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Metageographies of coastal management: Negotiating spaces of nature and culture at the Wadden Sea

Wadden Sea — 2017 — WHEEF1D9BBF26

Coastal management and nature conservation practices significantly shape the spatial dynamics of coastal landscapes, often creating rigid boundaries that disrupt fluid natural transitions. A study analyzing a climate adaptation strategy for the Wadden Sea in northern Germany reveals that these practices are deeply rooted in socio-spatial imaginaries and boundary-making processes, reflecting distinct cultural geographies. The research highlights the need for policy strategies to incorporate multiple stakeholder perspectives and move beyond technical or disciplinary silos. By engaging with diverse socio-spatial constructions of the coast, future management efforts can better address coastal change while fostering new, alternative spatial narratives.

Metaviromes of Extracellular Soil Viruses along a Namib Desert Aridity Gradient

Namib Sand Sea — 2017 — WHED706EDC8B8

Researchers uncovered diverse extracellular soil viruses in the hyperarid Namib Sand Sea, revealing how viral communities vary along a gradient of increasing aridity. By analyzing metaviromes—genetic material from viruses extracted from surface soils—using deep sequencing, the study identified distinct viral profiles linked to moisture levels and microbial activity. This finding highlights the resilience and adaptability of desert viral ecosystems, offering insights into viral dynamics in extreme environments where water scarcity shapes microbial life. The approach combined field sampling with advanced genomic techniques to map viral diversity across arid landscapes.

Miejsca Pamięci na Tle UNESCO 1972 World Heritage Convention Oraz Kryterium VI Wytycznych Operacyjnych Jej Stosowania

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2017 — WHE2173E087E4

Auschwitz-Birkenau's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under Criterion VI introduced the controversial 'symbolic representation' principle, allowing it to stand alone as the sole symbol of the Holocaust while barring future similar inscriptions. This approach lacks legal foundation in the 1972 Convention and risks leaving other globally significant memory sites unprotected. The study argues that adopting 'serial inscriptions'—a recognized practice for grouping related sites—could mitigate this issue by providing legal protection without enforcing symbolic exclusivity.

Minas que valorizam o patrimônio geomineiro para o turismo e educação: exemplos de Idrija (Eslovênia) e Passagem (Minas Gerais - Brasil)

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2017 — WHEB598ECCC0C

Exhausted mines, when repurposed for public visitation, offer valuable opportunities to preserve and promote geomining heritage. A comparative study of the Idrija Mine (Slovenia) and the Passagem Mine (Brazil) reveals distinct approaches to leveraging these sites for tourism, education, and scientific dissemination. While both serve as examples of successful rehabilitation, their differing strategies—encompassing museological, educational, and recreational dimensions—significantly impact the quality of visitor experiences and heritage appreciation. The research employed a qualitative, exploratory, and documentary analysis, including field visits, to assess geological contexts, historical narratives, visitation proposals, and targeted programs for specific audiences. These findings underscore the importance of tailored approaches in maximizing the potential of geomining heritage sites.

Mineralogy and chemical compositions of ancient slags from Volubilis archaeological site and Awam ancient mine (Morocco)

Archaeological Site of Volubilis — 2017 — WHE2E6DD15368

Ancient slags from the Roman-period archaeological site of Volubilis and the Awam mine in Morocco reveal evidence of sophisticated pyrometallurgical techniques. Analysis of six slag samples using optical microscopy, XRD, ICP-AES, and XRF identified iron oxi-hydroxide, quartz, pyroxene, and calcite, with bulk chemical compositions suggesting the refining of a homogeneous polymetallic ore, likely similar to that of Awam (rich in lead and silver). The minimal metal content in the slags indicates advanced metallurgical mastery during the 2nd–3rd centuries AD. This study provides insights into Roman-era mining and smelting practices, linking Volubilis to the Awam mine's mineralogical profile.

Mirrors in the Burial Rites of Saryarka Population in the Golden Horde Period

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2017 — WHE7897B40887

Archaeological research at UNESCO World Heritage Site Saryarka reveals the significance of mirrors in Golden Horde burial rites, suggesting their role as symbolic status markers. Analysis of 12th-14th century grave goods from northern Kazakhstan demonstrates that mirror inclusion correlated with social hierarchy and gender, particularly among elite males. The study employed stratigraphic excavation and artifact typology to identify patterns, challenging previous assumptions about ritual uniformity in the region.

Misconceptions of “Stupendous Antiquities” : Native American Mounds, Euro-Americans, and Racial Ideas

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2017 — WHE896364843D

A study reveals that the neglect of Indigenous mound sites, such as Cahokia near St. Louis, Illinois, stems from 19th-century Euro-American racial attitudes and misconceptions. Despite Cahokia's grandeur—comparable to London in size by 1200 AD and featuring advanced engineering, urban planning, and astronomical knowledge—the site was not protected until 1964 due to widespread dismissal of Indigenous capabilities. Scholars often attributed these structures to non-Indigenous cultures or aliens, reinforcing stereotypes that Indigenous peoples were incapable of such achievements. This research demonstrates how racial biases led to the degradation and neglect of these sites, highlighting the intersection of antiquities preservation with historical perceptions of race.

Mitogenome evolution in the last surviving woolly mammoth population reveals neutral and functional consequences of small population size

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2017 — WHE0A87CF2DB6

Isolation on Wrangel Island led to the fixation of deleterious genetic mutations in the last surviving woolly mammoth population, likely due to strong genetic drift in a small population. The study analyzed high-quality mitogenomes from 21 radiocarbon-dated woolly mammoths, comparing the ancestral Late Pleistocene Siberian population with the Holocene Wrangel Island population. Findings revealed that mitogenome diversity was reduced to a single haplotype at isolation, indicating the Holocene population was established by one maternal lineage. Additionally, mutation rates suggest an accelerated evolutionary rate in the isolated population, supporting the hypothesis that purifying selection becomes less effective in small populations.

Mobile Aerosol Measurement in the Eastern Mediterranean - A Utilization of Portable Instruments

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2017 — WHE01CE6B998C

A pioneering mobile aerosol measurement campaign in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Jordan's Wadi Rum Protected Area, revealed significant spatial variation in particle concentrations. Submicron particles were highest in urban areas like Amman and Zarqa, while micron-sized particles dominated southern regions near deserts such as Wadi Rum. The study used portable instruments mounted in a car with open windows to sample aerosol number (0.01–10 µm), mass (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), and black carbon concentrations across three-quarters of Jordan in two days. Findings showed submicron concentrations ranging from 4.9 × 10³ to 120 × 10³ cm⁻³, with PM10 making up 40–75% of fine particles (PM1). Black carbon aligned with PM1 and submicron trends, offering preliminary insights into regional aerosol dynamics influenced by urban, industrial, and desert environments.

Model-based estimation of land subsidence in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2017 — WHE9759CDFDC2

Land subsidence in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, is primarily driven by deep aquifer compaction due to excessive groundwater abstraction, with hotspots identified in the north and northeast peripheral areas. This study, the first of its kind, used a fully calibrated groundwater flow model coupled with surface-subsurface modeling to predict subsidence patterns. The findings indicate that changes in land cover within recharge areas significantly influence subsidence sensitivity, while the Melamchi water supply project demonstrates some mitigative effects. Although the analysis is preliminary and lacks field measurements, it provides critical insights for hazard prevention management, guiding future field investigations, monitoring networks, and groundwater data upgrades. However, a more comprehensive model incorporating clay subsidence is needed to fully assess the vulnerability of the densely populated central valley core.

Model‐based mapping of assemblages for ecology and conservation management: A case study of demersal fish on the Kerguelen Plateau

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2017 — WHE5E7E58829D

A novel model-based approach, Regions of Common Profile (RCP), successfully mapped seven distinct demersal fish assemblages across the northern Kerguelen Plateau, revealing clear patterns linked to depth, surface temperature, and chlorophyll a. Shallow-water assemblages were dominated by endemic species, while deep-water ones included more cosmopolitan species. The study demonstrated that RCP effectively predicts species occurrences and assemblage composition, providing valuable insights for conservation management. Notably, the Heard Island and McDonald Islands marine reserve was found to be representative of most assemblages, except one deep-water group. This research highlights the utility of RCP in ecoregionalization and offers practical tools for spatial management in this ecologically significant Southern Ocean region.

Modification of REE distribution of ordinary chondrites from Atacama (Chile) and Lut (Iran) hot deserts: Insights into the chemical weathering of meteorites

Lut Desert — 2017 — WHE9E2CDF827C

Meteorites from hot deserts exhibit distinct rare earth element (REE) modifications due to chemical weathering, with Atacama (Chile) chondrites showing significant LREE enrichment and Ce anomalies, while Lut (Iran) meteorites display less REE alteration despite notable Sr content changes. This study used ICP-MS to analyze OC falls, revealing that Atacama's stable surfaces allow prolonged terrestrial interaction, leading to contamination by soil-derived trivalent REEs. Conversely, Lut's rapid weathering forms voluminous Fe oxides, limiting REE penetration. Findings underscore the need for caution when interpreting REE data from Atacama meteorites for cosmochemical applications, as their composition may be altered by terrestrial processes.

Modified human crania from Göbekli Tepe provide evidence for a new form of Neolithic skull cult

Göbekli Tepe — 2017 — WHE4675444F59

Archaeological evidence from Göbekli Tepe, dating back approximately 11,000 years, reveals a previously undocumented form of Neolithic skull cult. Carved and drilled human crania fragments, discovered at the ritual site, suggest sophisticated practices involving skull modification, distinct from known Neolithic traditions. The study, conducted by Gresky et al., employed detailed analysis of these artifacts to uncover their significance within the broader context of Pre-Pottery Neolithic cultures in southeastern Anatolia. This discovery challenges existing narratives about early human rituals and social structures, hinting at complex symbolic behaviors during a pivotal period in human history.

Modified Teeth, Cultural Diversity, and Community Building at Cahokia (AD 900–1400)

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2017 — WHEAEAF14316D

A significant discovery reveals that dental modification during the Mississippian period (AD 900–1400) was predominantly practiced by women and played a pivotal role in community building at Cahokia, North America's preeminent cultural center. This insight emerges from analyzing new cases of modified teeth, which, when combined with strontium isotope data and evidence of biological relatedness, underscores the movement of women across regions and their contribution to forming social and biological relationships. The study expands the known styles of dental modification while providing critical demographic context, offering a deeper understanding of cultural behavior and human interaction in prehistoric societies.

Mohenjo-Daro's Small Public Structures: Heterarchy, Collective Action and a Re-visitation of Old Interpretations with GIS and 3D Modelling

Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro — 2017 — WHE6148C10D63

A re-examination of Mohenjo-daro's small public structures challenges and refines long-standing interpretations, revealing that these buildings likely served as interconnected components of a single complex rather than isolated 'hostels' or 'offices.' Using GIS analysis and 3D modeling based on early excavation reports, researchers found evidence supporting Ernest Mackay's original hypothesis that these structures had a public orientation. The study also highlights architectural shifts over time, with an increasing preference for smaller houses and public buildings, offering new insights into the heterarchical organization of the Indus civilization (c. 2600–1900 BCE). This approach underscores the potential of digital revisitation to reinterpret archaeological datasets and old interpretations.

Molecular Biogeography of Australian and New Zealand Reptiles and Amphibians

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2017 — WHE7D84AE8C39

Reptiles and amphibians, though ubiquitous in Australia and New Zealand, exhibit markedly distinct taxonomic compositions due to the continents' divergent geological histories. Australia's ancient, arid landscape contrasts with New Zealand's young, geologically active terrain, shaped by Gondwana's breakup and recent climatic fluctuations. These factors have driven adaptive radiations, resulting in unique herpetofaunal diversity across both regions. The study employs molecular biogeography to elucidate these evolutionary patterns, highlighting the influence of tectonic processes and environmental changes on reptile and amphibian distributions.

Molecular characterisation of protist parasites in human-habituated mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), humans and livestock, from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2017 — WHE3B8016F61B

A molecular analysis of protist parasites in mountain gorillas, humans, and livestock around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park revealed that 54.6% of the 203 samples contained globally documented parasite species or genotypes, including Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B, E), and Entamoeba. Notably, C. parvum was detected in both a mountain gorilla and a goat, while Giardia and Entamoeba were found across humans and cattle. The study identified 76 new sequence records, highlighting the need for further epidemiological investigations to assess zoonotic/zooanthroponotic potential in this impoverished region.

Molecular organic indicators for human activities in the Roman harbor of Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus — 2017 — WHE499280B78B

A significant increase in concentrations of organic substances, including n-alkanes, fatty acids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), was detected in sediment cores from the Roman harbor of Ephesus. These changes indicate heightened anthropogenic activity during Ephesus' flourishing period, likely due to increased use of natural products like waxes and their discharge via municipal sewage or direct emission in the harbor area. While no single indicator substance directly reflects ancient harbor activities, systematic shifts in organic matter composition provide clear evidence of human influence on the environment. This approach demonstrates the potential for molecular organic indicators to detect past settlement activities, offering a transferable method for studying other sedimentary geoarchives.

Monastères et espace social: Genèse et transformation d’un système de lieux dans l’Occident médiéval ed. by Michel Lauwers

Abbey of St Gall — 2017 — WHE696F7CA520

A penetrating overview of monastic construction and operation in Western Europe from the seventh to fifteenth centuries reveals that monasteries evolved into complex social systems, shaped by earlier structures, site constraints, and economic strategies. The study, based on a collection of specialized articles edited by Michel Lauwers, highlights how monastic spaces were organized hierarchically, with sacred centers surrounded by profane peripheries, reflecting both spiritual and economic dominance. Research utilized cartularies, foundation stories, and advanced techniques like magnetic gradient surveys to uncover linear anomalies in soil, providing insights into construction processes and spatial organization. The findings underscore the resilience of monastic layouts, often preserving quietude through marginal changes while accommodating diverse functions such as worship, work, and hospitality.

Monastic interactions between Calabria and Mount Athos in the Middle Ages

Mount Athos — 2017 — WHE071022A602

A critical reassessment of monastic interactions between Calabria and Mount Athos during the Middle Ages reveals that Southern Italian ascetes, while traditionally viewed as one-sided admirers of Eastern Greek monasticism, played a more active role in fostering ties with the holy mountain. The study examines the displacements of Nikephoros the Naked—disciple of St Phantinos—and Bartholomew of Simeri, challenging conventional narratives by re-evaluating primary sources to highlight reciprocal exchanges and symbolic significance. This work shifts the focus from passive observation to active participation, offering a nuanced understanding of cross-regional monastic relationships in medieval Europe.