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Showing 2041 – 2060 of 15962 publications

Evidence of a shallow lake at Tsodilo Hills, Borswana, 17 500 to 15 000 yr BP: Further confirmation of a widespread Late Pleistocene humid period in the Kalahari Desert

Tsodilo — 2025 — WHEF24D2F03A4

A shallow lake existed at Tsodilo Hills, Botswana, during the Late Pleistocene (17,500 to 15,000 years ago), contradicting the region's current arid conditions. Lacustrine carbonates with freshwater diatoms were deposited in two distinct phases, suggesting a deeper, more permanent water body around 17,500 years BP and a seasonally drying lake at 15,000 years BP, possibly influenced by windblown sand. The study confirms a widespread humid period in the Kalahari Desert during this time, likely due to increased summer precipitation from the southerly shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), coupled with lower temperatures and evaporation rates. Sedimentology and diatom assemblages were analyzed to reconstruct past environmental conditions.

Evidence of eastern rockhopper penguin feeding on a key commercial arrow squid species

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2025 — WHE0A626B9529

Research reveals that eastern rockhopper penguins around Campbell Island, New Zealand, have incorporated the commercially valuable arrow squid Nototodarus sloanii into their diet for the first time during the 2012–13 breeding season. Stable isotope analysis of cephalopods in penguin diets showed ecological stability for Moroteuthopsis ingens, while shifts were observed in Octopus campbelli, possibly due to warmer oceanic temperatures. This suggests potential changes in cephalopod biodiversity in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean, underscoring the need for further study on this region's ecological dynamics.

Evidence of prehispanic land use from the Central Group, South Group and peripheral areas of Tak'alik Ab'aj, based on geochemical and loss on iginition (LOI) studies

National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj — 2025 — WHE000D2BCF95

Geochemical and loss-on-ignition (LOI) studies at the National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj reveal distinct patterns of prehispanic land use, supporting hypotheses from traditional excavations. Peripheral areas exhibited higher and more varied LOI values compared to central zones, indicating greater organic matter content and suggesting these regions were more actively utilized for residential or agricultural purposes. The research, conducted in collaboration between the park and the University of Warsaw, analyzed sediment samples from the Central Group, South Group, and peripheral areas using advanced geoarchaeological techniques to reconstruct land use dynamics.

Eviota bikiniensis, a new dwarfgoby from Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2025 — WHE1B41D48EE9

Researchers have identified a new species of dwarfgoby, Eviota bikiniensis, from Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. This discovery is notable for its unique morphological traits, including the absence of cephalic sensory-canal pores, thickened unbranched pectoral-fin rays, no fifth pelvic-fin ray, and a distinctive blue-white elongated first dorsal-fin spine in males. The study highlights the biodiversity of this UNESCO-listed nuclear test site, offering insights into the adaptability and diversity of marine life in such environments.

Evolutionary Patterns and Influencing Factors of Livelihood Resilience in Tourism-Dependent Communities Affected by an Epidemic: An Empirical Study in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2025 — WHEB880B932DC

Livelihood resilience in tourism-dependent communities within the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, China, showed moderate overall stability despite significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A study analyzing 365 households across five towns revealed a 6.38% decline in resilience during the epidemic disruption stage (2020–2022), followed by a 4.54% recovery post-2022. Key drivers of resilience included increased material capital, improved organizational management, and proactive attitudes toward livelihood challenges, while constraints such as reduced tourist numbers, inefficient ecotourism management, and limited financial resources hindered progress. The research highlights the importance of interactive pathways—buffering, adaptation, and transformation capabilities—in enhancing resilience under exogenous shocks like pandemics.

Ex situ Conservation of Mexican Flora from Arid Regions: How Well is it Represented in the FESIUNAM Seed Bank?

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2025 — WHEBBB8AF107C

The FESI-UNAM Seed Bank (SB) holds over 5,200 accessions of approximately 2,500 species from Mexico's arid regions, with a notable concentration of endemic and threatened flora. The SB's collection includes 2,135 accessions from these zones, representing 1,182 species across 547 genera and 108 families. Regions like the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley and central Mexico dominate the collection, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Cactaceae comprising nearly half of the samples. However, significant gaps remain in representation, particularly for endangered or endemic species in underrepresented regions. The study identifies these gaps to guide future conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to bolster seed collections from arid zones to safeguard Mexico's unique biodiversity.

Examinations of the medieval wall paintings in Crac des Chevaliers (Syria)

Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din — 2025 — WHE0CCB329843

A recent examination of the medieval wall paintings in Crac des Chevaliers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant Crusader fortifications in the Levant, has uncovered previously unknown details. The study, conducted as part of a new restoration program supported by Hungary and involving the Syro-Hungarian Archaeological Mission, utilized advanced techniques such as ED-XRF, OM, and PFIB-SEM to analyze the murals in situ within the castle's main chapel. These investigations revealed intricate details of damaged and incomplete depictions, providing insights into the painting technique and materials used. The research, conducted at the University of Miskolc's laboratories, contributes significantly to our understanding of the artistic and historical significance of Crac des Chevaliers, especially following the devastation caused by recent conflicts.

Examining the Contribution of Protected Area-Based Tourism to Sustainable Development Goals

Lake Malawi National Park — 2025 — WHE107B22EFBE

Protected area-based tourism at Lake Malawi National Park significantly contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing local livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and ecological health. The study reveals that such tourism creates employment and entrepreneurship opportunities while supporting community-led conservation initiatives, thereby reinforcing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. By integrating these dimensions, Lake Malawi National Park emerges as a model for leveraging tourism to drive sustainable development. The research underscores the critical role of local community participation in maximizing tourism benefits and ensuring equitable resource distribution, ultimately fostering long-term conservation and community resilience.

Examining the Hashim Chalbi House’s Spatial Aspects in Erbil Citadel: Understanding the Museum’s Configuration Potential via Depthmap Analysis

Erbil Citadel — 2025 — WHE4B37816CD9

Space syntax analysis reveals the Hashim Chalbi House, a historic residence turned museum within Erbil Citadel (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), holds significant potential for conservation and restoration while preserving its architectural and cultural integrity. This study addresses a recognized gap in spatial analyses of heritage buildings by using depthmap analysis to map and interpret the house's spatial configuration, offering insights into social and cultural interactions. The findings provide actionable guidance for maintaining the museum's historical authenticity and functionality, ensuring that future conservation efforts balance structural preservation with adaptive reuse.

Examining the Mediating Effect of Destination Image Between Sensory Impression and Behavioral Intention: Empirical Evidence From China World Natural Heritage Sites

Mount Sanqingshan National Park — 2025 — WHECFDCFEB391

A significant mediating role of destination image between sensory impressions and behavioral intentions is identified, particularly highlighting the influence of visual, olfactory, auditory, and tactile stimuli on tourists' cognitive, affective, and conative images at Mount Sanqingshan National Park (MSNP). The study, grounded in Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) theory, demonstrates that destination image positively impacts behavioral intention, especially through the conative component. Using data from 393 on-site questionnaires analyzed via Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the research reveals how sensory impressions shape tourists' perceptions and subsequent behaviors, offering novel insights for branding World Natural Heritage Sites (WNHSs).

Examining the Role of Contextual and Individual Components in the Formation of Gonbad-e Qābūs Tower

Gonbad-e Qābus — 2025 — WHE8B2DCEF99D

Gonbad-e Qābūs Tower, the tallest brick tower in the world, embodies both geometric symbolism and the personality traits of its Ziyarid ruler, Qabus Ibn Voshmgir. The study reveals that the tower's design reflects a spiritual journey from creation to divine return, with its circular base symbolizing perfection and its upward progression representing the verse 'Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.' Additionally, the tower's construction was influenced by Qabus’s innate moral qualities, acquired knowledge, cultural environment, and lifestyle. The research employed library and field studies, analyzing inscriptions, shapes, numbers, and words to decode these contextual and individual components.

Excavations in the Mamillah Area, Jerusalem: The Medieval Fortifications (pp. 125–152)

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2025 — WHEBBC6CF864C

Recent excavations in the Mamillah Area, northwest of Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, uncovered a medieval fortification line, including a wall and tower, constructed outside and parallel to the city's existing defenses. The structure featured a rock-cut lower section and an upper part built with stone set in grayish mortar, preserved only in its eastern segment. Archaeological findings, such as pottery from the Roman-Byzantine periods and the 12th–early 13th centuries CE, along with mason’s marks, coins, architectural fragments, and fresco remnants depicting religious motifs, suggest a post-Crusader origin and pre-Mamluk destruction. The fortification's dating was determined through stratigraphic analysis and artifact study, revealing its strategic significance during a transitional period in Jerusalem's history.

Exceptional Cases in the Personal Names Inscribed on the Woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana and Their Implications

Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks — 2025 — WHE3B192920E6

Research on the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks reveals exceptional cases of personal names inscribed, challenging conventional assumptions about their origins. The study identifies non-carver contributors, such as '朴才', who engaged in calligraphic activities rather than carving, and unusual patterns like ABBCC and dual-name-per-block (一經板二人名). These findings suggest a more complex workflow in woodblock creation, potentially explaining variations in script and style. The research also introduces key concepts like '목판인' (woodblock person) and '일경판일각수' (one-carver-per-block principle), providing new insights into the historical and technical aspects of this UNESCO-listed Korean treasure.

Execution of Repair Works on the Trogir –Čiovo Island Bridge

Historic City of Trogir — 2025 — WHEA77F0A140F

A comprehensive restoration of the Trogir–Čiovo Island Bridge, a UNESCO-listed movable bridge connecting Croatia's historic city of Trogir to Čiovo Island, was successfully executed. The 63-year-old structure, featuring steel and reinforced concrete elements with stone cladding, underwent systematic repairs divided into three key phases: restoration of the central steel arch span and expansion joints; rehabilitation of reinforced concrete components including roadway slabs, pedestrian walkways, arches, and caissons; and renewal of the stone facade. Conducted by Spegra in collaboration with Trogir's Conservation Department, the project ensured structural integrity while preserving aesthetic heritage. This case study highlights effective methodologies for restoring complex, mixed-material bridges in culturally significant coastal environments.

Expanding the Heritage Narrative in N’gambo & Stone Town, Zanzibar: the ‘Upande Mmoja na wa Pekee’ Project

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2025 — WHE22B70A8521

A new heritage narrative for Zanzibar City challenges the marginalization of Ng’ambo by integrating its pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial built heritage alongside Stone Town's UNESCO-recognized significance. The 'Upande Mmoja na wa Pekee' project critiques existing divisions in urban memory, using a multidisciplinary approach to reimagine public spaces and repurpose underutilized buildings. By analyzing the city's evolution through architectural, historical, and social lenses, the study aims to foster inclusive heritage representation, bridging gaps between tangible and intangible cultural expressions. Preliminary outcomes suggest potential for transforming urban identity while addressing the limitations of current conservation frameworks.

Expansion of avocado monoculture threatens the overwintering habitat of monarch butterflies in central Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2025 — WHE5F8E7EF8BB

By 2024, avocado monoculture had encroached upon 1345 ha of Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve—337 ha of it former pine-oak forest—threatening the overwintering habitat of migratory monarch butterflies. Modeling under current and future climate scenarios (low- and high-emission) projects that suitable avocado cropping area will rise from 5076 ha today to 10 395 ha by 2070, shifting upslope and imperiling nectar sources while increasing pesticide use. Although sacred fir and mixed-conifer forests remain intact for now, their long-term viability hinges on curbing monoculture expansion and adopting sustainable avocado practices.

Expansion of the Southeast Alaska Network Vital Signs Monitoring Program to the Outer Coasts of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2025 — WHE57D85251DB

A comprehensive expansion of the Southeast Alaska Network Vital Signs Monitoring Program to the Outer Coast regions of Wrangell-St. Elias and Glacier Bay national parks and preserves has been proposed, aiming to establish baseline conditions and inform long-term interdisciplinary monitoring efforts. This initiative addresses rapid environmental changes driven by multiple stressors, including rising temperatures, ocean acidification, glacier dynamics, isostatic rebound, and increased vessel traffic. The research leverages established protocols for vital signs such as weather and climate, glacial dynamics, landform and landcover, oceanography, marine predators, and environmental contaminants. By integrating physical, chemical, and biological data through quantitative analyses and systems-level models, the study seeks to identify ecosystem linkages, document resource status and trends, and pinpoint future monitoring needs. Results will contribute to peer-reviewed publications and guide long-term conservation strategies for these globally significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Experimental Study on Consolidation Behavior of Grass-Wrapped Clay Stack Block at Liangzhu Archaeological Site

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2025 — WHED85B230B19

Grass-wrapped clay stacking technology, used extensively at the Liangzhu archaeological site, demonstrates superior engineering advantages over traditional clay stacking. A comparative study found that grass-wrapped blocks require less load to achieve the same strain and exhibit significant secondary consolidation deformation under constant stress, unlike conventional clay blocks. The staggered arrangement of these blocks forms overhead pores acting as efficient drainage channels, while the grass-soil skeleton provides structural strength without disrupting pore connectivity during compression. This results in higher permeability and consolidation coefficients at equivalent void ratios or effective stresses. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the durability and performance of this ancient construction technique.

Explorando a materialidade do monumento de Dario I em Behistun (Bīsitūn): texto, imagem e performance no Império Aquemênida (c. 550-330 a.C.)

Bisotun — 2025 — WHE13CD2BECB4

The Behistun monument of Darius I, traditionally interpreted as imperial propaganda or aesthetic art, is reimagined through its performative and emotional dimensions. Research reveals that the Achaemenid Empire's visual culture was not merely static but dynamically engaged viewers, embodying enduring justice—a concept rooted in the Persian term patikara-. By analyzing the interplay between text and image, particularly in Behistun’s inscription and other Achaemenid documents, scholars argue that the monument’s design provoked visceral responses, challenging conventional interpretations. This approach leverages Bahrani’s interpretation of the Assyro-Babylonian tradition to reshape our understanding of Achaemenid iconography, emphasizing its materiality and lived experience over propaganda or artistry.

Exploring aerosol optical depth: unveiling meteorological impacts over Lumbini, Nepal

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2025 — WHE32E8569027

Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) in Lumbini, Nepal, shows a positive correlation with heavy rainfall and a negative one with relative humidity. This finding highlights the significant meteorological impacts on aerosol levels at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The study utilized data from the CIMEL sun photometer to analyze daily AOD variations alongside the Angstrom exponent and turbidity coefficient. While rainfall and humidity were key factors, other parameters like temperature, wind speed, and human activities also play roles in aerosol dynamics. However, insufficient data limited a comprehensive analysis of these additional variables.