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Impact of Land Use Change to the Soil Erosion Estimation for Cultural Landscapes: Case Study of Paphos District in Cyprus

Paphos — 2017 — WHEF11407F276

Land use changes significantly impact soil erosion and loss rates in cultural landscapes, with urban areas exacerbating runoff while natural vegetation mitigates water erosion. A study of Paphos District, Cyprus, used Earth Observation (EO) data from Landsat 5 TM and Sentinel-2 to assess land cover changes between the 1980s and present, comparing Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values. The research found that urban expansion and agricultural activities increase soil erosion, particularly in areas of cultural heritage value. By analyzing the cover factor—measuring the effect of vegetation, crops, and human activity on soil stability—the study highlighted how land use shifts alter erosion dynamics, posing risks to both natural and archaeological landscapes.

Impact of Tourism Growth on the Changing Landscape of a World Heritage Site: Case of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

Town of Luang Prabang — 2017 — WHE7E742FD90D

Tourism growth in Luang Prabang has paradoxically strengthened its heritage elements while also raising concerns about landscape transformation. Research combining GIS analysis with statistical methods revealed that buildings transitioning to touristic use were more likely along riverbanks than inland, and this shift correlated with architectural changes—such as adopting Lao traditional styles, switching roof materials from modern to traditional, and using modern building materials instead of traditional ones. These findings highlight how tourism can both preserve heritage aesthetics while altering the built environment, warranting closer monitoring by conservation authorities.

Impact of traffic vibration on the temple of minerva medica, rome: preliminary study within the co.b.ra. project

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2017 — WHE9887661B09

Traffic-induced vibrations pose significant risks to ancient structures, particularly those located near urban transport routes. A preliminary study on the Temple of Minerva Medica in Rome reveals that long-term exposure to vibrations from nearby railway tracks and tramways can lead to structural fatigue and damage. Researchers used advanced technologies, including triaxial velocimeters, 3D architectural surveys via laser scanning and photogrammetry, and non-destructive material testing, to assess the temple's dynamic behavior and vulnerability. Data collected over two seasons—summer and winter—highlighted seasonal variations in structural response. These findings contribute to the CO.B.RA. project, which aims to develop innovative methods for preserving cultural heritage by integrating vibration analysis with detailed 3D modeling and thermographic imaging.

Impact of Urbanization and Climate Change on Urban Flooding: A case of the Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley — 2017 — WHE7976E34190

Future climate change combined with current urbanization levels will significantly increase pluvial flooding in the Kathmandu Valley, with potential for a 40% rise in flood volume under extreme rainfall events. This projection underscores the inadequacy of existing drainage infrastructure designed for present climatic conditions to handle future scenarios. The study employed a dual quantitative and qualitative approach, utilizing tools like RClimdex (a statistical downscaling model) and PCSWMM, alongside Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) curve analysis based on Gumbel distribution. By examining the interplay between urban imperviousness and extreme rainfall, the research highlights critical vulnerabilities in urban drainage systems, offering a data-driven warning for infrastructure planning in rapidly developing regions.

Imposex in Stramonita haemastoma from coastal sites of Cartagena, Colombia

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2017 — WHEEA210A8D5A

A study on the gastropod Stramonita haemastoma in Cartagena, Colombia, revealed high levels of imposex—where females develop male sexual characteristics due to chemical contamination—in coastal waters. At Birds' Island, 93.1% of females exhibited imposex, compared to 31.8% at La Bocana, with both sites showing signs of organotin compound contamination. The research compared morphometric variables and imposex frequency between high- and low-port activity locations, indicating significant differences linked to human influence. These findings highlight the environmental impact of antifouling paints on marine life in Cartagena's coastal ecosystems.

Improving the Hawaiian Seismic Network for Earthquake Early Warning

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2017 — WHEB9A3346E98

A new method to optimize seismic station placement significantly enhances earthquake early warning (EEW) capabilities, particularly for high-risk areas. The study identifies 13 strategic sites in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and surrounding regions where additional sensors or upgrades could provide an extra 1–4 seconds of warning for damaging earthquakes, focusing on astronomical observatories on Mauna Kea and population centers like Hilo and Kailua-Kona. This approach balances seismic hazard distribution with exposure risks, offering a scalable solution applicable to other seismically active regions. The research demonstrates that even small improvements in station coverage can substantially increase warning times, with potential benefits for infrastructure protection and public safety.

Impulse response of the Bayreuth Festspielhaus

Margravial Opera House Bayreuth — 2017 — WHE4B0646ABBB

The Bayreuth Festspielhaus, renowned for its Wagner-influenced architecture, exhibits unusually long reverberation times compared to typical opera houses. A study measuring its impulse response using hand-claps and smartphone recordings confirmed these acoustic properties, aligning with existing literature. The research validates a method for monitoring room acoustics, offering insights into the unique sound dynamics of this historic venue.

In Pursuit of Ancient Cyrenaica: Two Hundred Years of Exploration Set against the History of Archaeology in Europe (1706–1911)

Archaeological Site of Cyrene — 2017 — WHEC1D054C34F

This book provides a detailed diachronic account of the exploration and documentation of UNESCO World Heritage Site Cyrene, revealing significant insights into the formation processes affecting ancient sites over two centuries. By analyzing travelers' accounts from 1706 to 1911, the study compares historical descriptions with current observations, offering valuable evidence for cultural heritage preservation. The research employs a thematic and chronological approach, grouping travelers by their motivations—adventure, survey, or archaeological exploration—and examines how practical factors like road availability influenced site selection. Illustrated with historic and contemporary images, this work underscores Cyrenaica's archaeological potential while highlighting the impact of recent political instability on its heritage.

In the light of Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2017 — WHEBF02FCEB0C

A controversial art performance by Chim↑Pom in Hiroshima, which drew the word 'pika'—an onomatopoeia evoking the atomic bomb's flash—over the Peace Memorial Park, is critiqued for perpetuating the banalization and normalization of nuclear violence. The study argues that this performance did not offer a novel perspective but instead downplayed the physical harms inflicted by the bomb, particularly on injured female bodies in 1950s Japan and the U.S. By analyzing perceptions of these bodies across both countries, the research reveals how such performances contribute to the ongoing trivialization of nuclear trauma, obscuring its lasting human consequences.

Incamisana: Engineering an Inca Water Temple

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2017 — WHEC5858B3D41

A masterpiece of Inca civil engineering, the Incamisana water temple at Ollantaytambo, Peru, stands as a high-status sanctuary for worship of water. The temple's architecture and hydraulic works, including fourteen ceremonial fountains with three more under construction, showcase intricate planning and execution. Flooding in 1679 preserved its lower portion, offering a unique glimpse into its design. Reverse engineering field research, paleohydrological studies, and archaeological investigations revealed the temple's sophisticated water supply system, canals, and conduit/distribution network. Cliff carvings parallel to the temple add a mystical dimension, while Inca roads connected Ollantaytambo to the broader empire, underscoring its cultural significance.

Increasing rock-avalanche size and mobility in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska detected from 1984 to 2016 Landsat imagery

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2017 — WHEF654331864

A significant increase in the size and mobility of rock avalanches has been detected in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, over a 33-year period from 1984 to 2016. This study, utilizing 30-meter Landsat imagery, identified 24 rock avalanches within a 5000-km² area, none of which were triggered by earthquakes. Notably, a cluster of large and highly mobile rock avalanches occurred between June 2012 and June 2016, coinciding with record-breaking warm winter and spring temperatures. The findings suggest that these changes may be linked to rock-permafrost degradation, although other factors such as elastic strain accumulation, glacial thinning, and increased precipitation could also contribute to slope instability during periods of warmth.

Indian Textiles at Mozambique Island in the Mid-Eighteenth Century

Island of Mozambique — 2017 — WHEB84E4B4171

A comprehensive analysis of nearly eighty Indian cotton cloth types imported to Mozambique Island in the 1750s reveals a diverse and intricate textile trade network in the western Indian Ocean. By leveraging archival and literary sources, this study identifies and categorizes these textiles based on provenance, design, and price, providing valuable insights into the economic and cultural exchanges of the period. The research highlights the significance of Mozambique Island as a key hub for the distribution of Indian textiles, offering a detailed snapshot of mid-eighteenth-century trade dynamics.

Indoor Aeromycoflora Of The Central Library Of Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan With Reference To Book Deterioration

Santiniketan — 2017 — WHE69B93B97D2

A study of the indoor aeromycoflora in the Central Library of Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, identified 16 fungal spore types and 25 fungal species, with the highest concentrations recorded in October. Among these, 10 fungi were found to deteriorate books, with Penicillium oxalicum exhibiting the strongest cellulose degradation activity. The research used Burkard personal volumetric air sampler and Andersen two-stage sampler over six months (August 2016–March 2017) to assess fungal presence and its potential impact on book preservation.

Inferring evolutionary responses of Anolis carolinensis introduced into the Ogasawara archipelago using whole genome sequence data

Ogasawara Islands — 2017 — WHED7B513BF3B

Introduced populations of the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis) on the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, exhibit longer hindlimb lengths compared to their native Florida counterparts, suggesting rapid adaptive evolution despite a small founder population. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the effective population size at introduction was less than 50 individuals, yet standing genetic variation persisted, enabling adaptation to nonnative environments. The study identified five candidate genes potentially under selection using SweeD and Tajima's D, π, and FST analyses, highlighting the role of pre-existing genetic diversity in facilitating adaptive responses in invasive species.

Influence of Cloud/Fog on Atmospheric VOCs in the Free Troposphere: A Case Study at Mount Tai in Eastern China

Mount Taishan — 2017 — WHE7E04D62AAA

Cloudy and foggy conditions at Mount Tai in eastern China significantly increase the accumulation of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with oxy-VOCs (OVOCs) contributing 67% to total VOCs on cloudy/foggy days compared to 72% on non-cloudy days. Acetone emerged as the most abundant compound, reaching 18 ppb under cloudy conditions versus 15 ppb otherwise. Surprisingly, while overall VOC concentrations rose in cloudy/foggy weather, most OVOCs were more prevalent during non-cloudy periods, suggesting atmospheric photochemical reactions play a role in their depletion. Air mass trajectory analysis linked increased VOC levels to pollution from heavily industrialized regions. The study highlights that VOC dynamics at Mount Tai are influenced by a complex interplay of factors including cloud/fog presence, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction, with OVOCs and aromatics being key contributors to ozone formation potential.

Influence of fire regime and other habitat factors on a eucalypt forest bird community in south-eastern Australia in the 1980s

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2017 — WHE9BBA414776

A study of eucalypt forest bird communities in the Greater Blue Mountains Area during the 1980s found that fire regime variables, such as postfire age, frequency, and severity, had no significant impact on bird community structure. Instead, tree canopy height emerged as a critical factor, with taller forests—likely due to higher soil fertility and increased structural complexity—supporting greater species richness and abundance of birds. The presence of rainforest understorey negatively influenced bird diversity, while nectar-rich flowers contributed to higher numbers of nectarivorous birds, particularly during winter. Conducted between 1986–87, the research highlights the adaptability of common forest birds to varying fire regimes but underscores the need for further investigation into how future climate-driven changes in fire severity and frequency may affect these ecosystems.

Influence of Pansharpening in Obtaining Accurate Vegetation Maps

Teide National Park — 2017 — WHE658AFD10E1

A study assessing the influence of pansharpening techniques on vegetation mapping accuracy found that the Weighted Wavelet ‘à trous’ through Fractal Dimension Maps algorithm significantly improved image fusion preprocessing, leading to more precise thematic maps. The research applied pixel- and object-based classification techniques to fused imagery using different algorithms in Teide National Park, a vulnerable heterogeneous ecosystem in Spain. While the Bayes method proved most effective for generating accurate vegetation maps post-segmentation, Support Vector Machine achieved the highest overall accuracy. This work highlights the potential of pansharpening to enhance environmental monitoring and management, particularly in complex ecosystems.

Ingombe Ilede and the demise of Great Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2017 — WHE865EC20949

Great Zimbabwe's decline from the mid-15th to the 16th century was driven by regional shifts in trade patterns and political dynamics, challenging traditional views of static pre-colonial states. Oral-historical data reveals that human mobility shaped Great Zimbabwe's spatial features, power strategies, and resource management, while its expansion to control Zambezi trade undermined its dominance over the southern Zimbabwe plateau. This period saw the rise of new political formations like the Mwene Mutapa state and Ingombe Ilede, which capitalized on changing trade routes that attracted Portuguese explorers to south-central Africa.

Initial H2O content and conditions of parent magma origin for Gorely volcano (Southern Kamchatka) estimated by trace element thermobarometry

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2017 — WHE310BC9C9CB

Gorely volcano, located behind the volcanic front in Southern Kamchatka, exhibits unique magma formation conditions distinct from frontal volcanoes. Research reveals that its parental magmas contained 1.7 ± 0.8 wt % H₂O, with most lost during crystallization, and formed at exceptionally high temperatures (1121 ± 17°C) under an oxygen fugacity of ΔQFM 1.2 ± 0.2. These magmas likely originated from approximately 11% melting of an enriched MORB source at ~1270°C and 1.5 GPa, with a notable subduction component forming at 925 ± 20°C—higher than typical for Kamchatka. The study employed trace element thermobarometry to unravel these conditions, offering insights into the geochemical processes shaping this rear-arc volcanic system.

Initial Recognition Results of Species Composition and Characteristics of Harmful Organisms at My Son Sanctuary Heritage Area

My Son Sanctuary — 2017 — WHE9315317795

A three-year survey (2012–2014) at My Son Sanctuary identified 50 harmful species, including termites, vertebrates, fungi, and plants, with fungi (Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium) causing the most significant damage to the heritage towers, particularly in Towers C, B, D, and A. Among plant species, four—Bidens pilosa L., Tectaria zeylanica, Hedyotis diffusa Willd, and Selphinella delicatula—were found invading all towers. While termite damage was minimal, six vertebrate species (66.7%) also posed light harm. The study highlights these pests as priority targets for conservation efforts to mitigate structural risks.