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Showing 2421 – 2440 of 28097 publications

Late Quaternary evolution of a large rock slope deformation (Robinson, English Lake District) – a first such exploration by cosmogenic exposure dating in the British mountains

The English Lake District — 2025 — WHE860ACE633B

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Robinson rock slope failure, the largest of its kind in England's Lake District, has been active since the Lateglacial period (~15.4–14.3 ka), with movement potentially continuing until the mid-Holocene (~4.6 ka). Using cosmogenic (10Be) surface-exposure dating, researchers determined displacement rates of 3–4.5 mm/year along its headscarp/rupture surface, marking the first such measurements for a rock slope failure in Britain and Ireland. The study also suggests that other rock slope failures in the region may have a longer history of instability than previously believed. Factors contributing to this activity likely included paraglacial stress release, concentrated bedrock erosion, and local structural characteristics.

Late Saka Period Burial Mound from Eastern Saryarka

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2025 — WHEA6C1F47014

A burial mound from the Late Saka period (4th–3rd centuries BC) in Eastern Saryarka, Kazakhstan, provides new insights into cultural differentiation within the Saka world. Radiocarbon dating and artifact analysis confirmed its affiliation with the Saka-Wusun culture, revealing a handmade ceramic vessel and a stone altar with traces of organic substances, ochre, and fire exposure, suggesting its use in funerary rituals. Comparative analysis with neighboring regions highlights the complexity of ethno-cultural interactions during this period, deepening our understanding of Central and Eastern Kazakhstan's Early Iron Age chronology and cultural relationships.

Le Brun A. (dir.) 2021 – Fouilles récentes à Khirokitia (Chypre) 1993-2009, Nicosie, Département des Antiquités, Chypre, 444 p. Par Maxence Bailly

Choirokoitia — 2025 — WHE117C4B5E4C

Recent excavations at Choirokoitia, Cyprus, have significantly advanced our understanding of Neolithic architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean. The site's unique domestic structures, characterized by multi-room houses with central courtyards, offer unprecedented insights into early settlement patterns and social organization. Maxence Bailly's analysis of findings from 1993 to 2009 builds upon earlier research, providing a comprehensive documentation that challenges conventional narratives about Neolithic development in the region. The study employs a meticulous archaeological approach, combining stratigraphic analysis with artifact studies to reconstruct daily life and cultural practices during this pivotal period.

Leaching Column Simulation of Acid Mine Drainage Potential from Overburden Rocks of the Sawahlunto Formation Ombilin Basin and Neutralization Study Using Vertical Passive System

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2025 — WHE54EDF82C0D

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) generation from overburden rocks in the Ombilin Basin, West Sumatra, is strongly influenced by their mineralogical composition. A study classified three overburden types—Kandi, Batu Tanjung, and Sikalang—as Non-Acid Forming (NAF), while Salak 1, Salak 2, and Salak 3 were identified as Potentially Acid Forming (PAF). Column leaching tests revealed significant variability in effluent pH and dissolved solids, with Salak 1 producing highly acidic effluent (pH 3.54) compared to NAF samples. Neutralization experiments using CaO and local limestones demonstrated effective AMD control, achieving calcium conversions up to 47.4%. These findings underscore the need for tailored passive neutralization systems in coal mining operations, with further optimization required for scalability.

Leaching of Mine Tailings Flotation Fractions Using Inorganic and Organic Acids for Metals Extraction

Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System — 2025 — WHEE4E6C864E4

A novel approach to metal recovery from mine tailings demonstrates that citric acid can efficiently extract lead (Pb) with up to 86% efficiency, outperforming inorganic acids like sulfuric acid. This study, focusing on the Bollrich tailings pond at Rammelsberg's historic mining site, also shows that while sulfuric acid is effective for copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), sequential leaching processes are necessary to maximize metal recovery due to inhibitory effects of sulfate compounds. The research highlights citric acid as a promising lixiviant for Pb across different tailing types, with potential co-extraction benefits for Cu and Zn, offering a sustainable solution for managing legacy mine waste and mitigating environmental contamination.

Lead (Pb) isotope signatures for silcrete sources from the Willandra Lakes region, Australia: A pilot study of a new method for provenancing silcrete artefacts

Willandra Lakes Region — 2025 — WHE99387A8F0C

A pilot study demonstrates that lead (Pb) isotope analysis can effectively differentiate silcrete sources within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes Region, Australia. The research reveals distinct Pb isotope signatures between silcrete sources, enabling potential provenance tracking of artefacts. While intra-source variation lacks spatial patterning, inter-source differences are clear, particularly for more distant sources. This method offers a promising new approach to investigate how silcrete was utilized and transported across landscapes in prehistoric times.

Learning from the Subak World Heritage Property: The Importance of Co-Creation for Water Management and Climate Adaptation

Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy — 2025 — WHE78282CABA6

Co-creation and local knowledge significantly enhance the resilience and sustainability of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by the Subak irrigation system in Bali. This ancient cultural landscape, facing threats from climate change and tourism, benefits from integrating community-led practices into management plans. By aligning conservation goals with adaptive local strategies, co-creation improves water management effectiveness and climate adaptation, ensuring long-term preservation. The study highlights the critical need for World Heritage management to incorporate these localized approaches, offering a more responsive and sustainable framework.

Lella io Verdcourt, 1974 and Oxychilus alliarius (Miller, 1822): first reports of two greenhouse snails in Italy (Gastropoda: Streptaxidae, Oxychilidae)

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua — 2025 — WHE26B8710958

Two snail species, Gulella io and Oxychilus alliarius, have been documented for the first time in Italy within greenhouse environments. Gulella io, a tropical African species, was identified from specimens collected in 2019 at the Botanical Garden of Padua, while Oxychilus alliarius, a widespread European predator, was found in 2024 at the Aquarium of Genoa and previously in Milan. Both species are likely introduced via plant trade, with Oxychilus alliarius posing potential ecological risks due to its invasive nature elsewhere. Despite its global spread, its impact in Italy may be limited by the presence of similar native species. The findings highlight the role of botanical gardens as unintentional vectors for alien species and underscore the need for vigilance in monitoring greenhouse ecosystems.

Leptis Magna e le acque

Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna — 2025 — WHE3B341B0B6D

A comprehensive analysis of Leptis Magna's water systems reveals that aqueducts, introduced during the Adrianean period and possibly earlier under Trajan, were revolutionary in their scale and efficiency. These structures supplied over 20,000 cubic meters of water daily, primarily for public fountains and baths, while cisterns played a crucial role in water treatment and managing fluctuating aqueduct flows. The study also highlights the decorative elements that characterized public interventions during the mid-imperial era, notably in structures like the Severan Nymphaeum. This research provides unprecedented insights into the sophisticated hydraulic infrastructure of ancient Leptis Magna, offering a detailed profile of its water usage and architectural innovations.

Les fortifications médiévales et modernes de Besançon : étude historique et archéologique

Fortifications of Vauban — 2025 — WHE7FC283A302

A comprehensive study of Besançon's fortifications from 1290 to 1789 reveals five distinct evolutionary phases, shaped by political upheavals and military strategies. The research combines archival analysis with architectural archaeology, uncovering lost defensive structures and tracing their transformation through medieval, early modern, Vauban-era, and later adaptations. Key findings highlight the city's strategic significance, with its morpho-geological advantages influencing fortification design across centuries. Seven specific structures were examined in detail, providing insights into construction techniques and historical context.

Lessons from a wild island: Nordic film education through the senses

Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago — 2025 — WHE300CBB9904

A unique film education approach on Vegaøyan, Norway's UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago, reveals how isolating the five senses can deepen artistic practice and learning. The study demonstrates that situated pedagogy and embodied learning in a wild environment enhance creative outcomes, offering valuable insights for film education. Teachers and students from Gothenburg, Oslo, and Helsinki engaged in an intensive course where sensory isolation fostered deeper artistic exploration. Reflections from participants highlight the transformative potential of such immersive experiences, providing broader lessons for situated learning in film and other creative disciplines.

Lessons learned of innovative drilling- and grouting solutions for tunneling under high water pressure

Semmering Railway — 2025 — WHE2F56DF3729

Innovative drilling and grouting techniques have successfully enabled the construction of the Semmering Base Tunnel, a critical component of Austria's high-speed railway network navigating the Alps' challenging terrain. This 2,500-meter tunnel, part of the European High-Speed Railway Network (TEN), required specialized methods to manage pressurized groundwater bodies with significant storage capacity. Over five years, more than 5 million liters of grout were used to stabilize the tunnel's path beneath valleys and mountain ridges. The study highlights key lessons from these grouting works, offering valuable insights for future tunneling projects under high water pressure.

Lessons Learnt from Adaptive Reuse of Earthen Heritage in Desert Oases in Hot Arid Climates

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou — 2025 — WHE6792A8D99F

Adaptive reuse of earthen heritage in desert oases offers proven strategies for preserving historical values while meeting contemporary needs. This study identifies key lessons from successful projects in Egypt, Saudi Arabia (AlUla and Al-Turaif), Morocco (Ksar Ait Ben Haddou), and Yemen (Old Sanaa), highlighting common challenges and solutions applicable globally. Central to these approaches is community involvement and the creation of new economic opportunities for locals, which enhance both conservation efforts and local engagement. The analysis provides actionable insights for stakeholders, architects, and planners, emphasizing how earthen construction can be sustainably adapted in hot arid climates while maintaining cultural significance.

Letters from Andalucía. II. The Generalife

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2025 — WHEAF87A0E393

Santiago Rusiñol i Prats' 'Letters from Andalucía. II. The Generalife' offers a poetic and symbolic exploration of the Generalife, the Nasrid summer palace adjacent to Granada's Alhambra. Through vivid descriptions of its paths, patios, fountains, and vegetation, Rusiñol evokes a dreamlike atmosphere, blending romanticized narratives with sensory details such as colors, textures, sounds, and fragrances. His account reflects Symbolist influences, drawing parallels with works by Maeterlinck and Watteau while portraying the Generalife as a feminine space steeped in historical memory. The text contrasts the palace's intimate scale against the grandeur of Sierra Nevada, emphasizing its artistic and cultural significance as a testament to the displaced Nasrid rulers' legacy.

Leuciscus aspius

Tugay forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve — 2025 — WHE46A6D767B3

A recent study documented the presence of Leuciscus aspius (commonly known as asp) in Tajikistan, particularly within the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve and its surrounding river systems. This fish species, previously recorded under various taxonomic names such as Aspius aspius erythrostomus and Aspius aspius taeniatus natio ibilioides, was observed in key habitats including the Syr Darya, Amu Darya, Kairakkum reservoir, and lower reaches of the Vakhsh River. The research, conducted between 2003 and 2018, involved field sampling from floodplain lakes and riverbeds, contributing critical data to the species' distribution in Tajikistan. While Leuciscus aspius is currently listed as least concern globally, this study highlights its ecological significance within UNESCO-recognized protected areas, emphasizing the need for further conservation efforts.

Lhasella potala Zhou, Da, Zahradnik & Bai 2025, sp. nov.

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2025 — WHE8654C897B9

A new beetle species, Lhasella potala, has been discovered within the wooden structures of the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lhasa, China. This species is characterized by its distinctive antennomeres V and VII, which are enlarged and strongly serrated, setting it apart from other known Ptinidae beetles. The discovery highlights the ecological significance of historic wooden structures as habitats for biodiversity. Researchers described the species' morphology, including its reddish-brown body with yellowish-brown pubescence, long and slim legs, and sexual dimorphism in antennae. The study also documented the larvae's role in degrading wood, contributing to our understanding of beetle-wood interactions in culturally significant sites.

Lichen colonization and associated biodeterioration processes on ancient bricks of the Gonbad-e Qābus tower, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iran

Gonbad-e Qābus — 2025 — WHE0E18BAF06E

Lichen colonization on ancient bricks of the Gonbad-e Qābus tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, reveals significant biodeterioration processes. Research shows that lichens thrive more on walls with higher surface moisture, influenced by wind-driven rain and lower solar radiation. Microscopic analysis demonstrates that mycobiont hyphae penetrate bricks to millimetric depths, causing substrate disaggregation. Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Raman analyses further document elemental absorption by hyphae and the formation of calcium oxalate deposits at the interface between lichens and bricks. These findings highlight the strong biodeteriogenic impact of lichens on ceramic materials in (semi-)arid climates, suggesting potential risks to built cultural heritage that warrant further investigation.

Lichens of Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2025 — WHE3E608B7EF2

A comprehensive lichen survey in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, has uncovered 145 species, with 89 being newly reported for the park, 22 for Alberta, five for Canada, and one for North America. This study significantly expands our knowledge of lichen biodiversity in prairie badlands, a challenging terrain characterized by erosion and limited soil. Lichens, crucial components of extreme environments, play vital ecological roles but remain understudied in Alberta's prairies. The survey provides essential baseline data for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of floristic studies in understanding and protecting biodiversity amid climate change.

Life cycle assessment of active spring frost protection methods in viticulture in the Loire Valley and Champagne French regions

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes — 2025 — WHE51A4E932B3

Wind machines and sprinklers emerged as the most environmentally friendly active spring frost protection methods (ASFPMs) for viticulture, outperforming antifrost candles and heaters in both the Loire Valley and Champagne regions. A context-specific life cycle assessment (LCA) revealed that while these technologies reduce climate change impacts, sprinklers notably increased water scarcity. Sensitivity analysis showed that instant ASFPMs like heaters exhibited greater variability due to high direct emissions during use, whereas infrastructure-based methods demonstrated more stable performance. The study highlights the importance of integrating context-specific factors—such as frost hours and local conditions—to accurately assess environmental trade-offs in viticulture.

Lightweighting in Iranian Architecture: From Structural Solutions to Integration with Architectural Space, with an Emphasis on the Dome of Soltaniyeh

Soltaniyeh — 2025 — WHEA9880E24B0

Iranian architects developed sophisticated lightweighting techniques that not only stabilized historical structures but also enhanced their aesthetic and functional qualities. These solutions, such as boxing (sanduqeh kardan), interlocking (kenobandi), and bracing (ghayd kardan), were integrated into architectural design to reduce weight while creating visually striking spaces. The Dome of Soltaniyeh, a monumental funerary structure from the Islamic era, exemplifies this approach, combining techniques like decreasing dome thickness from base to apex and employing double-shelled domes with internal and external iwans. This study reveals that these combined structural and architectural strategies significantly contributed to the stability of the Dome of Soltaniyeh. The research employed a descriptive-analytical method, relying on library studies and field surveys to analyze lightweighting techniques and their application in this iconic structure.