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Speculating

Wadden Sea — 2017 — WHE92BB68B245

This speculative proposal envisions a transformative shift in the Wadden Sea, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of islands and tidal flats, by repurposing military tensions into sustainable tourism. The study suggests replacing coastguard confrontations with cruise ships escorting eco-tourists to a potential trans-border nature reserve or expanded UNESCO designation, co-nominated by China and Japan. While acknowledging the current political stalemate in the East China Sea, it posits this scenario as a win-win solution, highlighting the Wadden Sea's ecological significance and its role as a major tourism destination. The approach combines speculative futures with an analysis of the region's ecosystem, offering a vision for peaceful cooperation through conservation and tourism.

Sphero-conical Vessels from Baalbek

Baalbek — 2017 — WHE1D1B8E2CD7

Recent excavations at Baalbek's Bustan Nassif site have uncovered a significant assemblage of sphero-conical vessels, dating from the 12th to early 15th centuries. These vessels, found in both stratified and secondary contexts, exhibit remarkable variety in fabric, form, and surface treatment, including some glazed items. A notable sub-group features post-firing incised inscriptions or symbols, offering new insights into their potential functions. The study, conducted by the DAI-Berlin, BTU-Cottbus, and DGA-Lebanon, also sheds light on a military destruction event in the north-eastern area of Baalbek, while documenting the urban layout and ceramic production history during the Middle Islamic period.

Spherulite formation in obsidian lavas in the Aeolian Islands, Italy

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2017 — WHE3406ED0772

Research on obsidian lavas from Lipari and Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands reveals that spherulite formation is driven by distinct processes occurring at different cooling stages, leading to significant heterogeneity in size, shape, and composition. Spherulites, ranging from <1 mm to 8 mm, exhibit radial interiors and can occur individually or within deformation bands, sometimes surrounded by clear haloes and brown rims. Their mineral content includes cristobalite (α, β), orthoclase, titanomagnetite, and rhyolitic glass, with growth periods averaging 5 days and potential modification over hundreds of years at lower temperatures. Crystal Size Distribution (CSD) analysis shows varying size populations and growth rates, while elongation in high-temperature spherulites triggers further nucleation and growth. Spherical forms dominate mid-glass transition temperatures, and vapor-phase modifications occur at lower temperatures. Enhanced undercooling, deformation, and modification play pivotal roles in shaping spherulite diversity in these volcanic rocks.

Spiders of the Orbiculariae clade (Araneae: Araneomorphae) from Calakmul municipality, Campeche, Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2017 — WHEB75DF5A7A8

A comprehensive survey of orb-weaver spiders (Orbiculariae clade) in Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico, reveals a remarkable biodiversity, with 10 families, 65 genera, and 119 species documented. This study builds on existing collections and new fieldwork, identifying two new species and three potentially novel ones, pending further confirmation. Notably, 42% of the recorded species (74 out of 184) are first-time records for Calakmul, while 3 genera and 10 species represent new contributions to Mexico's arachnid diversity, bringing the national total to 685 species. The findings were derived from a combination of archival data review and extensive field collections using beating sheets and manual techniques across 14 localities.

Spring and Autumn Phenological Variability across Environmental Gradients of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2017 — WHE46B911C628

Mountainous regions exhibit complex phenological behavior influenced by climatic, vegetational, and topographic gradients. A study analyzing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 2000 to 2015 revealed that elevational effects significantly impact spring phenology more than moisture effects, with deciduous forests showing increased sensitivity to antecedent warm temperatures. The research used MODIS time series data of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and filtered for cover type, topography, and disturbance history to improve understanding of land surface phenology (LSP). Findings suggest possible cross-seasonal lag effects, such as accelerated green-up after cold Januarys and early brown-down following warm springs. Disturbances like hemlock woolly adelgid infestations and severe tornadoes weakened sensitivity to temperature and precipitation variations, while low-severity wildland fires had no discernable effect.

Sri Dalada Maligawa – 3D-Scanning and Documentation of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at Kandy, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Kandy — 2017 — WHEC2D88C4E94

A comprehensive 3D documentation of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pivotal Buddhist pilgrimage destination, has been successfully achieved through advanced scanning techniques. This research utilized Terrestrial-Laser-Scanning (TLS) and Structured-Light-Scanning (SLS) to capture detailed architectural data, including high-resolution details of the temple's rich decorations. The digital archive created from this project not only serves as a vital resource for preserving cultural heritage but also facilitates site monitoring, particularly for detecting structural issues such as cracks. Additionally, the study emphasizes knowledge transfer, aiming to empower local specialists with the skills needed for future analysis of scan data.

St Anselm and the Visual Arts at Canterbury Cathedral, 1093–1109

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2017 — WHE7C368625B5

St. Anselm's influence on the visual arts at Canterbury Cathedral, particularly during his tenure from 1093 to 1109, is revealed through a detailed analysis of surviving architectural elements and textual references. The study suggests that the cathedral's choir, constructed under Anselm's patronage, featured an innovative iconographic program that emphasized stained glass, setting a precedent for later European church architecture. By integrating Anselm's writings with surviving structural evidence, the research reconstructs this seminal program, highlighting its significance in the development of medieval ecclesiastical design.

St. Lawrence's Death on a Grill: Fact or Fiction?: An Update on the Controversy

Bourges Cathedral — 2017 — WHE170703FC85

This study revisits the historical and artistic depictions of St. Lawrence's martyrdom, particularly his death on a grill, challenging long-standing narratives with modern scholarship. While traditional accounts portray Lawrence as a steadfast figure whose courage during persecution inspired centuries of cultural expression—from Dante’s Paradiso to Titian’s paintings—the research critically examines the origins and reliability of these legends. The study also highlights the enduring influence of Lawrence's martyrdom in art, music (e.g., Palestrina’s compositions), geography (e.g., the Gulf of St. Lawrence), and even modern institutions like the Charlotte cathedral and a Buenos Aires soccer team. By synthesizing historical sources with contemporary skepticism, the paper provides a nuanced perspective on whether Lawrence’s legendary death is fact or fiction.

Staged experiences: the church designs of Nicholas Hawksmoor 1

Blenheim Palace — 2017 — WHED255A54C7F

Nicholas Hawksmoor's church designs, particularly for St Alphege in Greenwich, exemplify a groundbreaking approach to creating staged experiences for worshippers. By blending centralized and longitudinal architectural elements, Hawksmoor addressed the complex demands of rebuilding after a collapse while drawing inspiration from Eusebius' descriptions of early Christian churches. This innovative visual language transformed the worshipper's journey into a dynamic, kinaesthetic experience, aligning with the High Church trend that prioritized sensory engagement in Anglican worship. The study highlights Hawksmoor's ability to merge structural necessity with aesthetic and functional innovation, setting a precedent for future church architecture.

Statistical analysis of fatigue crack propagation data of materials from ancient portuguese metallic bridges

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2017 — WHEFF522878F7

A statistical analysis of fatigue crack propagation data from ancient Portuguese metallic bridges reveals that the proposed design curves for fatigue crack growth (FCG) rates align more closely with actual material behavior than the existing BS7910 standard. This finding is crucial for improving residual fatigue life predictions, which are essential for maintaining these historic structures, such as the Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar in Oporto. The study analyzed data from five representative bridges, including riveted railway and highway structures, using Paris’s law to correlate crack growth rates. By proposing more accurate FCG curves, this research provides a robust framework for assessing fatigue damage and guiding remediation efforts, ensuring the longevity of these culturally significant heritage sites.

Statistical Characteristics of Convective Clouds over the Western Ghats Derived from Weather Radar Observations

Western Ghats — 2017 — WHECE6D883A58

Research reveals that convective storms over the Western Ghats exhibit distinct orographic responses and diurnal patterns during the monsoon season, with increased frequency along windward mountains due to southwesterly flows. Storms progress eastward from upstream barriers through windward slopes to leeward sides, showing a pronounced afternoon peak in activity while their area maximum lags precipitation flux by hours. Storm characteristics, such as area, height, and duration, follow lognormal distributions, with shallow convection (peaking at 5.5 km) dominating the region. Cells move slowly, aligning east-west parallel to mountain ridges, and their movement is steered by lower-level winds. A lead-lag relationship between congestus and deep cells suggests midtropospheric moistening prior to deep convection. The study used X-band radar observations at Mandhardev (2014) with objective-tracking methods to quantify storm spatiotemporal variability for the first time.

Status and Prospects for the Future of Wildlife Tourism in Bangladesh

Sundarbans National Park — 2017 — WHE16072F8F7F

Bangladesh's Sundarbans National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest mangrove tract, stands out for its rich biodiversity, including endangered species like the Bengal Tiger. The region supports 130 mammal species, 710 bird species (including 310 migratory), and numerous reptiles and amphibians, with 219 species threatened nationally. To protect this ecological treasure, Bangladesh has established 38 Protected Areas (PAs), including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and vulture save zones, distributed across four major forest typologies. The study highlights the significance of these conservation efforts in preserving both local and global biodiversity, while also emphasizing the potential for sustainable wildlife tourism to support these initiatives.

Status of the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos in Sicily

Mount Etna — 2017 — WHE830A0C9F7A

The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in Sicily predominantly occupies the northern ridge of the island, from the Trapani mountains to the Peloritani range, with a notable absence in the southeastern region. Habitat preference modeling revealed that mean altitude, slope, and the extent of open habitats—such as arable land and grasslands—are critical predictors for the species' occurrence. This study synthesizes historical records, breeding phenology data, and conservation project findings to map the eagle's distribution and habitat preferences across Sicily, providing insights into its ecological requirements and potential threats.

Stepping Stones to the Neolithic? Radiocarbon Dating the Early Neolithic on Islands Within the ‘Western Seaways’ of Britain

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2017 — WHEA0D9BF7B78

New radiocarbon dating evidence from islands within Britain's 'Western Seaways' reveals that the earliest Neolithic presence dates to approximately 3900-3700 cal BC, aligning with the Gathering Time model. This study synthesizes existing and 50 new radiocarbon dates, challenging previous assumptions about the timing of Neolithic arrival in this critical region. While supporting broader chronological frameworks, the findings highlight gaps in current understanding due to sparse data across a vast area. Researchers advocate for further targeted dating and typo-chronological approaches to refine our comprehension of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition's processes.

Stitching Together the Fabric of Industrial Houses: Investigating the Origins and Development of Cotton Workers’ Accommodation in the Derwent Valley, Derbyshire

Derwent Valley Mills — 2017 — WHEAADEF87230

The Derwent Valley Mills showcases the innovative yet traditional influences on cotton workers' housing during the late 18th century. This study reveals that the accommodation built by three mill-owning families across Cromford, Belper, Milford, and Darley Abbey was a nuanced blend of experimental and conventional designs, reflecting the evolving needs of both occupants and patrons. By analyzing historic building fabric, researchers demonstrated that these houses were not uniform but varied significantly, embodying the complex dynamics of early industrialization. This buildings-led approach highlights the interplay between architectural innovation and traditional practices, offering insights into the social and economic forces shaping industrial communities during this pivotal period.

Stone Sources and Petrology of Kuk Swamp Artefacts

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2017 — WHE58DFB3AB3D

Research at Kuk Swamp, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Papua New Guinea, reveals that all stone found within the swamp was intentionally carried there by people, with no natural sources present. The study identifies volcanic debris mounds from Mt Hagen as a minor potential source, though these were largely covered and thus unlikely to have been a significant supply. Stones were brought for various purposes, including tool manufacture, cooking, or ritual use, with some serving as manuports—objects carried in by hand for unknown functions, possibly including ammunition or ceremonial roles. The study combines petrological analysis with archaeological context to trace stone origins and infer early human behaviors, offering insights into the sophisticated resource management of Kuk's early agricultural communities.

Stonehenge and Avebury: Megalithic shadow casting at the solstices at sunrise

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2017 — WHE1692C1C925

At Stonehenge and Avebury, megaliths were deliberately positioned to create shadow-casting effects during solstice sunrises. The Heel Stone's offset from the monument’s axis casts a shadow that reaches the Altar Stone at summer solstice sunrise, a phenomenon observable today. Similarly, Stone 11’s irregular placement disrupts the sarsen circle’s symmetry while its shadow aligns with damaged Bluestones 40 and 38 during winter solstice sunrises, suggesting an older midwinter alignment. At Avebury, stones in the Cove and Stone F harmonize at summer solstice sunrise, mirroring patterns seen at Drombeg Stone Circle. These findings, derived from over 120 research expeditions since 1981, combine compass analysis, photography, and historical plans to resolve previously unexplained stone positioning anomalies.

Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin). Boulevard de la Victoire/Nouveau Planétarium

Fortifications of Vauban — 2017 — WHE9CD10990E6

Archaeological excavations on the site between the University of Strasbourg's Institute of Geology and Zoology, along Boulevard de la Victoire, revealed significant insights into the pre-fortification landscape. The study identified limono-sandy alluvial deposits at the base of the excavation, providing a clearer understanding of the environmental conditions prior to Vauban's fortifications in Strasbourg. This research was driven by the university's plan to develop a garden and planetarium on the site. By analyzing these geological layers, the team reconstructed the ancient terrain, contributing valuable data to the study of Strasbourg's historical geography.

Strategy of Sustainable Development of an Industrial Archaeology

Costiera Amalfitana — 2017 — WHE3D8BF5BA3F

A sustainable development strategy for the Valle dei Mulini, a 12th-century industrial archaeology site in Gragnano, Italy, demonstrates how historic hydraulic mills can be repurposed to generate electricity while preserving cultural heritage. The approach combines 're-learn' and 're-value,' aiming to spread knowledge of the territory, enhance local identity, and promote eco-conscious tourism. By integrating the mills into a broader tourism network—including lesser-known sites like Campi Flegrei and the Amalfi Coast—the strategy seeks to restore artifacts, remediate the ecosystem, and ensure long-term safeguarding. This case study offers a model for balancing industrial heritage preservation with renewable energy production in culturally significant landscapes.

Stratigraphy, age and correlation of two widespread Late Holocene tephras preserved within Lake Kutubu, Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2017 — WHEFCF6AAB238

Two widespread Late Holocene tephras, Tibito and Olgaboli, have been identified within sediment cores from Lake Kutubu, the largest upland lake in Papua New Guinea. This discovery extends their known distributions further southwest into the southern Highlands region, affirming their significance as inter-regional stratigraphic markers for late Holocene palaeoenvironmental, archaeological, and volcanic hazard studies. The study employed a combination of core stratigraphy, sediment properties, and geochemical characterization (electron microprobe and laser ablation inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry) to correlate these tephras with previously described distal localities. Glass shard compositional data strongly support Long Island as the eruptive source for Tibito tephra, while Olgaboli tephra's source is less certain but likely originates from Karkar Island.