vs. 123%), posing risks to groundwater recharge and aquatic ecosystems.
Garajonay National Park
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2010 —
WHEBFCFA79876
In subtropical ridge-top cloud forests of La Gomera, Canary Islands, fog interception significantly enhances water inputs, contributing up to 6% of wind-corrected fog water as throughfall (TF), while rainfall-only events yield 87% TF. The study reveals that fog screens capture fog water more efficiently than forest canopies, and prior canopy wetting by rain increases TF during mixed precipitation events. Researchers corrected measurements for wind-induced losses and topographic effects, addressing gaps in previous studies. This highlights the critical role of fog in water balance in dry-season environments (5 months) with low annual rainfall (600–700 mm).
