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The Discoloration of the Taj Mahal due to Particulate Carbon and Dust Deposition

Taj Mahal — 2014 — WHE17ED72130B

Research reveals that the discoloration of the Taj Mahal's white marble domes is primarily caused by the deposition of light-absorbing particulate matter, including black carbon (BC), brown carbon (BrC), and dust. These particles, originating from fossil fuel and biomass combustion, significantly reduce surface reflectance and alter the perceived color of the marble. A novel approach was developed to estimate the impact of these deposits on visible light reflectance, confirming their role in the aesthetic degradation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study underscores the broader implications of high aerosol loading on cultural heritage and urban surfaces.

The Diversity of Ecology and Nature Reserves as an Ecotourism Attraction in Jordan

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2014 — WHEA0062BE4C0

Ecotourism significantly enhances the economic and social well-being of local communities while promoting sustainability in Jordan's diverse landscapes. A study comparing two regions—Aijloun's lush, forested mountains and Wadi Rum's arid desert—reveals that tourism activities such as hiking, climbing, and desert exploration contribute to improved living standards. The research, based on field observations and community consultations, also highlights the potential for integrating nearby archaeological sites into tourist programs, thereby enriching cultural experiences. While the study employs a descriptive methodology, its findings underscore the importance of balancing ecological conservation with tourism development to ensure long-term sustainability.

The domestic goat as a potential seed disperser ofMimosa luisana(Leguminosae, Mimosoideae) in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2014 — WHEA0AF9D03A8

Domestic goats play a significant role as seed dispersers for Mimosa luisana in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico. The study found that goats preferentially deposit seeds in open areas, enhancing their survival and germination rates. Seeds ingested by goats exhibited higher germination (47.5%) compared to controls (5.83%), with faster initial and mean germination times. This suggests that goat-mediated endozoochory could be an efficient natural mechanism for seed dispersal of this ecologically important species, which creates favorable microsites for other plants.

The drainage systems at Mohenjo-Daro and Nausharo: A technological breakthrough or a stinking disaster?

Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro — 2014 — WHE499E01C7B4

A critical reassessment of the drainage systems at Mohenjo-Daro and Nausharo challenges the perception of their efficacy, questioning whether they were a technological marvel or an environmental hazard. While street drains are well-documented, this study highlights gaps in understanding what was drained and the system's actual functionality. It contrasts these ancient designs with later Iron Age and Early Historic vertical drainage systems, suggesting that the latter may have been more efficient in water usage and public health outcomes. The research employs a comparative approach to evaluate the effectiveness and implications of these drainage technologies.

The drosophilids (Diptera: Drosophilidae) from a Laurisilva patch in Madeira with two new records for this island.

Laurisilva of Madeira — 2014 — WHE1B941500A8

A recent study on the drosophilids (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in a Laurisilva patch of Madeira reveals two new species records for the island, expanding the known biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. The research employed field sampling and taxonomic identification techniques to document the diversity of fruit flies in this specific habitat. The Laurisilva is characterized by its ancient laurel forest, providing a critical environment for studying endemic and rare species. This discovery underscores the importance of such studies in understanding the ecological dynamics and conservation needs of these fragile ecosystems.

The Early Iron Age at Troy Reconsidered

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2014 — WHEB07BAB4377

A reevaluation of the Protogeometric period at Troy challenges long-standing assumptions about Greek migration or trade networks. Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) reveals that amphoras previously thought to be imports were likely produced locally, alongside new handmade cooking pots and traditional Gray ware vessels. This indicates a high degree of cultural continuity and dynamic interaction within the Aegean region, rather than isolated migration events. The study suggests Troy's inhabitants integrated diverse vessel types into established local traditions, reflecting complex long-term engagement with neighboring cultures.

The Eclipse of the Century: A Story of Science, Money, and Culture in Saharan Africa and the American Southwest

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata — 2014 — WHE325629D22B

In 1973, a team of astronomers from the University of Texas McDonald Observatory ventured to Chinguetti, Mauritania, to capture a rare total solar eclipse under extreme conditions. Their goal was to measure the gravitational deflection of starlight caused by the sun's gravity, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity. Despite facing a severe sandstorm that threatened their mission, they successfully photographed the eclipsed sun and distant stars at 10:45:41 a.m., providing critical data to test Einstein's predictions. This expedition aimed to resolve decades-old debates about the accuracy of his theory by observing how light bends around massive objects like the sun, offering a unique opportunity to study relativity in action.

The effects of river run-off on water clarity across the central Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef — 2014 — WHE9B1FE39921

Reductions in river run-off can significantly improve water clarity on the central Great Barrier Reef, with measurable benefits for ecosystem health. The study analyzed ten years of data, including daily river load, oceanographic measurements, and satellite imagery (MODIS-Aqua), to assess changes in photic depth—defined as the depth at which 10% of surface irradiance reaches. After accounting for wave and tidal effects, researchers found strong correlations between water clarity and river freshwater (R²=0.65) and phosphorus loads (R²=0.51). During wetter years, photic depth was reduced by nearly 20%, falling below water quality guidelines for an average of 156 days compared to just 9 days in drier periods. The impacts were most pronounced inshore and midshelf (12–80 km from the coast), with weaker effects near chronically turbid coastal areas. These findings highlight the potential for targeted river load management to enhance water clarity and support reef health.

The enduring agency of borderland regimes: the aftermath of serial regulations with different scopes and temporal scales at Preah Vihear, Cambodia

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2014 — WHE9836323C7A

This research reveals that the legal and political regimes governing Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Thai-Cambodian border, exhibit enduring agency despite temporal and spatial overlaps. The study finds that regulations from different historical periods—issued by colonial powers, national governments, or international bodies like the International Court of Justice and UNESCO—do not always terminate with the advent of new regimes but persist in a form of 'legal pluralism.' This persistence shapes current borderland dynamics, with some regulations temporarily suspending others while retaining influence. The research employs an anthropological and legal perspective to analyze these overlapping regimes, highlighting their hierarchical organization and long-lasting impacts on the region's governance and social memory.

The Epic Hagiography as Scriptural Genre and its Pictorial Rendering in the Saint- Savin-sur-Gartempe Crypt Frescos

Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe — 2014 — WHE85FC8F097F

The crypt frescoes of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe represent the earliest known visual narrative of an epic hagiography, blending scriptural tradition with artistic innovation. These 11th-century murals depict the life of Saint Savin in a sequential, story-driven format, challenging conventional medieval iconography by emphasizing narrative continuity and emotional depth. The study analyzes how this approach reflects broader shifts in religious storytelling during the Romanesque period, offering insights into the intersection of textual and visual culture in pre-Gothic Europe. Methodologically, the research combines art historical analysis with literary genre theory to decode the frescoes' structure and thematic layers.

The European sea bassDicentrarchus labraxin the Dutch Wadden Sea: from visitor to resident species

Wadden Sea — 2014 — WHE3BD3D120FC

A study on the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in the Dutch Wadden Sea reveals significant shifts in its population dynamics and feeding ecology over the past 50 years. The research found that while the population primarily consists of individuals aged 3–5 years, with lengths ranging from 20 to 45 cm, juveniles also play a crucial role, particularly in autumn. Stomach content and nitrogen stable isotope analyses indicated an ontogenetic shift towards piscivory, with larger individuals increasingly preying on fish rather than invertebrates like the brown shrimp (Crangon crangon). Long-term data showed large annual fluctuations in abundance, with an increasing trend from 1990 to 2007 followed by a decline. Spring and autumn abundances were strongly linked to temperature, salinity, and prey availability, suggesting that optimal environmental conditions for juvenile growth have contributed to population changes since the mid-1980s. The study underscores the need for continued monitoring to understand the impacts of climate change on this species and its ecological role.

The evolutionary history of the Australian flora and its relevance to biodiversity conservation

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2014 — WHEDA3C010525

Australia's unique flora, once part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, has undergone significant evolutionary changes due to shifting environmental conditions from wet to dry climates. While fossil records indicate a prevalence of rainforest communities during the Tertiary period, the continent's flora adapted to cooler, drier, and more seasonal environments. Quaternary glacial cycles further altered plant communities, creating transitional ecosystems distinct from today's landscapes. However, human activity has introduced new pressures, including habitat degradation, invasive species, and intensive land use, posing severe threats to biodiversity. The study emphasizes the need for proactive conservation strategies that integrate an understanding of species vulnerability to past, present, and future environmental changes.

The excavation at Liujiazhuang Locus North at Yinxu Site in Anyang City, Henan in 2010–2011

Yin Xu — 2014 — WHEB1C2039340

Excavations at the Liujiazhuang Locus North of the Yinxu Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anyang, China, uncovered significant remnants from the Yinxu Period (1600–1046 BCE), including pottery kilns, house foundations, wells, ash pits, sacrificial pits, and burials. Notably, the discovery of a rammed-earth house foundation (F79) represents the first of its kind at the site, providing new insights into Yinxu Period architecture. The excavation also revealed a round bronze artifact, suggesting the area may have been part of a pottery-making workshop. Conducted between 2010 and 2011 by the Anyang Archaeological Team, this study employed systematic excavation techniques to map the distribution of vestiges along roads, offering valuable data on Yinxu Period urban planning and craftsmanship.

The excavation of the pottery workshop site at Liujiazhuang Locus North of Yinxu in Anyang City, Henan

Yin Xu — 2014 — WHE032EA11E72

Excavations at the Liujiazhuang Locus North of Yinxu uncovered 24 Shang Dynasty pottery kilns with uniform structures, revealing insights into ancient ceramic production techniques. These kilns featured distinct upper and lower sections, including stacking chambers, flues, fuel entrances, fireboxes, and fire tunnels, some accompanied by operation pits. The discovery of pottery-making tools like paddles and anvils, along with fine clay gray pottery wares—primarily food containers—sheds light on the specialized organization and craftsmanship of Shang Dynasty ceramic workshops. The findings were recovered from sidewalks in Anyang City, Henan, during excavations in 2008 and 2010.

The Excavations of Maresha Subterranean Complex 57: The ‘Heliodorus’ Cave

Caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin in the Judean Lowlands as a Microcosm of the Land of the Caves — 2014 — WHE5B4313E273

A significant archaeological discovery, the 'Heliodorus' stele, was unearthed within the Maresha Subterranean Complex 57, located near what is believed to be a temple or shrine. This cave complex, situated in the Judean Lowlands southwest of Jerusalem, yielded a rich array of artifacts, including Aramaic and Greek ostraca, figurines, kernos lamps, coins, stamped handles, astragals, and an extensive collection of faunal remains. Additionally, a 7th century BCE bulla depicting a sphinx was found. The proximity to the temple or shrine suggests a possible connection between the cave's contents and religious practices. This final report details the excavation findings, providing insights into the cultural and historical significance of Maresha during this period.

The Face of the Earth: Natural Landscapes, Science, and Culture by SueEllen Campbell, et al. (review)

Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev — 2014 — WHE9E3FF36410

The Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev is explored through its natural landscapes and cultural significance in the book The Face of the Earth. The work integrates ecocritical theory with scientific disciplines like geology, climate, and hydrology to illustrate the interconnectedness of natural forces and human cultural evolution. By examining terrestrial environments—such as deserts, grasslands, and forests—the authors demonstrate how these landscapes shape human language, agriculture, art, and spiritual practices. The book employs personal reports from global locations, including the Negev Desert and the Irish Burren, to ground theoretical concepts in lived experience. A notable finding is the role of harvester ants in both ecological processes and Navajo sacred narratives, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between nature and culture. This interdisciplinary approach balances environmental concern with a celebration of human wonder, making it valuable for both academic study and general interest.

The fish remains from the Cardo V sewer: New insights into consumption and the fishing economy of Herculaneum

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2014 — WHE7D8CC0AC0E

A recent analysis of fish remains from the Cardo V sewer in Herculaneum challenges long-held assumptions about the role of fish in Roman diets and economies. The study reveals that fish consumption was far more significant than previously believed, with salted fish products playing a crucial part in the food economy. This finding underscores the importance of marine resources in ancient Rome, particularly in urban centers like Herculaneum. Researchers examined archaeological evidence to reconstruct fishing practices, trade networks, and dietary habits, providing new insights into the economic and social dynamics of the region during the Roman period.

The Forest Reserves

Tongariro National Park — 2014 — WHEE2C5B0E90E

A significant shift in visitor behavior and infrastructure development occurred at Tongariro National Park following the introduction of motor cars, which transformed recreational access to remote areas. By 1922, the park was celebrated for its suitability as a picnicking and sporting destination, with visitors camping along routes and winter traffic surpassing summer flows by the 1940s. This period saw substantial government investment in infrastructure, including £1500 for Mount Cook hotel improvements, reflecting the growing popularity of the site. The study highlights how transportation advancements and targeted advertising reshaped recreational use and economic priorities in New Zealand's national parks.

The function of loud calls in black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra): Food, mate, or infant defense?

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2014 — WHEED54C389F9

Black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) primarily use loud calls, or howling, to defend major feeding sites within their home range at Palenque National Park, Mexico. This study analyzed 602 howling bouts over 28 months across five groups and found that howling was significantly more frequent during feeding, especially on fruits, and less common during resting periods than random chance would predict. Calls were also longer when neighboring groups or extragroup males were visually present, suggesting a multifunctional role in defending both food resources and vulnerable infants or mates during encounters with rival males. The research challenges the notion that howling is solely for mate attraction or infant defense, highlighting its adaptive significance in territorial behavior.

The Gardens' bulletin Singapore.. Vol. 66(1).

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2014 — WHEF95E3EE937

During the pre-World War II period, the operational capacity of Singapore Botanic Gardens was significantly compromised due to the redirection of senior staff for duties under the Departments of Food Control and Information. This shift led to a marked reduction in botanical work, highlighting the impact of external political pressures on scientific activities at UNESCO-listed heritage sites.