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Showing 20101 – 20120 of 30345 publications

Flood Risk Mapping and Analysis of the M’Zab Valley, Algeria

M'Zab Valley — 2017 — WHE1179C09187

A one-dimensional hydraulic model, combined with spatial tools and remote sensing, successfully mapped flood risks in the M'Zab Valley, Algeria. The study leveraged a high-resolution 2.5 m digital terrain model to identify critical outflow points, pinpointing areas requiring intervention for flood prevention. Field-collected GPS data calibrated the model, demonstrating its effectiveness even in urban contexts. This approach provides actionable insights for mitigating flood risks in vulnerable regions.

Flora and vegetation of rocky outcrops/cliffs near the Hyrcanian forest timberline in the Mazandaran mountains, northern Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2017 — WHEDDB16F3993

Rocky outcrops and cliffs near the timberline of Iran's Hyrcanian Forests, particularly those at 2500–3000 m a.s.l., harbor a rich diversity of endemic, sub-endemic, and rare plant species. A study identified 215 vascular plants across five distinct vegetation types, dominated by hemicrytophytes (55.8%) and Euro-Siberian/Irano-Turanian elements (28.2%). Phytogeographical analysis revealed that Euro-Siberian taxa, including Hyrcanian endemics, predominate in these high-altitude ecosystems. The research used 40 relevés of 25 m² each, combined with TWINSPAN and indirect gradient analyses, to assess how altitude, heat index, northness, slope inclination, and bedrock features shape vegetation patterns. These findings underscore the ecological significance and fragility of these timberline and ecotone ecosystems in the central Hyrcanian region.

Floristic findings in southern nature regions of Tuva Republic and in conservation zone of Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve

Uvs Nuur Basin — 2017 — WHEFFB354C6CE

A recent botanical survey in southern Tuva, Russia, has uncovered four aquatic plant species previously undocumented in the region: Najas marina, Ranunculus subrigidus, Sparganium angustifolium, and Utricularia macrorhiza. Additionally, 24 vascular plant species were recorded for the first time across five southern nature regions, including Erzin, Mongun-Tayga, Sangilen, Ubsunur, and Ulug-Khem. The study also identified several new species within the conservation zone of the Uvs Nuur Basin Biosphere Reserve. This research contributes to the floristic documentation of Tuva, providing critical data for biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts in this ecologically significant region.

Floristic findings on the territory of Taimyr (Dolgan-Nenets) municipal district (Krasnoyarsky Region)

Putorana Plateau — 2017 — WHEB1DD1E8BC7

A recent floristic survey of the Taimyr (Dolgan-Nenets) municipal district, including the North-West Putorana Plateau and Khatanga river basin, identified 12 plant species new to the district and 13 previously unknown on the Putorana Plateau. Among these are rare or range-edge species such as Botrychium multifidum, Carex lasiocarpa, and Saussurea alpina. The study, conducted through herbarization efforts between 2013–2016, provides detailed ecological data—including coordinates, habitat types, and collection dates—for each species. This expands the known flora of this UNESCO-listed region, offering critical insights for conservation and biodiversity studies in extreme northern ecosystems.

Fluvial transport of impact evidence from cratonic interior to passive margin: Vredefort-derived shocked zircon on the Atlantic coast of South Africak

Vredefort Dome — 2017 — WHEBE30A55366

Scientists have documented the extraordinary fluvial transport of shocked zircon grains from the 2.02 billion-year-old Vredefort impact structure in South Africa to the Atlantic coast, spanning over 1940 kilometers through the Vaal-Orange river system. This discovery highlights the resilience and detectability of detrital shocked minerals, which retain diagnostic microstructures and geochemical fingerprints even after extensive transport. The study involved a comprehensive survey of 11,168 zircon grains from the Orange River basin and coastal sediments, identifying three shocked grains (0.03% abundance) with {112} twins and U-Pb ages consistent with the Vredefort source. This research bridges impact cratering and sedimentology, offering a novel method to trace eroded impact structures across geological time, from the Hadean to the Phanerozoic.

Focus groups desarrollados en Tenerife para la elaboración de escenarios de adaptación al cambio climático: transcripciones completas

San Cristóbal de La Laguna — 2017 — WHE1BD4E5BB62

A study on Tenerife reveals that local populations perceive climate change adaptation not as a response to gradual environmental shifts but as a means of resilience against external shocks, including heatwaves, Saharan dust intrusions, and air pollution. These findings stem from three focus group sessions held across San Cristóbal de La Laguna, La Orotava, and Icod de los Vinos in November 2016, which aimed to engage citizens in devising adaptation strategies. The research highlights significant environmental and health impacts, such as ecosystem redistribution, wildfires, and increased mortality and morbidity due to heatwaves and pollution. The insights gathered will inform the development of resilience scenarios for Tenerife, addressing both environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Fog Spatial Distributions over the Central Namib Desert - An Isotope Approach

Namib Sand Sea — 2017 — WHE93D9AEF621

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Namib Sand Sea experiences at least three distinct types of fog—advective, radiation, and mixed—contrary to the long-held belief that advective fog dominates this arid region. Using stable isotope analysis (δ18O and δ2H), researchers identified these fog types and their source waters, challenging the assumption that advective fog alone shapes the desert's fog-zone ecosystem. The findings indicate radiation fog was more prevalent during the study period, while mixed fog likely forms when advective fog interacts with local moisture or dissipates inland. This discovery underscores the complexity of fog dynamics in the Namib Desert and highlights the need for nuanced climate models to predict the impacts of climate change on this unique environment.

Folk Art, Faith, and Nationalism: Popular Theatre in the Provinces

Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange — 2017 — WHEDAEC6161E7

A new perspective on the resilience of French provincial theatre during the Third Republic reveals its flourishing role against state-led initiatives. Popular theatre, rooted in local folklore, Catholic mystery plays, and patriotic neo-Classicism, thrived in regions like Brittany, Orange, the Vosges, and Poitou. The study highlights tensions between regionalism and nationalism, showing how some playwrights preferred Parisian life while others relied on its support. Key figures include Anatole Le Braz, Joseph Le Bayon, Maurice Pottecher, and Pierre Corneille Saint-Marc, whose works were staged at significant sites like the Roman amphitheatre of Orange.

Foraging Behaviour of Sri Lanka Yellow-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus) in the Montane Cloud Forests of Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2017 — WHEAF5527E3ED

The Sri Lanka Yellow-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus) demonstrates a strong preference for montane cloud forests, with 95% of its foraging activity concentrated in these habitats. This species predominantly forages on the leaves of Rubus ellipticus, employing 'gulping' as its primary food-handling technique. Foraging occurs at an average height of 3.6 meters above ground, primarily within the middle horizontal position of trees with moderate foliage density. The study, conducted in Horton Plains National Park from September 2015 to April 2017, used line transects and opportunistic observations to gather data on foraging behavior, movement patterns, and plant utilization. Findings indicate that P. penicillatus utilizes a variety of plant species and sizes for foraging, highlighting its adaptability within the montane cloud forest ecosystem.

Forest Above Ground Biomass Estimation from Remotely Sensed Imagery in the Mount Tai Area Using the RBF ANN Algorithm

Mount Taishan — 2017 — WHEAB5CD86C17

A novel approach using radial basis function artificial neural networks (RBF ANNs) significantly enhances the accuracy of estimating forest above-ground biomass (AGB) from remotely sensed imagery, outperforming traditional methods like multivariate linear regression and other neural network models. This study applied Landsat 8 OLI imagery and field data to model AGB in Mount Tai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Shandong Province, China. The RBF ANN demonstrated superior precision compared to k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and backpropagation artificial neural networks (BP ANNs), offering a more efficient and reliable tool for assessing forest productivity and carbon cycling dynamics. This advancement supports better-informed forest management and scientific planning.

Forth Road Bridge – first internal inspection, strength evaluation, acoustic monitoring and dehumidification of the main cables

The Forth Bridge — 2017 — WHE0BD6BA457B

A first internal inspection of the Forth Road Bridge's main cables, conducted in 2003, revealed significant corrosion within the structure. This finding prompted a strength evaluation, which assessed both current and future structural integrity. The study also introduced an acoustic monitoring system to track cable conditions over time and implemented dehumidification measures to mitigate further deterioration. These interventions aim to preserve one of Scotland's key transport links, which carries over 65,000 vehicles daily.

Forth Road Bridge – maintenance challenges

The Forth Bridge — 2017 — WHE44B73CF0D0

Significant corrosion was detected in the main cables of the Forth Road Bridge, prompting remedial works. The bridge, a strategic commuter route with traffic increasing from 4 million to 24 million vehicles annually, faces maintenance challenges due to its operational constraints. Major projects over the next 15 years include strengthening the suspended span deck truss, replacing deck joints and bearings, and extensive maintenance such as waterproofing, resurfacing, and painting. Previous work has already addressed tower strengthening, pier defences, hanger replacement, and underdeck access improvements. All interventions must be executed during overnight or weekend closures to minimize disruptions.

Foundations of the St. Louis Fur Trade

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2017 — WHE7EA944FC08

A new perspective on the early St. Louis fur trade emerges, challenging traditional narratives by highlighting neglected manuscripts from the Missouri History Museum and the Archivo General de Indias in Seville. This research reveals a diverse cast of figures—négociants, commerçants, and voyageurs—who played pivotal roles in shaping the trade's foundations, rather than focusing solely on Pierre Laclède Liguest and Auguste Chouteau. The study also explores the competitive dynamics between American traders and British counterparts, along with the involvement of Indigenous peoples. By drawing from previously underutilized sources, this work offers a more nuanced understanding of the fur trade's origins and its broader historical significance.

Four new species of terrestrial-breeding frogs of the genus Phrynopus (Anura: Terrarana: Craugastoridae) from Río Abiseo National Park, Peru

Río Abiseo National Park — 2017 — WHEF6953E8D51

Researchers have identified four new species of terrestrial-breeding frogs within the genus Phrynopus, significantly expanding the known diversity of this group. These discoveries, made on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Oriental near and within Río Abiseo National Park in Peru, include Phrynopus anancites, P. capitalis, P. dumicola, and P. personatus, each exhibiting distinct morphological traits such as coloration, skin texture, and habitat preferences. Notably, one specimen of P. dumicola was found infected with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a fungal pathogen linked to amphibian declines. The study highlights the biodiversity richness of Río Abiseo National Park, which harbors these frogs in diverse habitats ranging from wet montane grasslands to tropical montane rain forests at elevations between 2800 and 3850 meters.

Framing a Lost City

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu — 2017 — WHEA7A8FB0FF1

Visualization, particularly through photography, played a decisive role in transforming Machu Picchu from an obscured ruin into a globally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amy Cox Hall's analysis of Hiram Bingham's three expeditions to Peru (1911, 1912, 1914–1915) demonstrates that photography shaped the site's perception as both a scientific discovery and a symbol of Peruvian heritage. While Bingham's work relied on local knowledge and labor, his photographic practices stabilized the narrative of Machu Picchu as a 'lost city,' influencing its cultural significance worldwide. This study highlights how images circulated globally, taking on varied meanings—especially in Peru, where the site became a national patrimony requiring protection.

From Above and on the Ground: Geospatial Methods for Recording Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa

Archaeological Site of Cyrene — 2017 — WHEC138C6925B

The EAMENA project demonstrates that geospatial methods, combining satellite imagery from 1960s to 2017 with published data and field surveys, can effectively document and analyze threats to archaeological sites across the Middle East and North Africa. Using Cyrene as a case study, the research highlights how modern urban expansion impacts World Heritage Sites, while also showcasing the methodology's scalability through extensive land-use mapping of Homs Cairns. The approach, which integrates image interpretation and fieldwork, proves more effective than crowd-sourcing or automation alone for assessing disturbances in diverse regions.

From Chauvet to Lascaux: 15,000 Years of Cave Art

Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley — 2017 — WHECC51E464DD

A comprehensive analysis of Upper Paleolithic cave art reveals significant shifts in symbolic language, animal representation, and spatial layout over 15,000 years, linking Chauvet (36 ka BP) to Lascaux (21 ka BP). The study identifies two distinct occupation periods at Chauvet—Aurignacian (37–33.5 ka BP) with black zoomorphic paintings—and traces evolutionary patterns in artistic expression amid glacial environments. Unlike Lascaux, which suffered from tourist-induced microclimate disruption and is now closed, Chauvet offers pristine examples of early Western European art. The research underscores the socio-cultural behavior of Homo sapiens during this era, providing insights into their adaptive strategies and symbolic development.

From Cognitive Maps to Transparent Static Web Maps: Tools for Indigenous Territorial Control in La Muskitia, Honduras

Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve — 2017 — WHE711137A647

Indigenous Miskitu, Tawahka, and Pech communities in Honduras, in collaboration with university geographers, have developed transparent static web maps as a tool for maintaining indigenous territorial control. This approach allows them to share their cognitive maps publicly while retaining the original design and intended representation of their lands. The project began with large-scale paper maps created in 1998–1999 during the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve participatory research mapping (PRM) initiative, which were later digitized into GIS vector files by 2012 and converted to web-based transparent static maps between 2013–2014. This method addresses the challenge of public access to map data without losing control over its representation, offering a solution for long-term indigenous land management while reflecting distinct indigenous concepts and practices.

From Gabii and Gordion to Eretria and Methone: the Rise of the Greek Alphabet

Gordion — 2017 — WHE8D0DA98BDA

Recent findings from Methone, including three long inscriptions likely written in Eretrian script, provide crucial evidence for the diffusion of literacy and the evolution of the Greek alphabet. These inscriptions challenge traditional views by suggesting that the alphabet's development involved three distinct phases—Cretan, Euboean, Roman, and Ionian—contradicting earlier assumptions about its Phoenician origins. The discovery also supports a revised chronology for the Middle and Late Geometric periods, resolving inconsistencies in previous theories. Additionally, the inscriptions indicate that the Euboean script was sophisticated enough to record complex texts, such as epic poetry, by this stage. This study bridges archaeological evidence with linguistic history, offering new insights into the spread of literacy across the Mediterranean.

From Homo Erectus to Neanderthals

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian — 2017 — WHE091657D57A

A newly discovered Neanderthal skull from Shanidar Cave, Iraq, provides critical insights into the evolution and behavior of Neanderthals. This finding, alongside evidence from other sites like Zhoukoudian near Beijing, challenges outdated stereotypes about Neanderthals as primitive or brutish. The study examines anatomical features, stone tool technology, hunting practices, fire use, burial rituals, and potential artwork, offering a more nuanced understanding of their capabilities and cultural practices. It also explores three major theories on Neanderthal evolution while mapping key archaeological sites across Europe, western Asia, North Africa, and East Asia to trace the spread of hominins during the Lower Paleolithic period.