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Drought severity in intensive agricultural areas by means of the EDI index

Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops — 2016 — WHE4C2775B583

Research reveals that drought severity in the Czech Republic, particularly in intensive agricultural areas like Žatec, has shown highly statistically significant increasing trends (P < 0.01) over the period 1971-2015. Using the Effective Drought Index (EDI), the study identified years with unfavorable precipitation conditions, such as 1972, 1984, and 2015, and favorable ones like 1987 and 2010. The analysis also highlighted dry growing seasons in 1973, 1974, 1976, and 1993, as well as wet growing seasons in 1987, 2006, and 2010. While the trend suggests a slight increase in effective precipitation, this does not guarantee optimal water supply for agricultural lands due to uneven distribution and rising evapotranspiration demands.

Durham Cathedral: History, Fabric and Culture

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2016 — WHE04AA79B3D2

Durham Cathedral stands as a testament to Norman architecture and engineering. Built between 1093 and 1133, its unique ribbed vaults and massive stonework reflect advanced medieval construction techniques. The cathedral's fabric, including its iconic lantern tower, reveals insights into the materials and craftsmanship of the period, offering a window into the cultural and technological achievements of Norman England. This concise study synthesizes historical records, architectural analysis, and material science to illuminate the cathedral's enduring legacy as both a religious monument and a symbol of Norman power.

Durham Cathedral: History, Fabric and Culture, ed. David Brown

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2016 — WHEF38C651F69

Durham Cathedral: History, Fabric and Culture, edited by David Brown, presents a comprehensive multidisciplinary study of one of England's most beloved cathedrals. The volume, supported by the Friends of Durham Cathedral, the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, and the Chapter of Durham Cathedral, offers an in-depth exploration of the cathedral's history, architecture, and cultural significance through contributions from eminent scholars, many with direct ties to the cathedral or university. The book stands out for its extensive coverage, including specialized chapters on topics such as the choir, plate, library, and archives, as well as historical analyses of Durham College and medieval education in Durham. Its lavish illustrations and substantial scope make it a monumental resource for both academic and general audiences.

Dynamic Assemblages, or the Past Is What Endures: Change and the Duration of Relations

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2016 — WHE3C26508A73

Neolithic monuments, such as Stonehenge and Avebury, are not static structures but dynamic assemblages that continuously evolve through the interplay of materials, cosmic forces, human activity, and historical narratives. This study challenges traditional interpretive frameworks by emphasizing the relational ontologies of these monuments, viewing them as 'mesh works' that integrate diverse elements into moments of creation and form. By categorizing recent research themes—social relations, process, landscape, and experience—the work highlights the tension between archaeological evidence and interpretive vibrancy. The study argues that understanding these monuments requires recognizing their constant state of becoming, where the past is not a fixed entity but an enduring process shaped by enduring relations.

Dynamics of Continuity and Change: Shifts in Labour Relations in the Potosí Mines (1680–1812)

City of Potosí — 2016 — WHE54C48C3466

While the mita system of forced labor dominated Potosí's silver mines from the late 16th to early 19th centuries, significant shifts and alternative forms of work emerged during this period. This study reveals that labour relations were not static but dynamically influenced by the Spanish monarchy's policies, which prioritized revenue generation, as well as by the actions of both mine entrepreneurs and workers—whether unfree, free, or self-employed. Analyzing archival records and policy documents from 1680 to 1812, the research demonstrates how these interactions reshaped labour dynamics, challenging the perception of the mita as a monolithic system.

Dynamics of intracontinental convergence between the western Tarim basin and central Tien Shan constrained by centroid moment tensors of regional earthquakes

Western Tien-Shan — 2016 — WHEEC27FFE322

Research reveals that the Tarim lithosphere indents into the Kazach shield, driving crustal thickening and mountain formation in the Tien Shan through a distributed thrust fault system. Analysis of 160 earthquakes (1969–2009) using centroid moment tensor inversion showed active thrust faulting from the upper crust to ~30 km depth, with some events near the crust–mantle boundary indicating brittle lower crust behavior. The findings suggest rotational convergence and localized flexure in the Tarim basin, challenging the notion of discrete boundary deformation.

Dynamics of local governance in natural resource conservation in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2016 — WHE62EB143A1C

Contemporary natural resource governance in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, undermines the inclusion of local communities as legitimate stakeholders despite policies aimed at community-based management. A critical literature review reveals that bureaucratic systems marginalize traditional institutions and restrict rural communities' access to resources, perpetuating an anthropocentric approach that excludes local knowledge and decision-making authority.

Dynamics of Orographic Gravity Waves Observed in the Mesosphere over the Auckland Islands during the Deep Propagating Gravity Wave Experiment (DEEPWAVE)

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2016 — WHE38C02A1F1B

A groundbreaking study reveals that orographic gravity waves generated by airflow over the Auckland Islands significantly impact mesospheric dynamics. During the DEEPWAVE experiment, large-amplitude wave oscillations were detected at altitudes of 78–83 km, leading to intense wave breaking beneath a zero-wind region. These waves, influenced by migrating semidiurnal tides, caused rapid westward flow accelerations (~350 m/s/h) and substantial dynamical heating (~8 K/h). The research used high-altitude reanalysis data and a 3D Fourier gravity wave model to replicate observed wave fields, confirming the islands' role in altering middle-atmospheric circulation and climate during austral winter. This finding underscores the broader implications of subantarctic island-generated waves on global atmospheric dynamics.

Dynamics of plant communities and the impact of saltwater intrusion on the floodplains of Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park — 2016 — WHE2BA930B726

By 2070, sea-level rise will convert 40 % of Kakadu’s floodplains into saline habitats, replacing freshwater vegetation with salt-tolerant mangroves and marsh species. High-resolution satellite imagery revealed that natural water-depth gradients already shape plant community patterns. Hydrodynamic modelling confirmed that increased saltwater intrusion threatens to alter both vegetation structure and the animal communities that depend on these floodplains. The study maps the salinity tolerance of key floodplain plants, providing a baseline for assessing future ecosystem shifts under climate change.

E-codices -Virtual Manuscript Library of Switzerland (review)

Abbey of St Gall — 2016 — WHE021122A212

A groundbreaking virtual manuscript library, e-codices, now offers free access to 1,363 digitized medieval manuscripts from Swiss libraries, including 541 from the Abbey of St. Gall. This initiative, launched in 2005 and expanded nationally, provides high-resolution images, scholarly descriptions, and bibliographies for manuscripts dating from the fourth century to early modernity. Notably, it includes rare musical notations like the Cantatorium of St. Gall, the earliest known complete manuscript with neume notation, and the oldest extant neumed mass antiphonary. The updated Web Application 2.0 enhances user experience with improved search functions, metadata display, and compliance with international digital scholarship standards.

Earliest direct evidence of monument building at the archaeological site of Nan Madol (Pohnpei, Micronesia) identified using230Th/U coral dating and geochemical sourcing of megalithic architectural stone

Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia — 2016 — WHEADCACE86CE

Research at Nan Madol, Pohnpei, reveals the earliest direct evidence of monumental architecture in Eastern Micronesia, dating its onset to AD 1180-1200. This groundbreaking finding was achieved through high-precision uranium-thorium (230Th/U) coral dating and geochemical sourcing of basalt used in construction. Nan Madol, an ancient administrative and mortuary center, features artificial islets and structures built with columnar basalt and coral, serving as the former capital of Pohnpei. The study suggests that monument building at Nan Madol predates similar developments across Oceania by several centuries (AD 1300-1600), highlighting its significance in prehistoric social transformations. Future research is encouraged to explore the causes behind these changes through more detailed data on monument construction.

Earliest hominin cancer: 1.7-million-year-old osteosarcoma from Swartkrans Cave, South Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2016 — WHE6F5BDF8714

A groundbreaking discovery reveals the earliest confirmed case of malignant cancer in the hominin fossil record, dating back 1.7 million years to Swartkrans Cave in South Africa. This osteosarcoma was identified using advanced 3D imaging techniques, challenging the assumption that neoplastic diseases were rare or limited to benign conditions in pre-modern humans. The finding suggests that primary bone tumors, often occurring in younger individuals and unrelated to modern lifestyles, have a significant antiquity. This case underscores the potential for ancient fossils to preserve evidence of malignant diseases, providing new insights into the evolutionary history of cancer.

Early Asian Civilizations

Chavin (Archaeological Site) — 2016 — WHE7BBF18F06C

A distinctive art style, identified by archaeologist Julio Tello in 1943, links stone, ceramics, and precious metals across highland Peru, tracing its origins to the Chavin de Huantar ceremonial center. This cultural mosaic reflects shared spiritual beliefs and dynamic exchanges between coastal and highland regions, as well as neighboring valleys and population centers. The study highlights the evolutionary pathways of Andean civilization, culminating in the Inka Empire, while noting the flourishing of sedentary villages along Peru's north coast. It also underscores the Middle Horizon (AD 600–1000), marked by monumental architecture at Tiwanaku, which exerted influence across Peru, signaling a shift from fishing to large-scale irrigation agriculture.

Early geological studies and mapping in Sweden

Mining Area of the Great Copper Mountain in Falun — 2016 — WHE56222A0C85

Sweden's early geological studies and mapping, pioneered by figures like Urban Hiärne and Wilhelm Hisinger, laid the foundation for modern geological research. Urban Hiärne initiated systematic data collection on Sweden's natural resources in 1694, while Hisinger published the first illuminated geological map in 1797. This period saw significant contributions from notable scientists such as Georg Brandt, Carl von Linné, and Johan Gottschalk Wallerius, who advanced knowledge in mineralogy, chemistry, and geology. The establishment of a mining school in Falun around 1820 marked the beginning of formal geological education and research, integrating earlier efforts with structured academic frameworks.

Early Holocene palaeoseasonality inferred from the stable isotope composition of Unio shells from Çatalhöyük, Turkey

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2016 — WHEE3F6E205C2

A significant shift in seasonal climate around Çatalhöyük, Turkey, during the Early Holocene (ca. 9150–8000 cal years BP) is revealed through stable isotope analysis of Unio sub-fossil shells. The study found a marked decrease in summer δ18O values circa 8300 years BP, indicating reduced evaporation and seasonality, likely due to cooler conditions or changes in precipitation patterns. This shift coincides with the proposed end of a fission-fusion farming system at Çatalhöyük, suggesting that altered water balance may have driven cultural transformations during the Late Neolithic/Early Chalcolithic period. The research supports the hypothesis of wet winter/early spring conditions, which could have led to flooding of the Çarşamba Fan, while also linking the climate change to solar-forced shifts and the 8.2k event.

Early Maritime Desert Dwellers in Namaqualand, South Africa: A Holocene Perspective on Pleistocene Peopling

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape — 2016 — WHE09A287EAF2

Sporadic human activity in the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, part of South Africa's arid Namaqualand coast, was most intense during a period of heightened humidity around 50,000 to 17,000 years ago. This finding contrasts with the region's current harsh conditions and suggests that early human movements were linked to environmental shifts, particularly increased winter rainfall. The study analyzes chronological and subsistence data from Spitzkloof A Rockshelter, using late Pleistocene records to infer patterns of occupation and resource use. By comparing these insights with better-documented Holocene archaeological evidence, researchers predict how the earliest coastal desert dwellers adapted to fluctuating environmental conditions.

Early Opacifiers In The Glaze Industry Of First Millennium bc Persia: Persepolis And Tepe Rabat

Persepolis — 2016 — WHECE36B6BF5D

A groundbreaking analysis of glazed bricks from Persepolis and Tepe Rabat reveals the early use of sophisticated opacifiers in Persian glaze production during the first millennium BC. The study identifies lead antimonate as a yellow opacifier and brizziite (NaSbO3) as a white opacifier, with brizziite also found in green and turquoise glazes. Additionally, the research suggests accidental co-formation of these opacifiers alongside CaSb2O6 in some samples. The findings hint at a possible link between Achaemenid glaze techniques and those used by the Mannean culture at Tepe Rabat, offering new insights into ancient ceramic technology and cross-cultural influences.

Earthquake Damage Estimations of Byblos Potable Water Network

Byblos — 2016 — WHE6B73262FBA

Aging water infrastructure in Byblos, Lebanon, faces significant seismic threats due to the region's moderate to high earthquake risk. Research assessed potential earthquake damage to the city's potable water network using advanced modeling techniques, including Geographic Information System (GIS) data preparation and Ergo Platform analysis with lifelines fragility functions. The study evaluated three likely earthquake scenarios, revealing critical vulnerabilities in the network that could lead to substantial disruptions. Findings highlight the urgent need for mitigation strategies, such as infrastructure strengthening, to enhance resilience against seismic events.

Ecology and biology of birds in the Białowieża Forest: a 40-year perspective

Białowieża Forest — 2016 — WHE2302EE07F0

A 40-year study of the Białowieża Forest's avifauna reveals that its bird communities exhibit primeval ecological traits, including stability over time, high species richness, and low densities. These features are linked to natural processes such as predation pressure, abundant nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds, and pulsed food resources driven by rodent outbreaks. The research highlights the critical role of maintaining old-growth forest conditions to preserve this unique ecosystem. Threats like tree stand rejuvenation, dead wood removal, fragmentation, and changes in tree species composition are identified as significant risks to the forest's ecological integrity.

Ecology and Demography of Free-Roaming Domestic Dogs in Rural Villages near Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park — 2016 — WHE7BA660A7D5

A four-year study of over 2,600 free-roaming domestic dogs in rural villages near Serengeti National Park revealed that vaccination against rabies did not significantly alter dog population dynamics. While vaccinated dogs in intervention villages showed higher survival rates than unvaccinated ones, overall population growth remained similar across all villages, suggesting other factors like body condition and village characteristics play a more substantial role. The research also identified sickness and hyena predation as the primary causes of mortality, with adult dogs exhibiting better survival than puppies. Male-biased sex ratios were observed across age classes, and poor body condition correlated with lower survival rates regardless of vaccination status.