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Geohazards Revealed by Multi-temporal InSAR Datasets at AGEO Citizen Science Observatory Pilots in Lisbon, Madeira and Northern Ireland

Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast — 2025 — WHEF25F270E6C

Ground motion analysis using multi-temporal InSAR data from Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellites reveals significant geohazards across three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Lisbon Region, eastern Madeira Island, and Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast. The study identifies subsidence hotspots in Lisbon (up to -5 mm/yr) linked to groundwater over-pumping and urbanization, while Madeira shows ground motions of up to 7 mm/yr associated with slow landslides. In Northern Ireland, peatland drainage and urban-induced consolidation contribute to subsidence, including around the Causeway coast. These findings align with the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS), providing critical insights for Citizen Observatories to focus on high-risk areas. The research underscores the potential of InSAR-derived data to contextualize citizen science efforts in geohazard monitoring.

Geoheritage Tourism in Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia: Local Community Involvement

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2025 — WHE64A29EE866

A study on the Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley demonstrates that local communities have successfully integrated into geotourism activities, significantly empowering heritage tourism while aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research highlights how stakeholders and locals have collaboratively developed tourism initiatives, including certified geoguides, traditional food services, and homestays. By employing survey and participation-based methods, the study systematically documented the involvement of communities in organized tourism programs, mapping site conditions and facilities while training locals to lead heritage tours. This approach not only safeguards Lenggong Valley’s geoarchaeological sites but also showcases a model for inclusive, community-driven geotourism that leaves no one behind.

Geoheritage Values of the Transboundary World Heritage of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2025 — WHEDCBF1CB73E

A transboundary World Heritage Site spanning Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Hin Nam No National Parks, this study identifies unprecedented geoheritage values rooted in shared karst geology. It reveals a 500-million-year geological evolution from the Middle Cambrian to the Quaternary, highlighting the world's largest pristine humid tropical karst system with unmatched surface and subsurface diversity. Notably, it uncovers Triassic-Middle Jurassic paleokarst—buried surfaces and caves—an outstanding universal value absent in existing World Heritage sites. The research employed field surveys, laboratory analyses, document synthesis, and comparative analysis to clarify these exceptional geological and geomorphological features.

Geological and geotechnical challenges on the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe and their impact on hardrock pillar design

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2025 — WHE52915B89F1

Current mining practices on the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe, known for its rich platinum group metal deposits, lack advanced geostatistical and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that could significantly improve hardrock pillar stability. The study highlights that traditional empirical methods and numerical modeling fail to address the geological complexity, including diverse rock types and structural features like joints and faults. Geostatistical techniques such as kriging and AI-driven data analysis offer more precise estimates of rock quality and predictive capabilities, while real-time sensor integration enables dynamic risk management. Adopting these advanced methods could enhance safety and efficiency in underground mining operations on the Great Dyke.

Geological and Geotechnical Studies Aimed at the Project and Construction of Rockfill Recharge Dams: The Case Study of the Wadi Sulayf Dam, Wilayat Ibri Region, Oman

Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman — 2025 — WHE1FD0D62B11

A novel approach to sustainable water management in Oman's semi-desert region has been successfully demonstrated through the construction of rockfill recharge dams, which utilize temporary floodwaters to augment the Aflaj irrigation system. The Wadi Sulayf Dam, a 3200-meter structure near Ibri Town, serves as a case study showcasing the integration of geological and geotechnical design principles with practical implementation. Despite encountering significant flooding during construction—an event that typically causes structural damage—the dam remained intact, highlighting its robust engineering. This project not only addresses growing water demand for drinking and agriculture but also provides a model for resilient infrastructure development in arid environments.

Geological characteristics and its influences on the topography: A case study on santiniketan and its surroundings

Santiniketan — 2025 — WHE0EF86551B8

Santiniketan and its surroundings exhibit unique geological characteristics, such as red soil with ravine-like formations along the River Kopai, which significantly influence topographical features. The study reveals that regional geomorphology is shaped by underlying geological structures, demonstrated through Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and spatial integration of morphogenetic aspects. This relationship between geological conditions and topography provides critical insights for understanding landscape ecology in the region.

Geological heritage assessment in the central coast of Sonora and Midriff Islands region of the Gulf of California (Mexico): inventory and implications for management

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California — 2025 — WHEBB6C31C09E

A comprehensive geoheritage assessment of the central coast of Sonora and Midriff Islands in Mexico's Gulf of California identifies 24 geologically significant sites, revealing their potential for conservation, education, and geotourism. Eight sites exhibit high scientific value, while twelve hold strong educational potential and six offer geotourism opportunities. However, twelve sites face medium-to-high threats from unregulated tourism and land-use changes. The study highlights the need for tailored management strategies, integrating geoheritage into existing conservation frameworks, particularly in Indigenous territories. It suggests that while the region could aspire to international designations like a UNESCO Global Geopark, immediate priorities include raising awareness and fostering community participation. This work underscores the importance of geological knowledge in designing locally grounded, socially inclusive management strategies for sustainable development.

Geological Map of the Frasassi Gorge (Northern Apennines, Italy)

Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines — 2025 — WHEF7246A3525

A new 1:10,000-scale geological map of the Frasassi Gorge (Northern Apennines, Italy) reveals intricate tectono-sedimentary contacts and structural features that refine our understanding of Jurassic paleogeography and post-Jurassic deformation in the region. The study integrates surface and cave surveys to provide a detailed subdivision of the Calcare Massiccio Formation (MAS), improving correlations with adjacent Jurassic units and the Maiolica Formation. Notably, it documents neptunian dykes both at the surface and within caves, suggesting that the Frasassi high was an elongated NW–SE block bounded by conjugate oblique-slip normal faults later reactivated during folding. This updated framework offers valuable insights for future geological research in this UNESCO-listed evaporitic karst system.

Geomorphological mapping and terrain analysis of the Vredefort impact crater structure

Vredefort Dome — 2025 — WHEA02C2ED517

A geomorphological analysis of the Vredefort Dome, Earth's oldest and largest confirmed impact crater, reveals five distinct terrain units shaped by asteroid strikes: central uplift, inner ring, outer ring, collar structure, and radial fracture zones. The study, using SRTM DEMs and Landsat 8 imagery alongside fieldwork in South Africa, found that the central uplift has the steepest slopes (14.7°), while the collar structure is gentler (6.3°). Drainage patterns show a radial-to-annular network controlled by concentric structural ridges. These findings provide a reference for understanding planetary surface deformation from impacts and offer insights into similar craters on Mars and the Moon.

Geomorphological patterns and sedimentary facies in a modern mixed carbonate-siliciclastic lagoon (New Caledonia)

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2025 — WHED7E52218DB

A detailed sedimentary mapping of the New Caledonian lagoon reveals distinct geomorphological patterns and sedimentary facies between its southwestern and southeastern zones, highlighting differences likely driven by inherited morphologies and contrasting hydrodynamic conditions. The southwestern lagoon, bordered by a massive barrier reef, is more prone to fine-grained sedimentation, while the narrower eastern lagoon exhibits meandering channels parallel to the shore due to a discontinuous and partially submerged barrier reef. This high-resolution mapping at a 1/70,000 scale, utilizing bathymetric imagery and seabed sampling, provides insights into the surface sediment distribution, bioconstructed morphologies, and drainage network architecture in this mixed carbonate-siliciclastic system.

Geomorphological Structure of Landform Characteristics as a Reference for Development Recommendations in Wadi Rum Protected Area

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2025 — WHEDFB430E47A

Research identifies Wadi Rum's geomorphological features as critical indicators for sustainable development, linking landform characteristics to ecosystem dynamics and socioeconomic activities. The study reveals that these unique landforms, shaped by millennia of morphogenesis, offer valuable insights for preserving the area's ecological integrity while guiding responsible tourism and infrastructure planning. Utilizing advanced geospatial tools like Global Mapper and AutoCAD, the research combines qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze terrain evolution and its impact on local ecosystems. By integrating geomorphological data with socioeconomic factors, the findings provide a theoretical framework to assess temporal changes and formulate recommendations that balance development needs with environmental conservation, ensuring Wadi Rum's landform characteristics are safeguarded for future generations.

Geomorphologies of the German North Sea Coast

Wadden Sea — 2025 — WHEE2AF2F0751

The German North Sea coast, shaped over the past 7000 years, is a dynamic landscape characterized by diverse geomorphologies—from barrier islands and estuaries to eroded coastal zones. The Wadden Sea serves as a unifying element, linking these varied landforms while representing a unique natural and cultural heritage. Extreme storm events, particularly in medieval times, played a pivotal role in shaping this landscape, causing long-term damage and influencing its geomorphological evolution. However, increasing anthropogenic impacts and climate change have heightened the coast's vulnerability, positioning it as one of Germany's most endangered landscapes. This study examines these interactions, highlighting the delicate balance between human activity and environmental resilience.

Geophysical Surveys at Petra World Heritage Site

Petra — 2025 — WHEA3F542B32C

A buried tomb containing the remains of at least 11 human skeletons was discovered beneath Petra, Jordan, following geophysical surveys using ground-penetrating radar (GPR). The GPR identified a subsurface chamber, which subsequent excavations confirmed as an ancient burial site. This discovery sheds new light on Petra's historical significance and funerary practices, contributing to ongoing research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of non-invasive geophysical techniques in uncovering hidden archaeological features without causing damage to the site.

Geophysics exploration of the subsurface structures of Gopura V in the Preah Vihear temple heritage site using seismic refraction tomography

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2025 — WHEB569F97B8C

Seismic refraction tomography (SRT) revealed three distinct subsurface lithological units beneath Gopura V of the Preah Vihear Temple, a 9th-century Khmer Empire site. These include a soil layer with P-wave velocities of 790–1500 m/s, a weathered sandstone layer (1500–2000 m/s), and fresh sandstone (2000–3200 m/s). The study also identified subsurface sandstone boulders southeast of the gopura and open fractures in the northeast zone. Data from 7 SRT lines, collected using a 24-channel seismograph and 8 kg sledgehammer source, aligned with borehole lithology profiles, providing critical insights for the conservation and restoration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geotechnical Assessment of Foundation Stability for Preserving the Agrippa Monument at the Acropolis of Athens

Acropolis, Athens — 2025 — WHEB36A1A3DE4

A geotechnical assessment of the Agrippa Monument at the Acropolis of Athens reveals that while no immediate risk of failure exists under static conditions, the monument's foundation is highly uneven and susceptible to long-term risks such as seismic-induced soil compaction, water erosion, or changes in weight distribution. The study, which combines bibliographic research with advanced geotechnical surveys and 3D finite element modeling, identifies critical parameters for stability and proposes targeted interventions—including instrumental monitoring, soil improvement, and water management—to mitigate these risks. These findings underscore the need for proactive preservation strategies to safeguard this iconic structure against potential future instability.

Getting Older People’s Voices Heard: A Quantitative Study Using the Validated Italian Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire in Venice, Verona and Palermo

City of Verona — 2025 — WHE91DCBA00D2

Older adults' socioeconomic status and health significantly influence their perceptions of age-friendliness in cities, highlighting the need for tailored policies. A study validated the Italian version of the World Health Organization's Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire, revealing distinct perspectives among older residents in Venice, Verona, and Palermo. The research used a representative sample (n=1,213) to assess urban living experiences across key dimensions, demonstrating that standardized tools can effectively guide age-friendly social policies.

Giotto e la costruzione dello spazio. Le Storie di San Francesco nella Basilica Superiore di Assisi

Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites — 2025 — WHEDFF1A9F5C9

Giotto's frescoes in the Basilica of San Francesco, Assisi, mark a revolutionary shift in artistic representation by integrating architectural space into narrative and symbolic storytelling. Unlike previous decorative uses, Giotto's work introduces volumetric and perspective techniques that redefine how architecture is depicted in art. The 'Storie di San Francesco' cycle, completed in the mid-14th century, serves as the first comprehensive example of this innovation, blending classical traditions with a new spatial conception. This study examines these frescoes through digital surface analysis, revealing their dual role as both an organizational structure for real space and a tool to explore the interplay between architectural design and figurative narration.

Girls on the Move: Late Medieval Social Networks, Economic Conditions and Peasant Geographic Mobility between Southern Finland and Reval (Tallinn), c. 1350–1560

Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn — 2025 — WHE8B2C024E0C

A significant shift in late medieval peasant migration patterns between southern Finland and Reval (Tallinn) was uncovered, revealing that female emigration from eastern Nyland surged dramatically during the 1520–1560 period, coinciding with Reval's final transit trade boom. Over 83% of migrants who passed away in Reval during this era were women, primarily younger daughters from middle and upper rural society layers, contrasting sharply with earlier periods where male migration dominated (c. 1350–1519). These women leveraged their experience in peasant merchant households to secure urban employment, suggesting motivation driven by overpopulation in home villages and Reval's labor market demands. The study, based on rare 'tovorsichte' inheritance certificates, also highlighted a geographic concentration of female migrants from parishes along the northern Gulf of Finland, directly opposite Reval.

Glacier Geoengineering May Have Unintended Consequences for Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2025 — WHECA9DCDB8C2

A proposed geoengineering solution to mitigate sea level rise by installing underwater barriers to block warm ocean currents around Greenland's Sermeq Kujalleq glacier in Ilulissat Icefjord may have unintended negative consequences for marine ecosystems and fisheries. While the concept aims to reduce ice melt and destabilization of tidewater glaciers, field observations and fjord-scale models suggest that such barriers could disrupt marine productivity, with potential social and economic impacts on Greenland's fisheries. The study highlights the need for parallel consideration of technical feasibility and socio-economic viability in geoengineering interventions to ensure beneficial outcomes amid climate change challenges.

Glacier monitoring in the Central Alaska Network: Protocol narrative, version 1.0

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2025 — WHEBB594AC67D

Rapid glacier changes in Alaska's national parks, driven by warming air temperatures, are being systematically monitored through the Central Alaska Network (CAKN) protocol. This long-term monitoring program, initiated in 1991, tracks mass balance, surface elevation, and boundaries of key glaciers—such as Kahiltna and Kennicott—in Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks. The protocol combines glaciological and geodetic methods with remote sensing to document seasonal and interannual changes in snow accumulation and melt, providing insights into climatic forces shaping these vital ice masses. Additionally, it extends glacier inventory efforts every decade and measures surface elevations of major glaciers every 4-6 years, building on data from Operation IceBridge since the mid-1990s. These efforts are critical for understanding impacts on park ecosystems, visitor safety, and downstream marine environments.