Bale Mountains National Park
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2011 —
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Excessive cutting of ecologically, economically, and medically important tree species has been identified as a significant threat to the Dry Afromontane Forest in Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. The study, conducted between July 2003 and June 2004 across three sites (Adelle, Boditi, and Gaysay) at altitudes ranging from 3010 to 3410 meters, documented 230 species belonging to 58 families. Analysis revealed five homogeneous vegetation clusters, with tree densities of 766 and 458 individuals per hectare in Adelle and Boditi forests, respectively. Juniperus procera and Hagenia abyssinica contributed significantly to the basal area, accounting for 43% and 57%, respectively. The study highlighted that both Adelle and Boditi forests are at an early secondary stage of development, with clear evidence of selective logging impacting population structures.
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area
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2011 —
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A study on the brown-eared pheasant (<em>Crossoptilon mantchuricum</em>) in Huanglong Mountains, Shaanxi, China, revealed distinct habitat preferences for foraging and day-roosting during the early breeding period (February-March 2006). The research identified that these birds favored foraging sites with lower altitude, gentler slopes, proximity to trails or gullies, fewer tree/shrub varieties, reduced grass cover/height, and higher visibility. Conversely, they preferred half-sunny slopes for roosting, characterized by smaller slope degrees, greater distance from trails, denser tree cover, and lower shrub/grass density/height with reduced visibility. Classification models using these variables accurately distinguished used habitats from random sites (96.08% for foraging, 75.64% for roosting), highlighting critical factors like geographical characteristics, tree density, shrub diversity, grass cover, slope degree, and trail distance as key discriminators. The findings provide insights into the ecological requirements of this species in its natural habitat.
The Dolomites
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2011 —
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Replacement dolomite in the Latemar carbonate buildup of the Dolomites formed at temperatures between 42–72 °C, with a fluid δ^(18)O(H_(2)O) averaging –0.3‰, mirroring conditions of modern mid-ocean ridge fluids. This finding aligns with prior hypotheses about dolomitizing fluid origins but introduces clumped isotope thermometry as a precise method to independently estimate temperature and fluid composition. The study reveals that while calcite preserves original δ^(18)O, its clumped isotope temperatures suggest a reset during dolomitization, highlighting the method's potential for unraveling burial and diagenetic processes with uncertainties as low as ±5 °C and ±0.75‰.
Vredefort Dome
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that pseudotachylitic breccias (PTB), enigmatic friction-melt-like structures found in impact craters, can form from local melt reservoirs rather than requiring intrusion of distant impact melt. Researchers analyzed a 1.5 × 3 × 0.04 m granite slab from the Vredefort Dome, South Africa—the central uplift of a >250 km diameter impact structure—to estimate melt volumes. Their calculations show that a 1 m³ PTB-bearing host rock can accommodate up to 52 dm³ of melt, with larger breccia zones potentially deriving from local reservoirs during rapid decompression phases linked to crater formation or post-impact collapse. This challenges long-standing debates on PTB origins, suggesting decompression melting during central uplift formation is a plausible mechanism.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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2011 —
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A comprehensive survey of Roman forts, roads, and landscapes along the southwest border of Roman Dacia reveals critical insights into the Empire's frontier dynamics. Researchers from Babeş-Bolyai University employed advanced GPS mapping techniques to record precise coordinates and landscape characteristics for each fort, providing a detailed spatial analysis. This approach highlights the strategic significance of these structures within the broader context of Roman territorial control and military organization. The study's findings are visualized through meticulous maps, offering new perspectives on the interplay between human settlement patterns and natural landscapes during this pivotal period.
The English Lake District
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2011 —
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A four-decade study of Grasmere, a small lake in the English Lake District, reveals that while phosphorus loading from treated sewage increased threefold post-construction of a wastewater treatment plant, its ecological impact was mitigated by strategic outfall placement below the summer thermocline. Despite this, maximum chlorophyll a concentrations doubled, though annual averages remained stable, suggesting interannual variability is more influenced by hydraulic flushing—driven by high rainfall—than nutrient enrichment. Cyanobacterial blooms were linked to periods of relative drought. Improved wastewater management since 1996 has reduced phosphorus loadings, correlating with declines in recent chlorophyll a maxima. The study also documents phytoplankton species shifts, noting that indicators of eutrophication have thrived while slow-growing or nutrient-poor habitat species have declined, except for brief post-flushing blooms.
Messel Pit Fossil Site
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2011 —
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A new species of water-penny beetles (Coleoptera: Psephenidae: Eubrianacinae) from the Middle Eocene Messel Pit fossil site in Germany provides evidence that some parts of Lake Messel had stone-shore areas, indicating an autochthonous faunal element. The study analyzed multiple fossil specimens to infer the species' stratigraphic and spatial distribution but could not fully unravel its larval ontogeny due to preservational influences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed unresolved relationships within Eubrianacinae, suggesting that interpretations based solely on extant members may be misleading. The research also highlights the historical biogeography of Psephenidae, showing that fossil records extend beyond their current distribution range.
Laurisilva of Madeira
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2011 —
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Researchers have identified four new species of the diatom genus Achnanthidium from European environments, including one discovered within the unique Laurisilva forest ecosystem on Madeira. These species—<em>Achnanthidium hoffmannii</em>, <em>Achnanthidium acerosum</em>, <em>Achnanthidium ertzii</em>, and <em>A. tepidaricola</em>—were distinguished based on morphological traits such as valve shape, areolae structure, and apical characteristics. Notably, <em>A. ertzii</em> was found in moss vegetation within the Laurisilva's dense, laurel forest, highlighting the region's biodiversity. The study employed light microscopy (LM) to analyze samples from oligotrophic rivers in Sweden, a greenhouse in Belgium, and the Madeira forest, providing detailed descriptions that differentiate these species from existing ones. This discovery expands the known diversity of European diatoms and contributes to our understanding of microalgal ecology in distinct habitats.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2011 —
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A 4000-year reconstruction of environmental change and human activity in the Cochabamba Basin, Bolivia, reveals two distinct periods of reduced moisture availability—around 4000–3370 and 2190–1020 years ago—correlating with El Niño/Southern Oscillation variations. Multiproxy analysis of Lake Challacaba sediments shows continuous human use of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan road network during this time, evidenced by high charcoal abundance. A notable decline in charcoal and increase in dung fungus around 1340–1210 years ago suggests cultural shifts played a significant role in shaping the modern landscape. Despite evidence of human impact on Polylepis woodlands today, no signs of woodland clearance were detected in this record.
Old Town of Lijiang
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2011 —
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A study on the Old Town of Lijiang found that the fractal dimension of built-up land increased from 1.73 in 2000 to 1.84 in 2006, indicating a growing imbalance between urban development and green spaces. This imbalance threatens environmental quality. Researchers used TM image data analyzed via a back-propagation neural network and the box-counting method to quantify urban form. They identified an optimal range within a 2000-meter radius of the Old Town's entrance where increasing green areas could maximize ecological benefits, suggesting that future planning should prioritize balanced land use in this zone.
Island of Saint-Louis
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2011 —
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This study highlights the unique socio-economic trajectory of Île de France (later Mauritius) during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, contrasting its stability with other French colonies amid global conflicts. It reveals how the island's strong maritime orientation and reliance on neutral trade, particularly U.S. commerce, sustained its economy despite broader disruptions. The research underscores the dual nature of Île de France's economy—urban maritime and rural plantation—and its resilience during the French Wars, which positioned it distinctly from Caribbean colonies. Additionally, it examines the island's economic boom post-1825 following Britain's preferential sugar tariff, coinciding with the decline in slave labor availability. The study employs historical analysis to explore these dynamics, offering insights into the complex interplay of colonial economies and global trade during this period.
Western Ghats
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2011 —
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A two-year study (2007–2009) of the Koyna River, northern Western Ghats, India, identified 58 freshwater fish species—11 endemic to the Krishna River system and eight threatened by human activities. Notably, the Koyna River remains relatively free from anthropogenic stressors or invasive species, positioning it as a potential refuge for conserving endangered and endemic fishes. The research highlights the ecological significance of this site while emphasizing the need for minimal human interference and strict controls on alien species introduction to safeguard its unique biodiversity.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
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2011 —
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Cerro de Moctezuma, a hilltop settlement in the Casas Grandes ritual landscape of northwest Mexico, was not merely an ordinary residence but a specialized ideological center with unique architectural and symbolic features. Unlike other Media period settlements (A.D. 1200-1450), El Pueblito on Cerro de Moctezuma stands out due to its distinct construction materials, imposing buildings, and untypical settlement composition, suggesting a focus on ritual and community interactions. Comparative analyses of artifacts revealed no extraordinary differences in ceramics or stone tools, but other evidence—such as wood preference, bird wings, and elk remains—pointed to specialized, ideological interests. The site's trails, wayside shrines, and hill summit precinct were physical and symbolic places that shaped perceptions of the hill, positioning Cerro de Moctezuma as a ritual center reinforcing central beliefs from Paquime, the premier capital of the region.
Okavango Delta
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2011 —
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A decade-long ethnographic study of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that while the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) program has fostered collaboration among local communities, government, tourism operators, and conservationists, its effectiveness in achieving long-term wildlife conservation remains mixed. The research highlights that CBNRM, which offers economic incentives such as land access, employment, and tourism profits, has succeeded in co-management in some cases but may lack substantive impact in others. Collaboration across social actors—including NGOs—is identified as a key indicator of potential success, though sustained efforts are needed to ensure lasting conservation outcomes. This case study provides valuable lessons for similar co-management initiatives worldwide where biodiversity and local livelihoods intersect.
Agra Fort
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2011 —
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Between 1803 and 1857, Mughal monuments in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Delhi experienced significant disruptions in their maintenance due to British colonial policies. The study reveals that the British government altered the Islamic institution of <em>awqaf</em>, rescinding tax-free status for charitable lands, which led to the decline of several monuments. While some repairs were funded sporadically—such as those directed by Lord Minto and Lord Hastings—the trend reversed in 1847 under Lord Hardinge, accelerating decay. Delhi’s monuments fared better due to revenue from <em>waqf</em> lands, but non-religious structures deteriorated severely. The 1857 Uprising marked a turning point, halting the British government's inconsistent approach to monument preservation.
Agra Fort
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2011 —
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British colonial policies significantly disrupted the maintenance and preservation of Mughal monuments in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Delhi between 1803 and 1857. Key findings reveal that while some structures received intermittent funding for repairs—such as the Taj Mahal under Lord Minto and Akbar's tomb under Lord Hastings—the British government largely dismantled traditional Islamic endowment systems (awqaf), removing tax-free status and redirecting revenues to state benefits. This led to widespread decay, particularly in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, where shrines like Sheikh Salim Chishti's dargah lost protection post-1847. Delhi's monuments fared better due to a special magistrate overseeing waqf properties, but palaces and gardens there also deteriorated. The study highlights how high imperialism altered spatial practices, prioritizing state interests over monument conservation until the 1857 Uprising, which further destabilized their care.
Ancient City of Damascus
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2011 —
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A 2011 travelogue recounts the journey of fifteen scholars from Northern Europe and the United States through Syria and Turkey, revisiting ancient paths taken by merchants, geographers, intellectuals, and pilgrims. The expedition, led by Inga-Lill and Samuel Rubenson (Lund University), highlighted the enduring cultural and religious significance of Damascus, including its historic city walls linked to the Apostle Paul's escape, and the unique Aramaic-speaking Christian community in Ma'aloula. The study offers a firsthand account of Syria’s linguistic heritage, ancient churches, and pilgrimage sites, providing insights into the region's historical layers and living traditions.
Taos Pueblo
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2011 —
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Flannery Burke's work challenges the romanticized notion of New Mexico as a 'world apart' from modernity, instead framing it as central to 20th-century modernism. Through her analysis of Mabel Dodge Luhan and her circle, Burke exposes the complexities and contradictions inherent in primitivism, a key aesthetic and political movement among modernists. She demonstrates how non-white individuals, including Pueblo people like Tony Lujan and Nina-Otero Warren, actively negotiated the terms of patronage and representation, often diverging from the interests of their Anglo benefactors. Burke's nuanced approach reveals the material consequences of these cultural encounters, particularly in debates over land-claim legislation, while also highlighting the enduring influence of modernist primitivism on contemporary issues in New Mexico.
Ephesus
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2011 —
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Apartment blocks, or insulae, likely served as early Christian meeting spaces in Greco-Roman cities, challenging the traditional view that house churches were the primary form of worship. This study applies social networking theory to analyze the social and physical dynamics of early urban Christianity (c. 50–150 CE), using Ephesus as a case study. While literary records mention house churches, archaeological evidence for large-scale purpose-built spaces is scarce until the third century. The research suggests that insulae provided both practical and social environments conducive to Christian gatherings, bridging gaps in our understanding of early Christian architecture and urban life.
Roman Walls of Lugo
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2011 —
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A high-resolution ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey of the Roman Walls of Lugo, Spain, revealed intricate details of a Roman villa previously obscured by a pseudo-3D imaging strategy. The study demonstrated that ultra-dense grid data acquisition—with GPR lines spaced just 0.1 meters apart—could capture fine structures such as walls, apses, and chambers with unprecedented clarity. Initial surveys in May 2007 used a more spaced grid (0.5 m), which only identified broad areas of interest. A follow-up survey in July 2008, focusing on a smaller area with ultra-dense sampling, uncovered the villa's full architectural complexity. This case highlights how advanced GPR techniques can significantly enhance archaeological interpretations in complex semi-urban environments.
Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
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2011 —
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A significant shift is underway in how pagan interests are being integrated into decisions regarding the treatment of prehistoric human remains, as demonstrated by the Avebury Reburial Consultation. This study highlights that meaningful engagement between archaeologists and pagans can foster respectful dialogue, but identifies challenges in the process. It explores the philosophical and emotional perspectives of pagans, advocating for their inclusion in decision-making to develop common ground and enable participatory pragmatism. The research emphasizes the need for frameworks that accommodate diverse worldviews while balancing scientific study with spiritual considerations.
Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs)
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2011 —
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A study on fungal root endophyte associations of 16 endemic plant species from the Pamir Alay Mountains, Central Asia, reveals that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were present in 15 species, with varying colonization types, while absent only in Matthiola integrifolia. This is the first report of AM status and morphology for all studied species, including three genera. Dark septate endophytes (DSE) accompanied AMF colonization in ten species, with low colonization frequency except in Spiraea baldschuanica. Sporangia of Olpidium spp. were sporadically found in three plant species' roots. Seven AMF species from the Glomeromycota phylum were also reported for the first time from this region. These findings provide valuable insights for conservation and restoration programs of these endemic plants, highlighting the potential role of beneficial root-inhabiting fungi in protecting rare and endangered species.
Yellowstone National Park
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2011 —
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Gases from different thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park exhibit distinct chemical signatures, revealing complex subsurface processes. Unlike previous assumptions, these variations are not solely tied to surface temperatures or feature types but instead reflect underlying lithologies and contributions from magmatic, crustal, and meteoric sources. The study analyzed 130 gas samples and 31 water samples collected between 2003 and 2009, measuring bulk chemistry and isotopic compositions (δ¹⁸O, δD, δ¹³C for CO₂ and methane, helium, neon, and argon). By comparing these findings with previous research, the authors highlight the significance of subsurface geology in shaping gas emissions, offering new insights into Yellowstone's dynamic hydrothermal system.
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
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2011 —
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A comparative analysis of mortuary rituals across four distinct residential areas of Classic Teotihuacan reveals that gender roles and ideologies were not uniformly experienced or constructed throughout the society. This finding challenges traditional assumptions about social identity in ancient complex societies, demonstrating significant variability in gender expression even within a single urban center. The study employs a multiscalar approach, examining differences between urban compounds (La Ventilla 3, Tlajinga 33, and Tlailotlacan 6) and a hinterland settlement (Axotlan). By integrating this comparative framework, researchers uncover how social heterogeneity structured early state formations, offering new insights into the nuanced interplay of gender, class, and faction in Teotihuacan's sociopolitical landscape. The research underscores the importance of revising scales of analysis to fully grasp the significance of diversity in ancient societies.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
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2011 —
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Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, occupied from approximately 2100 BCE to 200 CE, reveals significant insights into the social and cultural dynamics of early Southeast Asian communities. The site, known for its intricate painted pottery, provides evidence of elaborate infant burials, often involving ceramic jars, suggesting a complex mortuary practice. The presence of bronze and iron artifacts indicates advanced metallurgical skills by 1500 BCE and 500 BCE, respectively. Analysis of trauma patterns challenges the notion of widespread warfare, as many injuries are inconsistent with combat wounds. The site also reflects a transition from a model of exchange-based alliances to one involving fixed social ranking, potentially linked to the shift from managed swamps to fixed rice fields. This study integrates archaeological evidence with anthropological theories to re-evaluate the development of early state systems in Southeast Asia.
Baalbek
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking strategy for generating high-accuracy 3D city models from historical photographs has been developed, enabling the integrated mapping of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Baalbek. This approach overcomes challenges posed by varying image qualities, camera parameters, and capture conditions—such as differing scales, flight heights, and unknown lens distortions—by employing a multi-stage photogrammetric method. The core innovation lies in combining historical images through bundle adjustment algorithms to determine inner and outer orientation parameters with precision, even when metadata (e.g., camera specifications) is absent. The resulting 3D reconstructions achieve sufficient accuracy for CityGML-based modeling at multiple levels of detail (LODs), while semantic enrichment enhances the model's analytical value for studying urban evolution. This work demonstrates that historical imagery can be leveraged to produce geometrically robust and semantically rich digital twins, advancing heritage documentation and preservation.
Lower Valley of the Omo
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2011 —
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The Turkana Depression, spanning northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia, reveals a detailed geochronological record of sedimentary and volcanic rocks from the Mesozoic to the Holocene. Key findings include the identification of Cretaceous strata in Lokitaung Gorge and early Eocene volcanism (34–36 Ma) in the region, marking the onset of significant volcanic activity. Oligocene to Miocene sequences (23–9.1 Ma) provide critical age constraints for fossiliferous sedimentary deposits, while Pliocene strata of the Omo Group (4.3 Ma to present) offer a continuous record with notable gaps. The study leverages (40)Ar/(39)Ar dating on volcanic ash layers and K/Ar ages on basalts, supplemented by paleomagnetic polarity stratigraphy, to establish precise age control from 4.2 to 0.75 Ma. Additionally, the Kibish Formation in the lower Omo Valley records deposition between 0.2 and 0.1 Ma, with Member IV (correlative to the Galana Boi Formation) dated to 12–7 ka BP.
Gros Morne National Park
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2011 —
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Gros Morne National Park's geological history, spanning 500 to 200 million years, is illuminated through the lens of plate tectonics. This five-episode series, 'Geologic Journey,' narrated by David Suzuki, traces Canada's prehistory by examining major landforms such as Niagara Falls and the Torngat Mountains. The series employs scenic footage, computer-generated animations, and cross-sections to depict geological processes like lava and mineral movements from the mantle to the Earth's surface. While primarily aimed at a general audience, it provides a visually engaging introduction to plate tectonics, though it lacks detailed educational content for comprehensive understanding.
Mount Etna
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2011 —
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Mount Etna's geological evolution is characterized by four distinct phases of eruptive activity, spanning from 500 ka to the present. The study, based on a new stratigraphic model and 40Ar/39Ar age determinations, reveals that the volcano transitioned from scattered fissure-type eruptions in a foredeep basin (Basal Tholeiitic Supersynthem) to the formation of a lava shield (Timpe Supersynthem), followed by central-type activity (Valle del Bove Supersynthem). The most intense phase, around 57 ka, saw the development of a stratocone that filled paleovalleys. The final phase, beginning 15 ka ago, marked the formation of Mongibello volcano, characterized by recurrent flank eruptions in three weakness zones. These findings provide critical constraints for understanding Etna's origin and the geodynamic processes shaping eastern Sicily.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2011 —
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A detailed geological and petrological study of Young Shiveluch Volcano, Kamchatka, reveals that its lavas—primarily magnesian andesites and basaltic andesites—originate from a hybrid genesis process. These rocks are formed by mixing silicic derivatives with highly magnesian magma in a shallow-depth magmatic chamber, periodically replenished during fractional crystallization of plagioclase and hornblende. This process explains the volcano's rock series without requiring a subducting Pacific slab melting model, offering new insights into volcanic petrogenesis in Kamchatka.
Western Caucasus
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2011 —
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The Caucasus region's geological structure and history are shaped by its position between the converging Eurasian and Africa-Arabian plates, marked by continental collision. This study reveals that the region transitioned from a Tethys Ocean margin with island arcs and rifts to a complex orogenic system. Key findings include the separation of Caucasian terranes from western Gondwana during the Early Palaeozoic due to back-arc rifting, followed by the formation of the Palaeotethys Ocean. The study also highlights the inheritance of the Mesozoic Tethys from the Palaeotethys and the role of the Arabian block in shaping tectonic deformations. The research integrates geological evidence to trace the region's evolution from pre-collisional stages to its current intracontinental mountainous edifice, emphasizing the influence of plate interactions on its geological history.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2011 —
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Integrated geophysical surveys, including magnetic, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and geoelectrical techniques, successfully identified buried archaeological structures such as walls, canals, and tombs in the Santa Venera area of Paestum, Italy. These non-destructive methods provided critical insights that guided systematic excavations, confirming the presence of Greek and Roman settlement remains. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of high-density, cross-correlated geophysical surveys in preventive archaeology, enabling precise planning for infrastructure development while preserving significant cultural heritage in compliance with European guidelines.
Acropolis, Athens
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2011 —
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A geophysical survey of the Acropolis's southern slope in Athens, Greece, has uncovered evidence of additional bronze production pits, shedding new light on ancient manufacturing processes. The study, conducted in 2010, employed magnetometry (MAG), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to map subsurface anomalies. Two major pits were identified: one previously excavated, whose extent was outlined, and another newly detected oval-shaped pit measuring 8–10 meters in length, 2–3 meters in width, and 2.5 meters deep, featuring steep vertical walls and possible entrances. Virtual models generated from LiDAR scans of the excavated pit aided interpretation, confirming the new pit as part of a bronze foundry complex. These findings prompt further excavations to explore this ancient production site.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
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2011 —
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A geophysical survey at Cahokia Mounds, specifically in the western portion of Ramey Field east of Monks Mound, revealed complex archaeological deposits with at least five construction episodes and a circular structure measuring 20 meters in diameter within Mound 36. Additionally, a massive complex of resistance and magnetic anomalies was identified, possibly representing an unknown mound or facility associated with stockade entryways overlooking Cahokia Creek. The study employed magnetic field gradiometry and electrical resistance techniques over 72,800 square meters to assess the effectiveness of near-surface geophysical surveys in areas with deep, complex deposits. While typical features like structures and pits were difficult to identify, the findings suggest significant potential for uncovering previously unknown architectural elements and understanding the site's intricate history.
Yosemite National Park
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2011 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that georeferencing Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents from textual descriptions significantly enhances spatial analysis, with the Shape Method reducing uncertainty areas by up to 99.5% compared to the Point-Radius Method. Analyzing 1,271 Yosemite National Park SAR incidents (2005–2010), researchers achieved a mean uncertainty radius of 560 ± 51 meters and an uncertainty area of 3.60 ± 0.840 km² using the Point-Radius Method. This spatially explicit approach provides critical insights for emergency preparedness, marking the first study to apply such methods to SAR data.
Wachau Cultural Landscape
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2011 —
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A rockslide near Dürnstein/Wachau, Austria, necessitated extensive remedial measures to restore rail infrastructure and ensure long-term safety. The study introduces a geotechnical risk management system based on the observational method (EC 7) as a key safety management element during construction of additional protection measures. Geotechnical monitoring played a central role in mitigating risks associated with cliff face instability. The paper highlights specific challenges, practical solutions, and experiences related to applying this method for monitoring rock faces, offering insights into effective risk management strategies for similar geotechnical hazards.
Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
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2011 —
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Gjirokastra stands out for its unique architectural identity, built entirely from stone across seven rocky hills. This study reveals the city's layered history and cultural significance, often overshadowed by literary depictions in works like those of Ismail Kadaré. The research explores how Gjirokastra’s physical structure—its paving stones, fortifications, walls, and even rooftops—reflects a deep-rooted mythos and resilience, blending fact with the fictional narratives that have shaped its perception. The approach combines literary analysis with architectural observation to uncover the city's multifaceted heritage, offering insights into how built environments can embody cultural narratives.
Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena
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A comprehensive collection of pre-Tridentine statutes from Modena's confraternities, spanning the 10th to 16th centuries, offers unprecedented insight into the normative structures and socio-cultural dynamics of these lay organizations. The volume provides a nearly exhaustive set of documents, enabling analysis of their diachronic and synchronic evolutions, motivations for membership, social kinship networks, and community engagement. Key findings include the identification of lacunae in extant manuscripts and detailed descriptions of rituals, particularly musical practices, which shed light on the rich cultural life of these confraternities.
Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô
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2011 —
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Global legal and economic pressures are reshaping land rights in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, through the emergence of 'neo-traditional' claims. This study reveals that local communities are actively reasserting indigenous legal norms to navigate conflicts with global actors—such as tourists, fishermen, oil companies, and environmental organizations—whose divergent legal perceptions disrupt traditional boundaries, eroding trust and fostering accusations of immorality. The research employs legal anthropology to analyze how these neo-traditional rights, while initially aimed at excluding outsiders, also introduce internal changes within the archipelago's age-class society. The findings highlight the tension between globalization and local governance, demonstrating how traditional systems adapt to external pressures while facing internal transformations.
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
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2011 —
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High-resolution satellite imagery from Google Earth has revolutionized the study of ancient civilizations by revealing previously obscured archaeological features, including Nasca geoglyphs and Mesoamerican causeways. This tool enables researchers to identify orientations in structures like Chinese pyramids, potentially linked to magnetic compass use, and discover new sites such as Atzompa near Mexico's Monte Albán. The study demonstrates that Google Earth significantly enhances efficiency by aiding fieldwork planning, data visualization, and resource allocation, while also inspiring novel discoveries. By bridging gaps between digital exploration and on-site verification, this approach offers a cost-effective and innovative method for advancing archaeological research.
Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection
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2011 —
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Outreach efforts by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) shape public memory, often producing acquiescence or resistance to official narratives of justice and reconciliation. The study reveals that museum and memorial sites, along with public forums, serve as key arenas where conflicting memories of political violence are contested and reframed. While outreach aims to license a dominant reading of Cambodia's past, it encounters ambivalent and resistant responses, illustrating broader challenges to the ECCC's legitimacy. This analysis highlights the complex interplay between institutional efforts to govern memory and public engagement with historical narratives.
Archaeological Site of Cyrene
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2011 —
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Cyrene, founded around 631 BC, was a significant grain producer and exporter in the ancient Greek world. However, the history and scale of its grain production and export had remained unexplored until now. This study offers a groundbreaking analysis by integrating environmental, archaeological, and institutional data to reconstruct Cyrene's role as a grain supplier. The findings reveal the extent and significance of its agricultural output during the Hellenistic period (3rd to 1st centuries BC), providing new insights into the economic dynamics of ancient Mediterranean societies.
Huascarán National Park
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2011 —
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A study published in Zoosystema (2011) reports the discovery of two new grasshopper taxa, belonging to the subfamilies Melanoplinae and Gomphocerinae, from Huascarán National Park and Callejón de Huaylas in Peru. These findings contribute to the understanding of orthopteran biodiversity in the Andes, a region with limited entomological research. The study employed morphological analysis, including detailed examination of genital structures, to distinguish these new taxa. This research highlights the importance of Huascarán National Park as a hotspot for grasshopper diversity and underscores the need for further exploration of Peru's high-altitude ecosystems.
Anticosti
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2011 —
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A first-of-its-kind study on the early life stages of Greenland halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence reveals late-winter spawning, likely in the deep Laurentian Channel southwest of Newfoundland. Using data from ichthyoplankton and bottom trawl surveys conducted between 2005 and 2010, researchers identified larvae primarily south and north of Anticosti Island in April-May, with postlarvae concentrated north of the island by August. Larval distribution patterns suggest hatching occurred in late March or early April, providing critical insights into the species' reproductive cycle and habitat use.
Antigua Guatemala
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2011 —
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Antigua Guatemala, a picturesque Spanish colonial city nestled in the Guatemalan highlands, has emerged as an unexpected retirement destination for U.S. retirees, offering a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty despite its turbulent recent history. This study reveals that the city's appeal lies in its unique combination of Mayan and Ladino cultures, stunning volcanic landscapes, and pleasant climate, which provides retirees with a permanent vacation-like lifestyle. However, the research also highlights the paradoxical nature of Antigua as a retirement hub due to the ongoing violence and criminal activities that plague Guatemala, presenting both opportunities and challenges for this growing migration trend.
Taos Pueblo
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2011 —
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Groundwater in the South Taos Valley exhibits anomalous concentrations of fluoride, arsenic, chloride, and other ions, likely due to deep-seated faults channeling hot waters that mix with shallow aquifers. These findings, derived from a comprehensive sampling program by TSWCD staff and analyzed by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, reveal elevated levels exceeding EPA drinking water standards—most notably at Ponce de Leon Hot Springs along the eastern fault bordering Miranda Canyon graben. Similar patterns are observed in domestic wells and near the Pecos-Picuris fault system, suggesting a geochemical link between subsurface faults and surface manifestations. The study also highlights surprisingly high total dissolved solids (TDS) in perennial streams, tapped by local acequia systems, underscoring potential implications for water quality and resource management.
Niokolo-Koba National Park
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2011 —
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A study of Guinea baboons (Papio papio) in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, challenges the traditional dichotomy of baboon social systems. Unlike hamadryas or savannah baboons, which exhibit either multilayered units or stable multimale-multifemale groups, this research reveals a fluid social organization characterized by dynamic party composition. Over three months, observers recorded frequent splits and fusions in baboon parties crossing an open area, with 45.9% of arriving parties changing size or structure. This variability suggests that Guinea baboons do not conform to either extreme model but instead exhibit greater flexibility in their social dynamics. The findings imply a need to revise the rigid classification of baboon social systems, acknowledging broader diversity in their organization.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2011 —
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In the pristine ecosystem of Shark Bay, Australia, batoid mesopredators—juvenile rays and skates—dominate nearshore habitats during warm seasons, suggesting their abundance is more influenced by predator avoidance than optimal foraging conditions. Stable isotopic analysis revealed high dietary overlap among species, with crustaceans from seagrass habitats as a primary food source, though individual specialization also occurs. Acoustic telemetry showed that batoids remain resident year-round but shift habitats seasonally rather than migrating, indicating their lower abundance in cold seasons is due to habitat preference rather than emigration. These findings challenge the assumption that mesopredator dynamics are solely regulated by prey availability and highlight the potential for seasonal ecosystem impacts through their presence, despite limited foraging activity on sandflats.
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek
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2011 —
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A study of Arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius) in the Kluane region of southwest Yukon, Canada, revealed significant habitat-specific distribution and abundance patterns. Populations were notably absent from boreal forest habitats during a low-phase cycle of snowshoe hares, while high densities were observed in low-elevation (1.25 ± 0.22 squirrels/ha) and alpine meadows (5.7 ± 0.22 squirrels/ha). The findings suggest source-sink dynamics between boreal forests and meadow habitats, with the latter acting as persistent refuges for the species. Researchers used late-summer density estimates across three habitat types from 2008 to 2010 to test predictions about predator-mediated population cycles.
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas
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2011 —
WHE51C0D7EB8B
A new protected area model in Yunnan Province, China, intended to foster collaboration and market-oriented conservation, was ultimately co-opted by local state and tourism industry actors. The resulting Pudacuo National Park generates significant revenue for the government but delivers ambiguous conservation benefits while marginalizing local residents. This case study highlights the risks of power imbalances in collaborative conservation efforts, suggesting that explicitly addressing inequality may help conservation promoters achieve more equitable outcomes. The research relied on intensive interviews and document analysis to dissect the dynamics at play.
