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Sigma-syntaxa of the Wrangel Island

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2016 — WHEE3B69BA12E

Research on Wrangel Island's vegetation reveals the identification of 53 sigma-syntaxa, including 13 sigma-associations and 40 sigma-types, using a symphytosociological approach. This method, adapted from European phytosociologists, classifies territorial units of vegetation based on diagnostic groups and constant syntaxa. The study employs landscape ecological methods and profiles to identify phytocoenochoras, which are then processed into tabular data to determine sigma-syntaxa. Key findings include the application of a threshold for identifying sigma-associations and the combination of typological categories into higher hierarchical ranks like sigma-unions. The research also introduces an algorithm for recording sigma-syntaxa, covering composition, structure, environment, and location, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding vegetation diversity on Wrangel Island.

Significant increase of summertime ozone at Mount Tai in Central Eastern China

Mount Taishan — 2016 — WHE064C77B1EA

A significant increase in summertime ozone (O₃) levels has been observed at Mount Tai, the highest mountain over the North China Plain, with rates of 1.7 ppbv per year in June and 2.1 ppbv per year for July–August averages from 2003 to 2015. This finding, supported by a global chemistry-climate model (GFDL-AM3), attributes the rise primarily to increased emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), despite a decline in nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) since 2011. The study highlights that controlling NOₓ alone is insufficient for reducing regional O₃ levels in North China, emphasizing the need for concurrent VOC emission controls. Researchers analyzed long-term surface O₃ measurements and satellite data to quantify decadal changes and identify key precursors driving ozone production.

Silver and silver microparticles of the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary sediment of Fish Clay Højerup (Stevns Klint, Denmark)

Stevns Klint — 2016 — WHE5C19B15E5F

A discovery of micrometer-sized silver particles, embedded within the calcite matrix of the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary sediment at Stevns Klint, Denmark, suggests a link to the Chicxulub asteroid impact event. These pure silver microparticles (>99% weight) exhibit irregular, rounded, and dendritic shapes with rugged surfaces, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The findings imply these particles were dispersed globally during or immediately after the impact, offering new insights into the geochemical consequences of large-scale extraterrestrial events.

Sistema Edilizio e Risorsa Idrica. il Caso Studio di Torre Annunziata (Na)

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2016 — WHE66C9DB86BD

A study of an 18th-century urban core in Torre Annunziata, Italy, reveals how water management systems were integrated into building designs to sustainably utilize rainwater. The research uncovers sedimented knowledge within these structures, offering a foundation for modern conservation and revitalization efforts. By analyzing historical water infrastructure, the study provides insights into pre-industrial urban planning, contrasting it with contemporary wasteful practices. This work highlights the potential for recovering and leveraging traditional water systems to improve sustainability in heritage sites.

Site amplification in the Kathmandu Valley during the 2015 M7.6 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake

Kathmandu Valley — 2016 — WHEE013D3DDD7

The 2015 M7.6 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal caused significant damage and loss of life, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley, due to site amplification effects that exceeded design levels set by Nepalese building codes. A study using passive microtremor recordings identified clear site amplification in the Siddhitol Region, highlighting the need for site-specific hazard analysis and revisions to building codes to mitigate future risks. The research approach involved analyzing shear wave velocity profiles from severely damaged areas and the main seismic station in Kathmandu, converting these into spectral accelerations using earthquake input motion data.

Site effects and associated structural damage analysis in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2016 — WHEE77FB5753F

Nonlinear seismic site response analysis more accurately predicts structural damage patterns in Kathmandu Valley compared to equivalent-linear analysis, as demonstrated by the 2015 Mw7.8 Gorkha earthquake. The study found that nonlinear models better capture soil amplification and peak ground acceleration (PGA) variations, with PGA ranging from 0.17 to 0.46 g—closely matching observed damage scenarios. While equivalent-linear analysis underestimated amplification (2.3–3.8), nonlinear analysis revealed higher values (8.9–18.2), aligning with severe damage in three sites and minimal damage in two others. The research also exposed inaccuracies in the USGS PGA map for southern Kathmandu, contrasting with northern regions. Soil fundamental periods of 0.4–0.5 seconds were consistent across both methods, providing critical data for seismic demand analysis.

Small mammals from Miri, northeastern region of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo: note on new locality records

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2016 — WHE432BDE65D3

A survey of small mammals in Gunung Mulu National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Mulu Caves National Park, revealed nine new locality records for the northeastern region of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Among these, eight bat species (Dyacopterus spadiceus, Megaerops wetmorei, Nycteris tragata, Hipposideros cineraceus, Hesperoptenus blanfordi, Kerivoula pellucida, Murina suilla, and Myotis muricola) and one squirrel (Sundasciurus brookei) were documented. Notably, Megaerops wetmorei was recorded for the first time in Sarawak. The study, conducted using ground-level and canopy mist-nets, harp traps, and cage traps, found Gunung Mulu National Park to have the highest small mammal diversity (29 species), followed by Niah National Park (19 species) and Lambir Hills National Park (17 species). This research contributes to understanding biodiversity in this ecologically significant region.

SMR Geomechanics and Kinematic Analysis near Rasulpur, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Fatehpur Sikri — 2016 — WHE070F94B8B7

A geomechanical and kinematic analysis of sandstone slopes at Rasulpur, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, reveals that the slopes fall within good stability classes (2a and 2b) according to the SMR Geomechanics classification. However, the study identifies a potential risk of toppling failures due to structurally controlled joint sets, which could pose hazards during excavation. To mitigate these risks, the researchers recommend implementing safety measures such as rock bolting and the installation of nets during excavation. This analysis combines field investigations with laboratory tests to assess slope stability, providing actionable insights for safer mining practices in the region.

Social dimensions of child tourism labour: listening to children's voices in two Mexican rural communities

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2016 — WHE4EB8C339AE

Children in Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve actively engage in remunerable tourism labour during the season, contributing to their livelihoods and development while facing risks of physical harm and health issues. This study, based on children's own accounts, reveals that such participation also reinforces traditional gender roles. Conducted through qualitative methods centered on child informants, the research highlights the need for comprehensive understanding of tourism's social dimensions, offering practical and methodological insights to address these complexities.

Social Impacts of Protected Areas on Gender in West Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2016 — WHEC3D762C536

Protected areas (PAs) often exacerbate inequalities, particularly for women and the poor, by restricting access to essential resources without providing adequate compensation. A study on Kilimanjaro National Park and Enduimet Wildlife Management Area in Tanzania reveals that while both men and women face challenges due to PA restrictions, women suffer disproportionately due to gendered division of labor and limited livelihood alternatives. Despite modest benefits from PAs, illegal resource collection persists as a survival strategy for many. The research combines qualitative methods—including interviews and focus groups—to highlight how conservation efforts may inadvertently worsen the well-being of adjacent communities, particularly female-headed households and the economically disadvantaged.

Socjotopografia przedmieść toruńskich w XIV–XVIII wieku – przypadek Żabieńca

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2016 — WHE79523D64DE

Research on the socio-topography of Toruń’s suburbs reveals significant transformations from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, driven by urban development and historical conflicts. The study highlights that medieval settlement patterns were disrupted by fortifications and wars, particularly the Great Northern War (1703–1710), leading to shifts in population density and ethnic composition. While St Lawrence’s and St George’s quarters dominated in the Middle Ages, Rybaki and Winnica became key areas along the Vistula River by the 18th century. A focus on Żabieniec, a part of Rybaki, shows its continuous habitation across centuries, with rent records providing insight into ownership, economic relations, and professional/ethnic structures. The analysis also documents environmental impacts, such as flood damage from the Vistula River, and historical events like a gunpowder explosion. This work underscores the potential for deeper research on Toruń’s suburbs using underutilized source materials.

Soil Contamination in Forest and Industrial Regions of Bulgaria

Pirin National Park — 2016 — WHEB29EA28553

A comprehensive analysis of soil contamination in Bulgaria's forest and industrial regions reveals significant accumulation of heavy metals, particularly in Pirin National Park, Central Balkan National Park, Bulgarka Natural Park, and Strandzha Natural Park. The study, spanning 1988 to 2015, highlights severe soil acidification and eutrophication, with notable levels of heavy metal contamination detected in pasture grasses and medicinal plants. Industrial areas also show elevated heavy metal concentrations in tree leaves, assessed using ICP Forests criteria. This research underscores the environmental impact of industrial activities on pristine ecosystems, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pirin National Park.

Soil Fauna Communities and Soil Attributes in the Agroforests of Paraty

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2016 — WHEC27EA63BCF

Agroforests in Paraty, Brazil, demonstrate remarkable resilience and ecological similarity to native secondary forests. A study comparing two agroforestry systems (AFS-1 and AFS-2), a secondary forest, and a cassava monoculture revealed that AFS-2 exhibited higher abundance of microphagous, saprophagous, and total soil fauna individuals during winter, while AFS-1 showed increased diversity in Formicidae and phytophagous groups from winter to summer. Soil chemical (pH, Al, Ca, Mg, P, K, carbon, organic matter) and microbiological attributes (soil microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration, metabolic quotient) were analyzed alongside soil fauna communities. The findings suggest that these agroforests are undergoing regeneration, mirroring the ecological efficiency of native forests. This research underscores the potential of agroforestry systems to support biodiversity while maintaining soil health.

Soil macrofauna (invertebrates) of Kazakhstanian Stipa lessingiana dry steppe

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2016 — WHE52AE992DCE

A study of soil macrofauna in the Naurzum State Nature Reserve, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Saryarka Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan,' reveals that the abundance and biomass of soil-dwelling invertebrates are significantly lower than in northern and western steppe regions. This finding highlights the unique ecological challenges faced by the dry, continental climate of the Turgai Plateau, where remnants of Virgin Stipa lessingiana steppes persist despite historical land-use changes during the Soviet Virgin Land campaign. The research provides a detailed analysis of the faunistic composition and community structure of these invertebrates, underscoring their critical role in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.

Soil‐nutrient availability and the nutrient‐use efficiencies of forests along an altitudinal gradient on Yakushima Island, Japan

Yakushima — 2016 — WHE944F2BC2E1

Contrary to expectations, soil nutrient availability and forest nutrient-use efficiencies on Yakushima Island, Japan, exhibit distinct patterns along an altitudinal gradient. Research reveals that total phosphorus (P) and inorganic nitrogen (N), as well as labile P fractions, decrease with increasing altitude, challenging initial hypotheses. This trend suggests that progressive soil acidity and slower decomposition in cooler, wetter upslope environments have dissolved volcanic ash-derived P and accelerated its leaching. Consequently, forest ecosystems on Yakushima face increasing phosphorus and nitrogen shortages at higher altitudes. The study analyzed soil nutrient fractions and inorganic N, along with P- and N-use efficiencies across seven forests spanning 170–1550 meters above sea level, providing critical insights into the nutrient dynamics of these unique altitudinally zoned ecosystems.

Solving landscape-related conflicts through transnational learning? The case of transboundary Nordic World Heritage sites

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2016 — WHE9D805B5AF0

Transnational learning (TNL) can mitigate democratic participation gaps in early stages of UNESCO World Heritage (WH) nomination processes, offering a model for resolving landscape-related conflicts. This study examines the WH sites Laponia and High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago, revealing how TNL facilitates cross-border cooperation among stakeholders despite cultural and legal constraints. The research employs comparative methods and governance theories to analyze challenges in local democratic participation during national and transnational decision-making. It highlights the Nordic tradition of TNL as a tool for incorporating diverse stakeholders into WH governance, demonstrating its potential to bridge gaps between local communities and international conservation efforts.

Song-count surveys and population estimates reveal the recovery of the endangered Amami Thrush Zoothera dauma major, which is endemic to Amami-Oshima Island in south-western Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2016 — WHE5D62D9DB61

A significant recovery of the critically endangered Amami Thrush (Zoothera dauma major), endemic to Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, has been documented through song-count surveys and population estimates. The study, conducted from 2007 to 2013 with public participation, revealed a marked increase in the number of singing males, rising from an estimated 945–1,858 up to 2012 to 2,512 in 2013. This suggests a doubling of the breeding population, likely driven by forest regeneration and eradication efforts against invasive small Indian mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus). The thrush was found to be more abundant in mature forests with less open habitat, indicating that forest maturity is crucial for its survival. Continued monitoring, including public involvement, is recommended to ensure the species' long-term conservation.

South China Karst 1999, Preliminary Research in Yunnan

South China Karst — 2016 — WHE68C6BA0710

South China Karst 1999, Preliminary Research in Yunnan presents key findings on the geological characteristics of karst landscapes in Yunnan Province, China. The study, conducted by researchers from the Karst Research Institute ZRC SAZU and their Chinese counterparts, focuses on the unique formations of 'shilin' (stone forests) and tower karst structures around Babao and Puzhehei regions. These formations exhibit distinct geological features that contribute to the understanding of karst development in subtropical environments. The research employed field observations and analyses to document these landscapes, which are less explored in tourist literature. This work builds on prior studies published in 'South China Karst' (1998) and provides preliminary insights into the complex processes shaping these iconic karst formations.

Southeast Inka Frontiers

City of Cuzco — 2016 — WHE47016F2627

The Inka Empire's control over vast, distant frontier regions, particularly the Southeast frontier, was marked by complex socioeconomic transformations that reshaped indigenous populations like the Yampara and Guaraní. This study reveals how the encounter between the Inka—one of the largest pre-Columbian empires—and these fierce tribes led to significant political and economic shifts. By integrating cross-regional analysis and diverse lines of evidence, researchers uncover the mechanics of Inka imperial expansion and its profound impacts on local societies. The findings highlight the adaptability and resilience of frontier populations in response to Inka governance, offering new insights into the empire's reach and influence.

Southern continuation of the Wakeham Group and Robe-Noire mafic suite (eastern Grenville Province) from hydrocarbon-targeted seismic reflection data on Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada

Anticosti — 2016 — WHEE608398913

A seismic reflection study on eastern Anticosti Island, Quebec, has identified the southern extension of the Mesoproterozoic Wakeham Group and Robe-Noire mafic sills, previously exposed only along the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The research used hydrocarbon-targeted seismic data to image subparallel reflections below the Paleozoic St. Lawrence Platform, revealing a reflective unit characterized by broad open folds, subparallel markers, and east-northeast-dipping faults. This discovery extends geological understanding of the eastern Grenville Province's basement structure, providing new insights into the region's tectonic history.