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Showing 22021 – 22040 of 30345 publications

Late quaternary speleogenesis and landscape evolution in the northern Apennine evaporite areas

Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines — 2016 — WHE3D5B36FE05

Research reveals that gypsum caves in the northern Apennines, including some of the world's longest epigenic cave systems, began forming at least 600,000 years ago, challenging long-held assumptions about their age. The study used uranium-thorium dating of speleothems from 14 caves to determine that speleogenesis peaked during cold climate stages when surface rivers formed terraces and aggradation occurred. It also estimated that it took approximately 200,000 years for the dismantling of impervious sediments covering gypsum beds and the development of a mature surface drainage network. This finding significantly advances understanding of evaporite karst evolution in rapidly uplifting regions.

Late-Holocene gallery forest retrogression in the Venezuelan Guayana: New data and implications for the conservation of a cultural landscape

Canaima National Park — 2016 — WHE62013E5C41

A late-Holocene shift from gallery forests to savanna-dominated landscapes in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, is linked to human-induced fires and climate-driven droughts. Palynological analysis of sediment cores from Quebrada Kowana (QK) and Ariwe Fernland (AF) revealed that forest cover, dominated by taxa like Celastraceae and Moraceae/Urticaceae, declined sharply around 1800–1600 years ago due to recurrent fires—likely set by humans but exacerbated by drought. These findings confirm regional-scale gallery forest degradation during the late Holocene, with implications for conserving this culturally significant landscape.

Le Corbusier en Ahmedabad : los atributos del sitio como arquitectura presentida

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement — 2016 — WHEFF082A1548

Le Corbusier's architectural works in Ahmedabad exemplify his innovative approach to integrating physical and sensory elements of a site, transforming them into dynamic spatial experiences. His designs, such as the Manorama Sarabhai residence and the Mill Owner's Association Building, reveal how he used architectural instruments to modulate environmental values—linking terrestrial, cosmic, and horizontal dimensions—while adhering to principles like the relative positioning of domestic spaces. These projects demonstrate his ability to blend tradition with modernist techniques, creating structures that evoke both visible and invisible presences of their surroundings. The study highlights Le Corbusier's methodical exploration of spatial relationships, rooted in perceptual synthesis and natural cycles, as a paradigm-shifting contribution to modern architecture.

Le fasi Nuragico II e Punico-Romana nel settore nord-occidentale del villaggio di Su Nuraxi di Barumini (Cagliari)

Su Nuraxi di Barumini — 2016 — WHEC7131CCDA7

A recent analysis of pottery from Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sardinia, reveals significant insights into the site's occupation during the Iron Age (Nuragico II phase) and its later Punic-Roman use. The study identifies characteristic ceramic vessels from the 8th century BCE, aligning with known patterns in central-southern Sardinia, while also uncovering sparse but crucial evidence of activity between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE during the Punic period. This suggests continued habitation or visitation post-Iron Age, challenging earlier assumptions about the site's abandonment. The research employs comparative contextual analysis with other regional sites to classify pottery types and reconstruct chronological narratives, offering a nuanced understanding of Su Nuraxi's layered history.

Le machinisme comme réponse à la question sociale : Robert Owen et l’expérience de New Lanark (Chapter 2)

New Lanark — 2016 — WHEDFA62A837E

Robert Owen's industrial experiment at New Lanark (1825–1840) demonstrated that mechanization could serve as a solution to social inequality, challenging prevailing economic and societal norms. As both a critic of industrial progress and a practicing industrialist, Owen provided a unique perspective on the interplay between technological advancement and social reform during Britain's early industrialization period. His approach combined theoretical reflection with practical implementation, offering insights into the potential for industry to address social issues while driving economic development.

Le numérique pas à pas : la fouille du site néolithique de Khirokitia (Chypre)

Choirokoitia — 2016 — WHEA193EDF259

A groundbreaking digital approach revolutionized the documentation and analysis of the Neolithic site of Khirokitia (Cyprus), transforming decades of archaeological data into an accessible, web-based resource. From 1986 onward, the French mission systematically digitized field records, enabling comprehensive management and analysis. By 2008–2009, this effort culminated in the online diffusion of archives, making Khirokitia’s extensive documentation available to global researchers. This study highlights how incremental digital integration—spanning data collection (1976–2009) to web publication—enhanced both research efficiency and scholarly collaboration, setting a precedent for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Le patrimoine subaquatique du lac Titicaca, Bolivie. Utilisation et perception de l’espace lacustre durant la periode Tiwanaku (500-1150 PCN)

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2016 — WHE4A146EEC99

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Tiwanaku culture (500–1150 CE) extensively utilized Lake Titicaca, not just its surrounding lands. Unlike previous research focusing on terrestrial areas, this project employed underwater archaeology to uncover subaqueous ritual practices, particularly ceramic offerings like incensarios, which provide direct evidence of Tiwanaku's relationship with the lake. Findings indicate that the lake was integral to their political, sociocultural, and spiritual landscapes, influencing territorial strategies, subsistence, and symbolic representations. The research highlights how the lake—perceived as a 'inner sea'—shaped mythological beliefs, iconography, and rituals, offering new insights into Tiwanaku's complex interaction with their environment.

Le Pressioni Perturbative del Sistema Insediativo di Torre Annunziata (Na)

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2016 — WHE34A665AB7C

A study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Torre Annunziata, part of the Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata, identifies significant perturbative pressures affecting its urban system. By applying resilience theory to socio-urban systems, the research systematically analyzes these pressures, revealing dynamic transitions in technological landscapes that shape the built environment. The findings are crucial for defining acceptable limits of modification to preserve the structure and identity of the urban landscape while balancing conservation with socio-economic development goals. This approach provides a framework for sustainable urban planning, ensuring the integrity of historical sites amid evolving pressures.

Le salut par les œuvres : les bienfaiteurs laïcs de l’Aumône Notre-Dame de Chartres à la fin du Moyen Âge

Chartres Cathedral — 2016 — WHED05F0B5E42

Late medieval lay elites in Chartres engaged in diverse charitable acts toward the Aumône Notre-Dame, the city's most significant hospital, to secure their spiritual salvation. These initiatives ranged from one-time monetary donations by bourgeois individuals to letters of protection issued by sovereigns. The study reveals that generosity was a key strategy for accessing salvation, with hospital communities and the poor serving as intermediaries through foundations like masses. This research sheds light on the complex interplay between charitable practices, religious beliefs, and social hierarchy in medieval Europe.

Leaf and floral heating in cold climates: do sub-Antarctic megaherbs resemble tropical alpine giants?

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2016 — WHEB04C6268D7

Sub-Antarctic megaherbs exhibit significant leaf and floral heating, with temperatures up to 11°C higher than ambient conditions, challenging the typical low-statured plant forms seen in cold climates. This discovery suggests thermal benefits akin to tropical alpine giants, driven by brief periods of solar radiation and enhanced by hairy, corrugated leaves and darkly pigmented inflorescences. Researchers used thermal imaging techniques on Campbell Island (52.3°S) to measure leaf and inflorescence temperatures, correlating them with environmental variables such as solar radiation, wind speed, and humidity. The findings highlight the potential adaptive significance of these plant traits in extreme environments.

Lecanorchis tabugawaensis (Orchidaceae, Vanilloideae), a new mycoheterotrophic plant from Yakushima Island, Japan

Yakushima — 2016 — WHE32BDA5DB82

Researchers have identified Lecanorchis tabugawaensis, a new mycoheterotrophic orchid species from Yakushima Island, Japan. This discovery, published in PhytoKeys, highlights distinct morphological traits—such as its straight column and glabrous labellum—that set it apart from the closely related L. taiwaniana. The species is critically endangered (CR D1), with populations limited to two locations, each containing only dozens of mature individuals. The study employed comparative morphological analysis to distinguish this novel taxon. This finding underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect Yakushima's unique biodiversity, particularly in light of its restricted distribution and mycoheterotrophic lifestyle, which relies on fungal associations.

Les armatures de fer de la cathédrale de Bourges : nouvelles données, nouvelles lectures

Bourges Cathedral — 2016 — WHEB0B4689B35

A groundbreaking study of Bourges Cathedral reveals that iron armatures, integral to its Gothic architecture, were not part of the original design but were introduced mid-construction to address structural instability. Analysis of 70 iron samples and 58 lead sealings, combined with archaeological observations from 2010–2011, demonstrates these reinforcements—including truss rods and chains in the triforium—were contemporary with the cathedral's early thirteenth-century construction but implemented reactively to stabilize an unfinished structure. This challenges long-held assumptions about medieval engineering practices and positions Bourges as a pivotal case study in the evolution of iron integration in Gothic masonry, highlighting a phase of experimental adaptation during its formative years.

Les enjeux urbains et patrimoniaux de la reconstruction après la guerre franco-prussienne à Strasbourg

Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt — 2016 — WHE575DD93C17

The reconstruction of Strasbourg after the Franco-Prussian War (1870) introduced significant urban and architectural transformations, particularly in the city's north-western districts. Despite the severe damage inflicted during the conflict, the German authorities swiftly embarked on restoration efforts, culminating in the ambitious Neustadt extension project by 1880. This study reveals that while the reconstruction of key structures like the cathedral and municipal buildings initially appeared to maintain continuity with pre-war designs, closer examination shows notable shifts in urban planning and architectural styles, reflecting Germany's influence during its occupation of Alsace-Lorraine. The research employs a comparative analysis of historical documents, architectural plans, and visual evidence to assess how national identity and political context shaped the city's built heritage.

Les hydrosystèmes militaires défensifs de Basse-Alsace (XVIIe-XVIIIe siècles)

Fortifications of Vauban — 2016 — WHED3D55462B0

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Alsace's shifting eastern borders spurred the development of unique defensive hydrosystems—a strategic innovation distinct from Vauban's traditional fortifications. These systems, shaped by regional geography and geostrategic pressures, formed a flexible network of field fortifications to counter advancing threats. The study reveals how military planners adapted to dynamic frontiers, blending natural waterways with defensive engineering to create a resilient barrier. By analyzing historical records and spatial data, the research highlights the interplay between landscape and strategy in early modern warfare.

Les rongeurs du sondage Séronie-Vivien de la grotte d’âge Pléistocène moyen de Pradayrol à Caniac‑du‑Causse (Lot)

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHE86B0796B0F

A significant discovery of rodent remains, including the extinct hamster Allocricetus bursae and the steppe lemming Lagurus lagurus, was made during a survey at the Pradayrol cave in Caniac-du-Causse (Lot), part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'The Causses and the Cévennes.' The analysis suggests that the cave's sediment layers represent an ancient phase of marine isotope stage 6, characterized by severe droughts but cold winters. The biodiversity observed indicates a transitional climate between arid and more humid conditions, likely due to the cave's strategic location on the edge of a high plateau overlooking a vast irrigated valley. This finding provides valuable insights into the paleoenvironmental history of the region during the Middle Pleistocene.

Les Thermes du Levant à Leptis Magna : les verres (iie-vie siècles)

Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna — 2016 — WHE0FE46A413C

A rare glimpse into Roman-era glassware at Leptis Magna's Thermes du Levant reveals the coexistence of glass and selenite stone window panes within the same structure, alongside previously undocumented vessel shapes from the 3rd century. The study, based on extensive archaeological excavations (1994–2012), analyzes non-funerary glass artifacts—including tableware, lighting fixtures, gaming pieces, jewelry, and window materials—to trace imports from Egypt and local production in Proconsular Africa during Late Antiquity. This comprehensive documentation challenges assumptions about material use in Roman baths while providing insights into trade networks and craftsmanship in North African regions.

Let sacred buildings speak: Durham Cathedral and the Jerusalem Temple

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2016 — WHE4A6B7C5844

Sacred buildings, such as Durham Cathedral and the Jerusalem Temple, possess intrinsic religious significance that extends beyond their initial human construction. This study highlights their positive dimensions, including fostering divine experiences, promoting interfaith learning, and encouraging moral and political action. By comparing these two structures, it challenges the notion of early church indifference toward sacred spaces, demonstrating their enduring capacity to influence societal values and behaviors.

Libros al servicio de los mayordomos en la catedral de Sevilla: Aspectos materiales y propuesta de clasificación

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2016 — WHE8E4C16657C

A new classification system for medieval administrative books used by the mayordomos (administrators) of Seville Cathedral is proposed, offering a more accurate reflection of their original roles and material characteristics. These diverse codices, primarily used for economic management, share common material traits despite serving specific purposes. The study analyzes their diplomatic and codicological features to better understand their function in managing the rich ecclesiastical heritage of Seville during the Middle Ages.

Lidar observations of atmospheric internal waves in the boundary layer of the atmosphere on the coast of Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal — 2016 — WHEE916C5539D

Researchers using advanced lidar technology have uncovered the presence of atmospheric internal waves (AIWs) near Lake Baikal, Russia. These waves, characterized by oscillatory wind patterns, were observed six times during a two-week period in August 2015. Notably, AIWs consistently appeared alongside narrow jet streams at heights of 200 and 700 meters above ground level. The study revealed wave periods ranging from 6.5 to 18 minutes, with most lasting around 45 minutes, though one event persisted for nearly four hours. The amplitude of horizontal wind velocity oscillations reached approximately 1 meter per second, while vertical velocity oscillations were three times smaller. This discovery sheds light on the complex dynamics of atmospheric boundary layers over large water bodies like Lake Baikal.

Life at the Lahore Darbār: 1799-1839

Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore — 2016 — WHE1980DFF044

Life at the Lahore Darbār (1799–1839) vividly reconstructs the opulence and grandeur of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Sikh court, drawing on contemporary sources to depict a lost era of Mughal-inspired splendor. The study highlights how Ranjit Singh revived the Lahore Fort's former magnificence during his 40-year reign, creating a cultural and political legacy that ended with British annexation in 1849. By analyzing historical accounts, it offers an immersive glimpse into the courtly life of this pivotal period, emphasizing its artistic, architectural, and social achievements. The research method relies on primary sources to capture the darbār's majesty, providing a unique lens through which to understand Sikh rule in Punjab.