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Publications

Showing 22461 – 22480 of 30345 publications

Statistical analysis and mapping of water levels in the Biscayne aquifer, water conservation areas, and Everglades National Park, Miami-Dade County, Florida, 2000–2009

Everglades National Park — 2016 — WHE5F52C76FBB

A decade-long analysis (2000–2009) of water levels in the Biscayne aquifer, adjacent conservation areas, and Everglades National Park reveals critical hydrological patterns near Miami-Dade County’s canal junctions. The study identifies that October water levels—specifically the 50th percentile—exhibit distinct spatial gradients and inferred flow directions, providing insights into groundwater dynamics in this ecologically vital region. Researchers employed statistical modeling and geospatial mapping to quantify variability, offering a data-driven framework for understanding aquifer behavior amid urban and conservation land uses. These findings underscore the importance of precise water management to sustain both ecological integrity and human infrastructure.

Statistical characterization of spatiotemporal sediment dynamics in the Venice lagoon

Venice and its Lagoon — 2016 — WHE8B4368F5C1

High suspended sediment concentration (SSC) events in the Venice lagoon can be modeled as a marked Poisson process, with exponentially distributed interarrival times, peak intensities, and durations. The study reveals that while intensity and duration of these events are temporally correlated, interarrival times show little correlation with other factors. Benthic vegetation plays a significant role by reducing resuspension events in the central southern lagoon, affecting adjacent areas. Additionally, advection and dispersion processes contribute to mixing suspended sediments, leading to more homogeneous spatial patterns of mean interarrival times for SSC events compared to bottom shear stress events.

Status of the Endangered Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea tunneyi on the western South Alligator River floodplain, Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park — 2016 — WHE877E6343BC

A significant decline in the population of the Endangered Yellow Chat (Epthianura crocea tunneyi) subspecies on the western South Alligator River floodplain, Kakadu National Park, was observed between 2004 and 2014. While the 2004 survey recorded 65 individuals across five areas over two days, the 2014 survey, conducted over four days and nearly 40 hours, detected only 27 Yellow Chats in a single area, suggesting a potential long-term population decrease. The study employed intensive field surveys during the late dry season (September–October) to compare habitat use and feral animal impacts between the two periods. Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) were noted as a significant threat, causing damage to wet floodplain areas. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive monitoring across all floodplains within the subspecies' range to assess overall population status and inform conservation strategies.

Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) space use and behavior in campground and non-campground sites in coastal redwood forests

Redwood National and State Parks — 2016 — WHEBB7B69EEC1

Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) in Redwood National and State Parks exhibit altered space use and behavior near campgrounds, likely due to anthropogenic food sources. Despite similar home range sizes between campground and non-campground jays, campground jays showed extensive overlap, suggesting higher local densities. They commuted daily between campgrounds and nocturnal roosts in old-growth forests, with longer commutes correlating with larger home ranges. Campground jays were more ground-oriented and perched frequently, possibly adapting to predictable human-provided food. These findings highlight the direct influence of campgrounds on Steller's Jay behavior, raising concerns about increased nest predation risks for threatened species like Marbled Murrelets.

Steppes Deer Stones

Deer Stone Monuments and Related Bronze Age Sites — 2016 — WHED23FFC2A39

Kazakhstan's deer stones, ancient stelae with engraved images, remain among the least studied monuments in the region. This study compiles a comprehensive dataset of all known deer stones discovered since the mid-19th century, detailing their characteristics and locations. Through analysis of image features, researchers attempt to trace the origin of these stelae, which include anthropomorphic figures and various signs. The research highlights the ongoing discovery of new stelae, often replaced in their original sites, underscoring the importance of thorough documentation for accurate reconstructions. This work contributes significantly to the understanding of Bronze Age cultural expressions in Kazakhstan.

Sticky Notes: Some Thoughts on the Use of Clay in the Neolithic Deposits within the Avebury Megalithic Complex

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2016 — WHE1AEA62B45A

A re-examination of the Avebury megalithic complex reveals that clay deposits, previously overlooked, play a dynamic role in Neolithic assemblages. Unlike static material types, these clays exhibit fluid properties shaped by context, challenging traditional understandings of their function and significance. This approach underscores the importance of integrating both surface and subsurface elements to uncover new insights into megalithic structures.

Stone pillar rockfall in Danxia landform area, Mt. Langshan, Hunan Province, China

China Danxia — 2016 — WHE40D82B11EC

A significant rockfall event at the UNESCO World Heritage site of China Danxia, specifically at Mt. Langshan, was triggered by the rapid weathering and retreat of soft, intercalated rock layers within the Lanlong Formation. This process altered the stress state within the rock body, leading to compressive or tensile stresses exceeding the rock's strength limits, resulting in partial or complete collapse. The study analyzed 44 sandstone and conglomerate cores from the formation, assessing their mechanical properties, resistance to sulfuric acid, and freezing-thawing effects, while also examining rock slices under a polarizing microscope. A 3D finite-element model was used to reconstruct the pre-collapse geometry and restraint conditions of the stone pillar, providing insights into the stress dynamics that led to its failure.

Stones, Names, Stories, and Bodies: Pausanias before the Walls of Seven-Gated Thebes

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2016 — WHE6C424CE6F0

The walls of Thebes, a symbol of myth and history, are analyzed through four interconnected dimensions: the stones used in their construction, the names of their gates, the stories tied to them, and the bodies of heroes associated with their defense. This study reveals that these elements form an intricate, interdependent corpus of knowledge, where each aspect both influences and is shaped by the others in complex, non-linear ways. By examining ancient texts like Pausanias' descriptions, the research demonstrates how the walls of Thebes serve as a dynamic framework for understanding cultural narratives, architectural practices, and historical memory. The approach combines literary analysis with archaeological insights to uncover the layered significance of this iconic structure.

Storm surge modelling in Venice: two years of operational results

Venice and its Lagoon — 2016 — WHE56C38BABE5

A high-accuracy storm surge model for Venice, operational since 2016, demonstrates remarkable predictive precision under normal weather conditions. Using the Shallow Water Hydrodynamic Model (SHYFEM), researchers at CNR and ICPSM forecast sea levels in the Mediterranean Sea and Venice Lagoon with mean errors (Ē) and standard deviations (σ) of approximately 1 cm and 5 cm, respectively, within the first 24 hours. The model integrates atmospheric data from ECMWF and a neural-network correction module to refine predictions based on observed Adriatic sea levels. While accuracy slightly declines during storm surge events, this operational system provides critical support for safeguarding Venice's cultural heritage and natural environment by delivering reliable six-day forecasts every six hours.

Strategic measures for rapid restoration of Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal

The Grand Canal — 2016 — WHEF905296DCB

A strategic framework for the rapid restoration of the Xianghe Segment of China’s Grand Canal (XSCGC) has been proposed, addressing critical environmental and ecological challenges. This UNESCO-listed waterway, crucial for connecting Beijing and Tianjin, faces severe degradation due to pollution and ecological deterioration. The study identifies key issues such as aquatic environment decline, riparian ecosystem damage, and biodiversity loss, while leveraging landsenses ecology methods and Environmental Internet of Things (EIoT) technology. Strategic measures include optimizing ecological patterns, constructing ecological corridors, improving aquatic environments, restoring riparian and wetland ecosystems, enhancing acoustic conditions, regulating microclimates, and implementing modern environmental management frameworks. These interventions aim to revitalize XSCGC's socio-economic functions while ensuring national ecological security and regional development.

Strong ground motion in the Kathmandu Valley during the 2015 Gorkha, Nepal, earthquake

Kathmandu Valley — 2016 — WHE24C00DE226

The 2015 Gorkha earthquake (Mw 7.8) in Nepal revealed significant ground motion variations in the Kathmandu Valley, with sediment-filled sites experiencing prolonged, large-amplitude oscillations—up to 10 times greater than rock sites—due to basin response. While peak ground accelerations were lower than predicted, peak velocities exceeded predictions, particularly at sedimentary sites. These long-period oscillations (3–5 s) posed a destructive risk to high-rise buildings, highlighting the valley's complex structure and its role in amplifying seismic energy. The study analyzed strong ground motions from four observation sites, combining tectonic offset data with sediment-specific responses to assess earthquake hazards in urban areas.

Structural characterization and performance assessment of the Villa d'Este Palace in Tivoli

Villa d'Este, Tivoli — 2016 — WHE1DE80B3387

A comprehensive structural and seismic assessment of the Villa d'Este Palace in Tivoli, Italy, reveals critical insights into the preservation challenges faced by this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study highlights significant uncertainties in material properties and structural details, complicating accurate modeling and analysis. Notably, the palace's North-East side, which collapsed during World War II, required substantial post-war restoration efforts. The research also uncovered remnants of a monastery that predated the villa, adding historical depth to the site's significance. This assessment underscores the importance of advanced techniques in safeguarding architectural heritage in seismically active regions.

Structural health monitoring of heritage sites: The tower of David in Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2016 — WHE878540573F

A Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system installed on the Tower of David in Jerusalem's Old City has successfully identified seven fundamental modes of vibration, ranging from 3 Hz to 9 Hz. This breakthrough enables precise assessment of structural response to static, dynamic, and seismic loads, facilitating early detection and classification of damage severity. The system not only helps mitigate collapse risks but also guides strengthening interventions to enhance the structure's resilience. By extracting modal parameters—natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping coefficients—the research provides critical insights for preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site while ensuring its structural integrity under environmental stresses.

Structural health monitoring of the Athenian Acropolis' Walls via optical fibre sensors, accelerographs and numerical simulations

Acropolis, Athens — 2016 — WHE39269A9CB1

A novel structural health monitoring approach using optical fibre sensors and accelerographs on the Athenian Acropolis' South Wall has revealed critical insights into the stability of this ancient gravity wall. The study, conducted over several years, identified characteristic strain and acceleration patterns that provide a deeper understanding of the wall's response to environmental factors. This methodology, developed in collaboration with the Acropolis Restoration Service, offers a non-invasive way to assess the structural integrity of historical monuments, contributing valuable data for their preservation. The findings highlight the potential of optical fibre sensors in long-term monitoring of heritage sites.

Structural organization and tooth development in a Homo aff. erectus juvenile mandible from the Early Pleistocene site of Garba IV at Melka Kunture, Ethiopian highlands

Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia — 2016 — WHE6C7A8ACBE8

A 1.7-million-year-old juvenile mandible from Garba IV, Melka Kunture (Ethiopia), reveals robust mandibular morphology and a tooth developmental pattern consistent with Homo aff. erectus, suggesting the specimen was approximately 2.5 to 3.5 years old at death. The study, based on medical CT imaging, provides novel insights into early Homo dental maturation, crown size, and tissue proportions, comparing these features with extant humans and other fossil hominins. Findings indicate that while permanent incisor and canine crown sizes align with H. erectus estimates, molar dimensions are closer to those of H. habilis-rudolfensis, with lower pulp volumes than in modern humans or other fossils.

Structural Strengthening of the Portico of the Santa Maria Dei Servi Church in Bologna

The Porticoes of Bologna — 2016 — WHE2EC99D3F4E

A critical analysis of the Portico of Santa Maria Dei Servi in Bologna reveals that traffic-induced vibrations significantly contribute to its structural deterioration, necessitating urgent strengthening interventions. The study identifies key vulnerabilities and prioritizes conservation strategies while emphasizing the importance of compatibility with historical structures. To quantify this impact, researchers from the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) conducted noise measurements to assess stress levels on the portico's columns. This approach underscores the need for targeted interventions that balance preservation integrity with modern engineering solutions, ensuring the long-term stability of one of Bologna's most culturally significant architectural elements.

Studien zur Altägyptischen Kultur Nr. 45 (2016) - Abstracts

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2016 — WHEE4DDA3D327

A significant discovery sheds light on the obscured contents of ancient Egyptian blocks reused in the Nilometer substructure at Roda Island, revealing scenes and texts from six tomb-chapels. The study reconstructs these fragments, providing new insights into their original context and significance. Additionally, a limestone stela attributed to Hori-Sheri, a royal scribe during Ramesses III's reign, was analyzed, confirming his role in the necropolis of Thebes through cross-referencing with historical records like Papyrus Abbott 5 and rock engravings at Medinet Habu. The research employs detailed textual analysis and stylistic comparison to date artifacts and reconstruct lost elements, contributing to a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian administrative roles and funerary practices.

Study of Archaeological Monuments of Mongolian Altai (based on field work in 2015)

Deer Stone Monuments and Related Bronze Age Sites — 2016 — WHE6223690528

A 2015 archaeological expedition in Mongolia's Bayan-Ulgii and Hovd regions uncovered significant new insights into the cultural and chronological framework of the Mongolian Altai, particularly regarding Bronze Age monuments. The study documented previously unknown petroglyphs, 'deer' stones, Turkic fences, and medieval sculptures, while also revisiting well-known sites like Chandman Har uzuur and Yamany-us. Additionally, it focused on highland settlement residues and runic inscriptions, contributing to a broader understanding of the region's history from antiquity to the ethnographic present. This work highlights the importance of integrating scattered scientific data into comprehensive monographs for future research.

Study of Moroccan Monumental Heritage Traditional for Valorization and Conservation of Collective Memory and for Socio-eco- Tourism Sustainable Development-case Kasbah Chellah, Rabat

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage — 2016 — WHE2836220B40

Moroccan monumental heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kasbah Chellah in Rabat, faces significant chemical and physical degradation due to natural factors such as rainwater, temperature fluctuations, humidity, ground movement, bacteria, and air pollution. Traditional conservation efforts have proven superficial and temporary, offering little lasting remedy. This study identifies key degrading factors to inform more effective inventory and conservation strategies for Chellah, aiming to preserve collective memory while supporting sustainable socio-eco-tourism development.

Study of the Last Volcanic Activity on Historical Records on Jeju Island, Korea

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2016 — WHEA554FB691C

A new interpretation of historical volcanic records on Jeju Island suggests that two eruptions documented in 1002 and 1007 CE may have originated from a single monogenetic volcano, challenging previous assumptions about the timing and nature of these events. Radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of three young volcanoes revealed their ages as <3.8 ka for Songaksan, >4.5 ka for Biyangdo, and <6–7 ka for Ilchulbong, with Songaksan identified as the most likely candidate for the historically recorded eruption due to its phreatomagmatic and magmatic activity. The study also highlights potential discrepancies between actual eruption timelines and ancient records, influenced by geopolitical dynamics and cultural contexts of the Goryeo Dynasty and Tamna Kingdom.