World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 24961 – 24980 of 30315 publications

Hydrogeophysical investigations in the western and north-central Okavango Delta (Botswana) based on helicopter and ground-based transient electromagnetic data and electrical resistance tomography

Okavango Delta — 2014 — WHE4293BDBD87

A groundbreaking hydrogeophysical study of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals the subsurface structure beneath two critical regions—its western margin and north-central area. Using helicopter-based transient electromagnetic (HTEM) data alongside ground-based electrical resistance tomography (ERT) and transient electromagnetic (TEM) surveys, researchers uncovered a consistent three-layer resistivity model: a conductive middle layer flanked by resistive upper and lower layers. This model, validated across multiple datasets, suggests the presence of freshwater-saturated sediments from a Paleo Okavango Megafan, saline-water-saturated sands linked to ancient Lake Makgadikgadi, and modern megafan and fluvial deposits. The study bridges gaps in understanding the delta's sedimentary history, offering crucial insights for conservation and water resource management in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from Japanese tsunami marine debris washing ashore in the northwestern United States

Olympic National Park — 2014 — WHE87C30A7117

A notable discovery of 14 hydroid species, including two anthoathecates and 12 leptothecates, was made on tsunami debris from Japan that washed ashore along the northwestern United States. Eight species were identified as amphi-Pacific, while five others (S. stylactaria sp.; Eutima japonica; Orthopyxis platycarpa; Sertularella sp.; Plumularia sp.) represented new records for the region. Obelia griffini emerged as the most frequently encountered species, found on three of the four derelict substrates. The study also clarified taxonomic relationships among Obelia species, assigning precedence to O. griffini under zoological nomenclature principles. These findings highlight the impact of marine debris on biodiversity and provide new insights into hydroid distribution and taxonomy.

Hydrological Risk Map for the Danube Delta—A Case Study of Floods Within the Fluvial Delta

Danube Delta — 2014 — WHE9089FC1213

A hydrological risk map for the Danube Delta reveals that the apex of the fluvial delta is the most vulnerable to flooding, while areas with secondary channels and polders are better protected. This finding stems from an analysis using cartographic materials and LiDAR techniques, which identified extreme water levels recorded between 2003 (minimum) and 2006 (maximum). The study highlights that flood risk is mitigated in enclosed areas like the Pardina and Sireasa polders due to dam protection, though these structures remain susceptible to failure if poorly maintained. This research provides critical insights for managing hydrological risks in one of the world's unique morphohydrographical units.

I-m-Cave: An interactive tabletop system for virtually touring Mogao Caves

Mogao Caves — 2014 — WHE3B39C124BD

An innovative multitouch tabletop system, i-m-Cave, revolutionizes virtual exploration of the Mogao Caves by integrating tangible interaction and artifact restoration. The system enables users to navigate intricate cave corners using a unique figurine with human-like neck movements, enhancing immersive exploration. Additionally, it allows for the visualization of artifact aging and restoration through midair gestures and mobile devices, providing insights into the evolution of artifacts over time—an experience unattainable in physical tours. Expert evaluations confirmed the system's effectiveness, highlighting its potential to enrich cultural heritage engagement.

I. Pharnakesin Pergamon Krallığına Karşı Savaşı

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2014 — WHEA58C8F6083

A chronicled analysis of I. Pharnakes' conflict with the Pergamon Kingdom reveals how his strategic expansion and alliances reshaped Anatolian politics post-Magnesia Battle (190 BCE). The study traces his conquests—from Sinope's capture to Paphlagonia's invasion—and his prolonged war with Pergamon, demonstrating its far-reaching impact on regional states. By integrating antique texts, archaeological artifacts, numismatic finds, and epigraphic evidence, the research reconstructs a timeline of this pivotal conflict, offering insights into Hellenistic-era power dynamics.

Ice Cores from the St. Elias Mountains, Yukon, Canada: Their Significance for Climate, Atmospheric Composition and Volcanism in the North Pacific Region

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2014 — WHEE4C1D968DB

Ice cores from the St. Elias Mountains, Yukon, Canada, reveal unique climate and atmospheric records spanning over 100 years, offering unprecedented insights into North Pacific dynamics. These cores, recovered between 2001–02, provide detailed reconstructions of stable water isotopes, snow accumulation, pollen, biomass burning aerosols, desert dust, long-range air pollutants (sulphate and lead), and paleo-volcanism. Unlike Greenland or other Arctic ice cores, the St. Elias records exhibit distinct characteristics, linking vertical atmospheric structure with climate variations across the Holocene. The study combines data from multiple altitudes—ranging from 3017 m to 5340 m—to trace aerosols from diverse sources, enhancing understanding of past environmental changes in the North Pacific region.

ICT Solutions for the OR.C.HE.S.T.R.A. Project: From Personalized Selection to Enhanced Fruition of Cultural Heritage Data

Historic Centre of Naples — 2014 — WHE9CD76D0D66

A novel ICT framework, developed under the OR.C.HE.S.T.R.A. Project, enhances cultural heritage engagement for tourists and residents in Naples by leveraging personalized data-driven recommendations and real-time accessibility solutions. This approach integrates smart tourism with social innovation, creating an ecosystem that involves stakeholders from companies to researchers. The system improves both the fruition of cultural knowledge—tailoring experiences based on user preferences—and its preservation through interactive and enjoyable learning pathways. By addressing challenges in heritage conservation and visitor experience simultaneously, this project demonstrates a scalable model for integrating technology into cultural heritage management.

Identificación De Redes De Caminos Utilizando Imágenes Digitales Multi-Espectrales Y Pancromáticas. El Caso De Los Ramales Del Camino Real De Tierra Adentro En San Juan Del Río

Camino Real de Tierra Adentro — 2014 — WHE5AE3A265B8

A novel approach to identifying road networks using high-resolution satellite imagery has been developed, leveraging the fusion of multi-spectral and panchromatic images (pansharpening) combined with spatial classification algorithms. This method effectively discriminates linear features such as roads from other land uses like cities or water bodies by integrating spectral and edge information. Applied to the branches of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro in San Juan Del Río, Mexico, this technique demonstrates potential for precise historical road network reconstruction, offering insights into the spatial organization of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Identification and ß-lactam resistance in aquatic isolates of Enterobacter cloacae and their status in microbiota of Domica Cave in Slovak Karst (Slovakia)

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2014 — WHE31FF0EB011

A study of Domica Cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst, reveals that Enterobacter cloacae, a bacterium typically associated with fecal contamination, is likely an autochthonous component of the cave's microbiota. Researchers analyzed 36 isolates of E. cloacae from the cave's water samples, finding widespread resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, including multi-drug resistance in some cases. The study suggests that long-term agricultural activities near the cave may have contributed to this resistance, raising concerns about the impact on the cave's conserved microbial ecosystem. The research employed molecular techniques to identify resistance genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX-M), correlating them with antibiotic resistance patterns.

Identifying the Volcanic Eruption Depicted in a Neolithic Painting at Çatalhöyük, Central Anatolia, Turkey

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2014 — WHE8F1025C9CC

Researchers have identified the volcanic eruption depicted in a Neolithic mural at Çatalhöyük, Turkey, as the oldest known representation of such an event. The study uses (U-Th)/He zircon geochronology to date andesitic pumice veneer on Hasan Dağı volcano, revealing an eruption age of 8.97±0.64 ka (or 6960±640 BCE), which closely overlaps with the radiocarbon dating of cultural strata at Çatalhöyük, including the level containing the mural. This finding provides the first radiometric evidence for a Holocene explosive eruption witnessed by humans in the region, supporting the interpretation that Neolithic residents artistically represented the volcanic event. The study also highlights Hasan Dağı's magmatic longevity and potential as a volcanic hazard.

III. The Invention of Tradition in the Dongola-Napata Reach

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region — 2014 — WHEE98BCB0960

A new understanding of the Kushite enthronement ritual emerges, revealing its role in reinforcing political cohesion within the Dongola-Napata Reach. The study suggests that this ritual differentiated the region from Lower Nubia to the north, with potential implications for the inclusion of sites like Pnubs and Kawa in a coronation circuit. Macadam's 1949 analysis introduced Taharqo's visit to Kawa, highlighting his significant renovations there, comparable only to those at Sanam. The temples' iconographic programs and architectural layouts hint at sequential construction, while post-Twenty-Fifth Dynasty inscriptions emphasize hereditary succession, linking the administration across dynasties.

Il ruolo dei residenti nella valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale. I siti Unesco di Matera e di Alberobello a confronto

The Trulli of Alberobello — 2014 — WHE9A4F254D6C

UNESCO World Heritage inscription can significantly boost economic growth for cultural sites, but its success hinges on the active engagement of local communities. A comparative study of Alberobello (Trulli) and Matera (Sassi), both inscribed in 1996 and 1993 respectively, reveals stark differences in their development trajectories despite similar tourist arrivals. While Alberobello, with its smaller population, has seen consistent positive representation, Matera faced historical perceptions of backwardness that shaped its tourism evolution. The research, based on surveys conducted between 2007 and 2012—targeting residents, tourists, and industry operators—and an analysis of newspaper archives from 'La Stampa,' underscores the critical role of local communities in leveraging cultural heritage as a resource for sustainable growth.

Imagens possíveis – Karpfen, Carpeaux, Ouro Preto

Historic Town of Ouro Preto — 2014 — WHE98B23AB730

Otto Maria Karpfen / Carpeaux, an Austrian-Brazilian essayist and political activist, is often depicted in static contexts that oversimplify his complex life. This study challenges such narratives by presenting new, dynamic images of Karpfen / Carpeaux through his relationship with Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Analyzing three literary essays written before and after the 1964 civil-military coup, the research reveals how Karpfen / Carpeaux's experiences in Brazil—marked by both novelty and déjà vu—reflect his broader life of ruptures and continuities. The study argues that these essays are essential for understanding his multifaceted identity and contribution to Brazilian culture.

Impact controversies: Impact recognition criteria and related issues

Vredefort Dome — 2014 — WHE643F70EECA

A critical analysis of impact recognition criteria reveals that many proposed impact structures lack unambiguous evidence, such as planar deformation features (PDFs) or shatter cones, leading to widespread misinterpretations. The study emphasizes the importance of adhering to established criteria for shock metamorphism and cautions against accepting nonplanar fluid inclusion trails or irregular microstructures as diagnostic proof of impact events. It highlights the need for rigorous peer review and proper documentation to prevent erroneous reports from entering mainstream science, using cases like Maniitsoq (Greenland) and Vredefort Dome (South Africa) to illustrate the distinction between true and false impact evidence.

Impact of culture and natural disasters on residents' behaviors toward eco-environmental conservation: Sichuan province case studies

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2014 — WHE37B52995ED

A comparative analysis of Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Jiuzhaigou National Park in Sichuan Province reveals that cultural heritage and natural disaster awareness significantly influence residents' pro-environmental behaviors. The study, using multi-group structural equation modeling on 642 valid questionnaires, found that altruistic values and eco-environmental beliefs strongly predict conservation actions, with no significant differences between the two sites despite variations in personal norms and daily habits. These insights underscore the importance of cultural education and disaster preparedness in sustaining ecological conservation efforts at tourist destinations.

Impact of the introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera, Apidae) on Teide National Park (Tenerife, Canary Islands)

Teide National Park — 2014 — WHEBB939F04DD

Massive introduction of honeybees (Apis mellifera) in Teide National Park significantly disrupts native pollination networks, reducing floral visitor diversity and impairing reproductive success of key plant species. The study found that up to 3000 beehives, housing around 100 million bees, compete with native fauna for nectar and pollen, leading to decreased fruit and seed production due to inbreeding depression. While honeybees are not effective pollinators, their dominance alters the park's ecological balance, threatening its endemic flora and fauna. Researchers recommend banning introduced beehives to protect the park's biodiversity.

Impact of Wenchuan earthquake on the giant panda habitat in Wolong National Nature Reserve, China

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2014 — WHE8D2EA3636D

The Wenchuan earthquake (M=8.0) in 2008 caused significant damage to the Wolong National Nature Reserve, China, a critical habitat for giant pandas, reducing forest area by approximately 10% and decreasing weighted usable area (WUA). The study used Landsat images classified with support vector machines to assess land cover changes, revealing that forests east of Wolong town, home to numerous pandas, were most severely affected. Habitat suitability between 1200 and 1300 meters above sea level showed vulnerability and slow recovery by 2013, though it had not fully rebounded to pre-earthquake levels. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective management strategies to restore and protect panda habitats in earthquake-affected regions.

Impactos Ambientais do Turismo: um Estudo sobre a Percepção de Moradores e Turistas no Município de Paraty-RJ

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2014 — WHE85F57A77A4

Both residents and tourists in Paraty, Brazil, recognize the significant environmental damage caused by tourism, though locals exhibit greater pessimism. The study highlights the need for improved tourism planning and coordinated policies to prioritize environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Researchers used random questionnaires to assess perceptions of natural, transformed, and sociocultural environments, revealing a shared but differing awareness among stakeholders.

In memory of Geoff Wong

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2014 — WHE9A2F003486

A poignant tribute to Geoff Wong, highlighting his contributions to the study of carnivorous plants in Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak. The article features a striking image of Ch'ien Lee posing on a rock face above Deer Cave, approximately 200 meters above ground level, without a safety helmet—a testament to Wong's adventurous spirit and dedication to fieldwork. While the publication does not delve deeply into specific scientific findings, it serves as an homage to Wong's legacy in exploring and documenting the unique flora of this UNESCO-listed site, particularly focusing on Nepenthes campanulata. The piece reflects on his pioneering work and its impact on botanical research.

In Situ Investigation of the Mechanical Strength of the Mortars: The Case of the Vaults of the Modena Cathedral

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena — 2014 — WHE0BCEA8FACE

A minimal and preservative investigation revealed that the mechanical strength of mortars in the 12th-century Modena Cathedral's vaults varies significantly, correlating with crack patterns and damage severity. The study used on-site visual inspections and micro-destructive testing to differentiate between repair mortars from different historic periods, finding low resistance values that differed for lime mortar and gypsum. These findings were crucial in designing a minimal and reversible strengthening intervention for the cathedral following seismic damage in 2012.