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Showing 20661 – 20680 of 30345 publications

Quantification of Safety Standards for Small Islands in the Wadden Sea

Wadden Sea — 2017 — WHEFB16B7814A

Small islands in the Wadden Sea, particularly the Northfrisian Halligen, face significant storm surge risks due to their low-lying nature. A key finding from this study is the establishment of maximum allowed water depths on artificial dwelling mounds—critical structures that remain above water during extreme weather events—to prioritize protection measures. Using numerical simulations, researchers tested compliance with these safety standards by modeling wave overtopping effects, providing a data-driven approach to assess flood risks. This method offers a scientific basis for improving the resilience of these unique coastal communities, traditionally reliant on non-scientific design practices.

Quantifying shark depredation in a recreational fishery in the Ningaloo Marine Park and Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2017 — WHE4C8A669047

Shark depredation, where sharks consume hooked fish before they can be retrieved, occurs frequently in recreational fisheries and can lead to higher mortality rates for target species, injuries to sharks, and negative impacts on the fishing experience. A study conducted in the Ningaloo Marine Park and Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, found that shark depredation occurred on 38.7% of fishing trips from west coast boat ramps and 41.9% of trips from Exmouth Gulf boat ramps between July 2015 and May 2016. The study surveyed 248 boats at west coast ramps and 155 at Exmouth Gulf, quantifying depredation rates for demersal fishing (13.7%) and trolling (11.8%) in the west coast, compared to 11.5% and 7.2%, respectively, in the Exmouth Gulf. Spatial variation was observed, with higher depredation rates in areas of greater fishing pressure, suggesting a possible behavioral association in depredating sharks. Depth, number of nearby boats, and survey period influenced depredation rates in the west coast, while fishing pressure and latitude affected depredation in the Exmouth Gulf. This is the first quantitative assessment of shark depredation in an Australian recreational fishery, offering insights to help fishers and managers mitigate its impact.

Quaternary tectonic evolution of the Pamir‐Tian Shan convergence zone, Northwest China

Western Tien-Shan — 2017 — WHE78FE892311

A steady total shortening rate of 6–9 mm/yr has been maintained across the western Tarim Basin during the Quaternary, despite spatial and temporal variations in deformation. This finding emerges from a synthesis of active structures in the Pamir‐Tian Shan convergence zone, where deformation rates on eight faults and folds range between ~0.1 and 5.6 mm/yr. The study combines geologic and geomorphic mapping with differential GPS surveys of deformed terraces and optically stimulated luminescence dating to delineate the timing, rate, and migration of Quaternary deformation. It reveals that while deformation is concentrated at the interface of the Pamir‐Tian Shan orogens in the westernmost Tarim Basin, it becomes more distributed across a zone of faults and folds farther east, with shortening rates varying on individual structures.

Quaternary vicariance of Platypleura (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) in Japan, Ryukyu, and Taiwan islands

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2017 — WHE7FB6EDF661

A groundbreaking molecular study reveals that the evolutionary history of Platypleura cicadas in Japan, Ryukyu Islands, and Taiwan was significantly shaped by Quaternary vicariance events. The research identified two distinct monophyletic sister groups based on wing coloration—dark-winged and light-winged clades—and traced their divergence to approximately 1.55 million years ago, coinciding with the geological formation of the Ryukyu Islands. Phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear genes uncovered nine genetically distinct clades, each exhibiting unique island-specific distributions. Notably, P. kaempferi populations on different islands show significant genetic differentiation despite their morphological similarity. The study also estimated molecular clock rates for the studied genes, providing insights into the temporal dynamics of cicada evolution in this region.

Quito, a World Heritage City or a city to live in?

City of Quito — 2017 — WHE50C54E58C9

Quito, Ecuador's capital and the first city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, faces challenges in balancing urban heritage preservation with sustainable development. A recent study highlights that innovative cultural programs, such as 'Tell me about your Quito,' have successfully redefined heritage by involving residents in its creation and appropriation. This approach, emerging within the context of Ecuador's 'Citizens' Revolution' and 'Good Living State' policies, suggests a shift towards a 'right to heritage.' This inclusive tool fosters urban spaces where residents can actively participate, potentially leading to more democratic and sustainable urban planning practices.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease: Macquarie Island rabbit eradication adds to knowledge on both pest control and epidemiology

Macquarie Island — 2017 — WHEE5BF3D2C0B

A successful rabbit eradication campaign on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, using the Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), challenged the prevailing notion that cool or humid climates limit RHDV efficacy. The study found that heavy rabbit mortality occurred despite these conditions, suggesting that a non-pathogenic calicivirus (RCV-A1) present in other regions may instead inhibit RHDV spread and reduce disease severity. This discovery advanced understanding of both pest control dynamics and the epidemiology of RHDV, demonstrating its potential as an effective tool even in challenging environments. The research also highlighted how RHDV complemented traditional eradication methods, such as aerial baiting, by reducing secondary poisoning risks to seabirds.

Radar interferometry offers new insights into threats to the Angkor site

Angkor — 2017 — WHE1CAD0A95BB

A groundbreaking study leverages radar interferometry to uncover critical threats facing the Angkor site, offering new insights that could inform sustainable conservation strategies for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By analyzing subtle ground deformations over time, researchers identified patterns of subsidence and structural instability, which are not easily detectable through conventional methods. This approach provides a more precise understanding of environmental and anthropogenic pressures affecting the site, such as groundwater extraction and urban development. The findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced remote sensing techniques into conservation planning to mitigate risks and ensure long-term preservation.

Radiocarbon Dating of a Speleothem Record of Paleoclimate for Angkor, Cambodia

Angkor — 2017 — WHE786357296E

A speleothem from southern Cambodia, analyzed using radiocarbon dating, reveals a significant growth hiatus between approximately 1250 and 1650 AD, coinciding with decades-long droughts documented in regional climate records. This finding provides critical evidence linking the decline of the medieval Khmer kingdom at Angkor to severe arid conditions during the 14th–16th centuries. The study employed accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) on 50 carbonate samples along the speleothem's growth axis, with chronological reconstruction validated by two independent age-depth models. The abrupt shift in radiocarbon values at a depth of 34.4–35.2 mm marks the onset of this prolonged drought period, offering new insights into the environmental factors contributing to the collapse of Angkor.

Radiocarbon Dating of the Architectural Parts of the Middle Byzantine Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Boeotia, Greece

Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios — 2017 — WHE4FEE4BFC67

Radiocarbon dating reveals that the Monastery of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Middle Byzantine art and architecture, was constructed in the early 11th century. Analysis of wooden samples from the church's scaffolding and buttresses indicates that the four buttresses were built in at least two phases, spanning from the 15th to the 19th centuries, while the monastery gate likely dates to the 19th century. The study employed conventional gas-counting radiocarbon dating techniques on 17 wood samples, providing new chronological insights into the development of this significant monastic complex.

Raffles City in Hangzhou China -The Engineering of a 'Vertical City' of Vibrant Waves-

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2017 — WHE81DC7591F1

Raffles City Hangzhou (RCH), a mixed-use development near the Qiantang River, exemplifies advanced engineering in creating free-form, hybrid structures. The 60-story complex features two 250-meter twisting towers with wave-like designs, integrating retail, offices, housing, and hotels across nearly 400,000 square meters. Its structural system combines a composite moment frame with concrete core, utilizing concrete-filled steel tubular (CFT) columns and steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) beams for the outer frame, while internal slabs are reinforced concrete. This study provides a detailed analysis of the design and construction challenges of such complex, multi-functional skyscrapers, offering valuable insights for future projects in cultural landscapes like Hangzhou's Quianjiang New Town Area.

Ragatime: Glimpses of Akbar’s Court at Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri — 2017 — WHE8404080C33

Fatehpur Sikri, once the seat of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, is celebrated not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its rich musical heritage. The study 'Ragatime: Glimpses of Akbar’s Court at Fatehpur Sikri' presents a unique interpretation of Raga Bilaskhani Todi, encapsulating the principles of dhrupad, a genre of Hindustani classical music developed by Akbar's court musician Mian Tansen. The piece, 'Ragatime,' begins with an alap setting the emotional tone and transitions into an extended improvisation (gat) marked by rhythmic drumming, showcasing subtle musical nuances that distinguish one raga from another. This work underscores the enduring relevance of Tansen’s compositions, which remain influential among contemporary raga performers. By blending traditional musical elements with modern interpretation, 'Ragatime' offers a glimpse into the flourishing music culture at Fatehpur Sikri during Akbar's reign.

Range expansion of the whitenose shark, Nasolamia velox, and migratory movements to the oceanic Revillagigedo Archipelago (west Mexico)

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2017 — WHE80D530C66E

A whitenose shark, Nasolamia velox, has been documented traveling over 400 km from the mainland coast of Mexico to the oceanic Revillagigedo Archipelago, significantly expanding its known distribution range. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the species' limited coastal habitat in the Eastern Pacific and suggests potential connectivity between the Gulf of California and the Revillagigedo Archipelago. The study used acoustic telemetry and video recordings from 2014 to 2016 to track this unprecedented migratory movement, providing new insights into the species' behavior and ecology.

Rapid decline in pH of coral calcification fluid due to incorporation of anthropogenic CO2

Ogasawara Islands — 2017 — WHE545ED3FB6A

A rapid decline in the pH of coral calcification fluid (pHCF) due to anthropogenic CO2 incorporation has been observed in Porites corals within the Ogasawara Islands, threatening their ability to calcify. Using boron isotopic ratio (δ11B) measurements, researchers found a significant decrease in δ11B since 1960 at two sites: Chichijima and Kikaijima Islands. This decline indicates that pHCF is highly sensitive to changes in ambient seawater pH (pHSW), suggesting that coral calcification fluid will become less supersaturated with respect to aragonite by mid-century, earlier than anticipated, despite corals' natural pHCF-upregulating mechanisms.

Rapid Urban Growth in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: Monitoring Land Use Land Cover Dynamics of a Himalayan City with Landsat Imageries

Kathmandu Valley — 2017 — WHE3571713ECE

Between 1989 and 2016, the urban area of the Kathmandu Valley expanded by 412%, driven primarily by the conversion of agricultural land. This rapid urban growth, analyzed through a pixel-based hybrid classification of Landsat imagery, reveals a concentric expansion pattern along major roads, significantly altering the valley's cityscape. The study identifies rural-to-urban migration and the centrality of Kathmandu as key proximate causes behind this transformation. While most expansion occurred between 1989 and 2009, urban growth continues, underscoring the need for systematic monitoring of land use and land cover changes in this Himalayan metropolitan valley.

Rare Earth and Major Elements Geochemistry of Geothermal Waters from Mutnovsky Volcano, Kamchatka

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2017 — WHEFE16D40F6A

Research on Mutnovsky Volcano's geothermal waters reveals that rare earth element (REE) concentrations vary significantly with water type, peaking in calcium-sulfate (Ca-SO₄) waters. The study highlights the critical role of pH in influencing REE content and fractionation, offering new insights into the geochemical behavior of these elements in volcanic environments. Investigators analyzed major ions and REEs across different hot springs to assess their distribution patterns and environmental controls. This work contributes to understanding the complex interactions between hydrothermal systems and volcanic processes, with implications for both academic research and conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kamchatka's volcanoes.

Rasa Island: What Industrialization To Remember and Forget

Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining — 2017 — WHEA30E871C9F

Rasa Island, once a thriving company town of the Rasa Phosphate Industry Inc., offers a counter-narrative to Japan's celebratory industrialization history. Now abandoned, the island reveals the darker, more complex aspects of industrialization that are often overlooked in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like those representing Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution. This study uses critical heritage studies to explore what 'industrial heritage' signifies in post-industrial societies and how it is performed at these sites. By contrasting Rasa Island with the more sanitized narratives found at other heritage sites, the research highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of industrial heritage, one that acknowledges both its achievements and its often-neglected consequences.

Re-reading and Recognizing the Historical Structure and Evolution Chronology of “Imamzadeh Ja'far” District before the Contemporary Changes (Yazd)

Historic City of Yazd — 2017 — WHE2F789EB1BD

A study of the historic district of Imamzadeh Ja'far in Yazd, Iran, reveals hidden layers and structural elements that have been neglected or destroyed by contemporary urban projects. The research, combining historical and descriptive-analysis methods, identifies the development process of the district, its relation to the city's historic route from Shahi gate to Mosala, and the evolution of the bazaar. These findings highlight the importance of preserving historical context in urban planning to avoid irreparable damage to the town's structure.

Realising the benefits of industrial world heritage sites, with particular reference to the Forth Bridge

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal — 2017 — WHE4FA75ED4C3

A critical examination of UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) benefits, particularly for industrial heritage, reveals that while WHS status is often assumed to bring economic advantages, its actual impact has been questioned. The study, focusing on the UK's experience with nominations like the Forth Bridge and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, highlights how public consultation and international recognition can overcome skepticism about the value of WHS designation. Despite initial doubts raised by the UK Government and consultants in 2007, which even considered halting nominations, the successful inscription of the Forth Bridge in 2015 demonstrated tangible benefits. This case study underscores the potential for industrial heritage sites to drive regional development when supported by robust nomination processes and global recognition.

Rebuilding Palmyra virtually: recreation of its former glory in digital space

Site of Palmyra — 2017 — WHE65DD8ADB9E

Digital reconstruction techniques have successfully revived the lost grandeur of Palmyra, Syria which was extensively destroyed by conflict and vandalism. This study presents 3D models of key structures such as the Temple of Bel, Temple of Baalshamin, Grand Colonnaded Street, and the theatre, offering 'ghost images' that accurately depict their former glory during the Greco-Roman period. By leveraging digital tools, researchers have preserved Palmyra's cultural heritage in virtual space, countering its physical erasure and reviving its historical significance in collective memory.

Recent Interpretations of the Late-12th-Century Rebuilding of the East End of Canterbury Cathedral and its Historical Context

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2017 — WHE53BF9FF771

Recent interpretations of the late-12th-century rebuilding of Canterbury Cathedral's east end, following the 1174 fire, reveal deeper connections between architectural innovations and the promotion of Thomas Becket's cult. Advances in archaeological analysis have clarified design changes during construction, linking them to shifting historical contexts and liturgical practices. This work also highlights the symbolic significance of materials and media used, offering a richer understanding of their role in late-12th-century European cultural and religious settings.