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Potential of Sentinel-1 Radar Data for the Assessment of Soil and Cereal Cover Parameters

Kairouan — 2017 — WHE0BF0D10BA1

Sentinel-1 radar data shows significant potential for estimating soil characteristics and cereal vegetation parameters, including soil roughness, water content, leaf area index (LAI), and vegetation height (H). The study, conducted over the Kairouan Plain in Tunisia from 2015 to 2017, found that Sentinel-1 measurements are highly sensitive to variations in soil moisture, particularly under low vegetation cover conditions, with stronger sensitivity observed in vertical polarization (VV) compared to cross-polarization (VH). Additionally, the radar signal strength decreases with increasing LAI and H in VV polarization, while no such sensitivity is detected in VH polarization due to volume scattering effects. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from Landsat images also demonstrated a strong correlation with in situ LAI measurements.

Poverty, distress and disease: labour and the construction of the Rideau canal, 1826-1832

Rideau Canal — 2017 — WHE73BA07CA46

The construction of the Rideau Canal, often perceived as a British military engineering project, revealed systemic challenges for workers despite its strategic importance. Despite the involvement of the military, workers faced harsh conditions with little distinction from other public works projects. The study estimates that workers were primarily hired monthly or daily, with minimal piecework opportunities, and engaged in tasks such as excavation, masonry, and construction of wooden structures. The research highlights the lack of detailed records, making precise worker counts difficult, but underscores the prevalence of poverty, distress, and disease among laborers during this period (1826-1832).

Pre-monsoon air quality over Lumbini, a world heritage site along the Himalayan foothills

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2017 — WHE02B680DE2E

Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, faces severe air pollution challenges that pose risks to public health and heritage preservation. A study conducted during the pre-monsoon season (April–June 2013) revealed alarmingly high levels of key pollutants—PM1, PM2.5, PM10, black carbon (BC), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO)—comparable to other heavily polluted South Asian sites. Notably, coarse-mode particulate matter dominated, and emissions from both residential and transportation sectors significantly contributed to pollution, with fossil fuel combustion accounting for over half of BC concentrations. The study also identified agro-residue burning and regional forest fires, exacerbated by meteorological conditions, as primary drivers of severe air quality episodes. While a regional chemical transport model (WRF-STEM) underestimated observed pollutant levels, it highlighted the Ganges Valley as a major source of CO. The findings underscore an urgent need for long-term air quality monitoring in Lumbini to mitigate health risks and protect cultural heritage.

Precipitation‐driven glacier changes in the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2017 — WHE0DDD4C81F1

Glaciers in the Pamir and Hindu Kush mountains, unlike those elsewhere, have shown slight mass gains rather than losses due to global warming. A study using laser altimetry and satellite-derived precipitation data revealed a strong correlation (r ≥ 0.92, p < 0.005) between annual glacier thickness changes and precipitation from 2003 to 2008, highlighting precipitation as the primary driver of these changes. However, gridded precipitation products significantly underestimate actual precipitation by about 7 ± 2 times due to low resolution and failure to account for orographic effects. This underestimation may introduce biases in previous glacier mass change estimates, suggesting that long-term interannual precipitation variability plays a crucial role in glacier dynamics.

PreColumbian Textiles in the Ethnological Museum in Berlin

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2017 — WHEC16B39D2EA

Europe’s largest collection of PreColumbian textiles, housed at the Ethnological Museum in Berlin and comprising around 9000 well-preserved items, offers unprecedented insights into ancient Andean cultures. This volume, compiled by conservator Lena Bjerregaard and featuring contributions from international researchers, analyzes these textiles—ranging from Paracas to Colonial periods—revealing intricate styles, materials (camelid fibers, cotton, feathers), and cultural significance, including ritual headdresses and khipus (knotted strings). The 177-page catalogue, with over 380 photographs, systematically documents 273 representative items, bridging gaps in our understanding of textile traditions across time and regions. Key findings highlight the diversity of techniques, symbolic imagery (e.g., animal motifs on khipus), and craftsmanship, while contextualizing them within broader cultural narratives.

Predatory pelagic fishes of the Bijagós Archipelago (Guinea-Bissau) show high overlap in diets dominated by sardinella

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô — 2017 — WHEC0E78299AD

A study of the Bijagós Archipelago (Guinea-Bissau) reveals that three key predatory pelagic fish species—the Crevalle jack, West African Spanish mackerel, and Guinean barracuda—share a highly overlapping diet dominated by Sardinella maderensis, accounting for 47–96% of their prey. This suggests a 'wasp-waist' ecosystem structure, where S. maderensis acts as a central small-sized pelagic fish species critical to the food web. The research used dietary analysis to assess seasonal variations and trophic interactions among these commercially important predators, emphasizing the need for ecosystem-based fisheries management to prevent overexploitation of clupeids. The findings highlight the vulnerability of this structure to rapid fisheries expansion in West Africa.

Predicting climate change impacts on the distribution of the threatened Garcinia indica in the Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats — 2017 — WHEADBA17D1A0

A significant reduction in suitable habitat for the threatened medicinal plant Garcinia indica is predicted under future climate change scenarios, with potential declines of 5.29% and 5.69% by 2050 and 2070 respectively, under the most severe RCP 8.5 scenario. This study, using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling with bioclimatic predictors from the BCC-CSM1.1 model, identified temperature seasonality, isothermality, and annual precipitation as key influencing factors in the species' distribution across the northern Western Ghats. The model's high accuracy (AUC = 0.956 ± 0.023) underscores its potential for biodiversity protection and ecosystem management. The findings highlight the vulnerability of this ecologically important species to climate change, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation strategies.

Predicting the acoustic exposure of humpback whales from cruise and tour vessel noise in Glacier Bay, Alaska, under different management strategies

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2017 — WHEAF60345CA9

Reducing the speed of cruise ships from 20 to 13 knots can significantly lower humpback whale acoustic exposure, with cumulative sound exposure levels (CSEL) being three times lower at slower speeds. This finding, derived from simulations using the Acoustic Integration Model in Glacier Bay National Park, suggests that vessel speed is a critical factor in mitigating underwater noise impacts on whales. While synchronizing ship arrival times slightly reduced cumulative sound exposure time (CSET), it had minimal effect on CSEL or maximum sound pressure level (MSPL). The study highlights that decreasing the number of cruise ships or their speed is the most effective strategy to protect humpback whales from vessel noise, offering valuable insights for marine protected area management.

Preliminary Data to Composition of Zooplankton in the Khe The Stream, My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam Province

My Son Sanctuary — 2017 — WHEE8FD09B45B

A study of the zooplankton composition in the Khe The Stream, My Son Sanctuary, revealed 36 species, with Rotatoria dominating at 55.6% and Arthropoda accounting for 44.4%. Zooplankton density varied significantly between seasons, averaging 11,945 individuals/m³ during the dry season (ranging from 5,000 to 25,000) and 8,500 individuals/m³ in the rainy season (ranging from 5,000 to 16,667). The Shannon-Weiner diversity index also showed seasonal variation, averaging 1.84 in the dry season and 1.66 in the rainy season. The research, conducted over two periods in 2016, provides preliminary data on the biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's aquatic ecosystem.

Preliminary study on pollen distribution in the surface soil of the Turpan region in the southern slope of Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China

Xinjiang Tianshan — 2017 — WHE6BD385637C

A preliminary study on pollen distribution in the Turpan region, located on the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China, reveals distinct pollen assemblages that correspond to major vegetation types. The research identified four pollen assemblage zones—mountain desert-steppe and desert, Gobi gravel, typical desert, and salt mash vegetation—with notable differences compared to the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. Unlike the northern slope, the Turpan region lacks typical forest and Artemisia desert pollen zones, with similar pollen zones found at elevations approximately 300 meters higher. The study also highlights the significant presence of tree pollen such as Picea and Pinus, suggesting that valley forests on the southern slope play a crucial role in pollen dispersal. This research employed modern pollen samples collected along an altitudinal gradient from 2,000 meters to -154 meters, using detrended correspondence analysis and redundancy analysis to examine distribution patterns.

Preliminary surveys of the endangered Lord Howe Island cockroach Panesthia lata (Blattodea: Blaberidae) on two islands within the Lord Howe Group, Australia

Lord Howe Island Group — 2017 — WHEF2513D2D94

A significant population of the endangered Lord Howe Island cockroach (Panesthia lata) persists on Blackburn and Roach islands, with estimates of 10,000 and 3,500 individuals respectively. The species exhibits a preference for sheltering within specific microenvironments, such as beneath the Banyan tree on Blackburn Island or in Leafy Flat Sedge habitat on Roach Island, rather than foraging openly. This behavior suggests that surface counts underestimate population sizes, while novel attraction stations show potential for more accurate monitoring without disturbing habitats. The cockroach appears to play a role in soil conditioning and nutrient cycling, feeding primarily on dead vegetation. Maintaining rodent-free status on these islands is critical for the species' survival, offering hope for reintroduction efforts once eradication programs are completed.

Preserving Nature in the National Parks

Grand Canyon National Park — 2017 — WHEA8222C33CF

A comprehensive history of the U.S. National Park Service reveals how traditional scenery and tourism management clashed with emerging ecological principles, shaping policies from 1872 to near the present. Focusing on parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Great Smoky Mountains, the study analyzes the dynamics of policy formulation and change, particularly after the Service's establishment in 1916. It examines how landscape architects, foresters, wildlife biologists, and other professionals contended for dominance, influencing the Service's culture and attitudes. The book provides an in-depth analysis of why the Service has not fully embraced recent environmental concerns, offering a fresh perspective on one of America's most admired federal bureaus.

Preventing Global Extinction of the Javan Rhino: Tsunami Risk and Future Conservation Direction

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2017 — WHEACC5115246

A critical analysis reveals that the global population of Javan rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus) stands at approximately 62 individuals, likely near the carrying capacity of Ujung Kulon National Park, their sole refuge. The study highlights significant tsunami risks to this endangered species, justifying the strategic translocation of individuals to establish a second population as a conservation measure. Researchers employed individual-based monitoring and demographic analysis to assess population dynamics and inform future conservation strategies. This approach aims to mitigate extinction risks while balancing the challenges associated with translocation efforts.

Preventive Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2017 — WHE53402B9D09

A comprehensive approach to preventive conservation of cultural heritage has identified critical atmospheric particles and gases threatening monuments, including the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex. Over two decades, advanced techniques such as X-ray spectrometry, electron probe microanalysis, ion chromatography, and Raman spectroscopy revealed particle sources and indoor pollutants in museums like Wawel Castle (Poland), Alhambra (Spain), and Plantin-Moretus (Belgium). While the study highlights progress in characterizing environmental threats, key challenges remain in understanding atmospheric deposition processes and surface interactions on heritage items. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate long-term damage.

Primer Registro del Tamboril Narigón (Sphoeroides Lobatus: Tetraodontidae) en Isla Malpelo, Pacífico Colombiano

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2017 — WHE0C7FC082C2

Researchers report the first documented record of the longnose puffer (Sphoeroides lobatus) at Malpelo Island, Colombian Pacific. This species is notable for being the only one in its genus to inhabit multiple oceanic island groups in the Tropical Eastern Pacific, including Galápagos, Revillagigedo, and Isla del Coco. The study contributes valuable data on the distribution of this marine species, enhancing our understanding of its range within the region. The research relied on field observations and documentation, providing a critical addition to the scientific literature on Tetraodontidae in the Colombian Pacific.

Princes of the Church

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2017 — WHEBD8B22A371

Eighteenth-century Bishops of Durham prioritized contemporary secular amenities over traditional episcopal requirements when modifying their residences, employing similar architectural features and craftsmen as their lay peers. This shift reflected the bishops' aristocratic origins and their desire for homes commensurate with their social status. While Auckland Castle became the preferred residence during their time in the Palatinate due to urban growth in Durham City, Durham Castle remained the ceremonial center of their power. The study reveals how these ecclesiastical leaders balanced personal comfort with institutional symbolism, offering insights into the intersection of secular and religious architectural trends.

Problemy Zarządzania Miejscem Światowego Dziedzictwa UNESCO na Przykładzie Planu Zarządzania dla Kościółów Pokoju w Jaworze i Świdnicy

Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica — 2017 — WHEF599C8DE98

Effective management of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) requires tailored strategies that address unique challenges, as demonstrated by the 'Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica' case study. This collaborative Polish-German project (2012–2014) identified key principles for sustainable preservation, drawing from a German UNESCO textbook and subsequent research. The findings highlight the necessity for adaptive management plans that balance cultural heritage protection with contemporary needs, while also incorporating lessons from post-2014 literature on cultural heritage conservation. This study underscores the importance of international cooperation in developing robust frameworks for WHS management.

Procedural 3D Modelling for Traditional Settlements. the Case Study of Central Zagori

Zagori Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHED80B4DFCF9

Procedural 3D modelling emerges as a precise and efficient method for reconstructing traditional settlements, offering high accuracy without manual intervention. This study demonstrates its application to Central Zagori's cultural landscape in Greece, generating detailed 3D models using Computer Generated Architecture (CGA) grammars. The approach yields composite facade textures and optimally describes the built environment at three levels of detail (LoD). The final model, exported as an interactive 3D web-scene, enables virtual walkthroughs akin to game or VR environments. Findings highlight procedural modelling's effectiveness for large-scale cultural heritage reconstruction, addressing texture precision, LoD scalability, and visualization challenges while balancing benefits like algorithmic efficiency against limitations such as manual rule refinement.

Procesos físicos del suelo en la reserva ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel de Ciudad Universitaria: atributos para su conservación.

Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) — 2017 — WHEC00F84FCB3

Research on the Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel (REPSA-CU) reveals significant topographic influence on soil properties, with matter organic content emerging as a critical factor in classification and ecological dynamics. The study found that conserved and disturbed open areas follow distinct edaphogenic trajectories, with disturbed sites resembling Urbanosoles. The soil's fragility, characterized by low aggregation stability and sandy texture, poses latent erosion risks while supporting water filtration, seed banking, and insect habitats. Three probable soil orders were identified: Entisol háplico, Litosol volcánico, and Andosol vítrico, reflecting its incipient development from volcanic parent material. Restoration strategies are recommended to mitigate fragmentation and urban encroachment.

Producing World Heritage in the White City Tel Aviv

White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement — 2017 — WHE910A4A2890

UNESCO World Heritage Site designation can reinforce hegemonic spatial domination by leveraging historical narratives to shape national identity, often erasing alternative histories. This study examines the White City of Tel Aviv as a case study for modernist World Heritage Sites, demonstrating how such designations validate state authority while marginalizing diverse interpretations of a site's past. The research decouples 'heritage' from World Heritage frameworks to analyze the politics embedded in modernist preservation efforts, highlighting processes of narrative construction and spatial control. It concludes with recommendations for a more inclusive and equitable World Heritage regime.