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The sub‐Antarctic Antipodes Volcano: a <0.5 Ma HIMU‐like Surtseyan volcanic outpost on the edge of the Campbell Plateau, New Zealand

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2013 — WHEC0007E82A7

The Antipodes Volcano, located on the edge of New Zealand's Campbell Plateau, exhibits distinctive geochemical and isotopic characteristics that provide a unique baseline for studying HIMU-like mantle sources. The volcano's youthful nature—indicated by well-preserved volcanic features and Ar/Ar ages of ≤0.5 million years—reveals a fractionation process dominated by clinopyroxene and olivine removal, with minimal continental crust interaction. Its lavas show consistently high 206 Pb/204 Pb and low 87 Sr/86 Sr ratios, comparable to anhydrous, Pb- and K-depleted peridotitic mantle xenoliths from Zealandia's intraplate volcanoes. This suggests that the Zealandia lithospheric mantle is isotopically heterogeneous, challenging the notion that all Zealandia Cretaceous–Cenozoic intraplate volcanoes tap a HIMU-like reservoir.

The surface geology and geomorphology around gobabeb, namib desert, namibia

Namib Sand Sea — 2013 — WHECA070FD41B

A dynamic interplay of ancient and modern geological processes characterizes the landscape around Gobabeb, Namib Desert, Namibia. The study reveals a stark contrast between a stable gravel plain to the north, a shifting aeolian sand sea to the south, and ephemeral river environments in between. This research highlights the complex interactions of hyper-saline waters, evaporites, duricrusts, and sediment transport mechanisms, providing insights into environmental change and human impacts. The study serves as a foundational guide for future research and educational activities, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Gobabeb Research Station and the recent designation of the Namib Sand Sea as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Survival of Pliny in Padua. Transforming Classical Scholarship during the Botanical Renaissance

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua — 2013 — WHEE51CCAC26A

During the Botanical Renaissance, ancient botanical texts, particularly those by Pliny, underwent a transformation in their role within the discipline. They served as both organizational principles for botanical knowledge and authoritative sources for medical botany, despite being increasingly challenged for accuracy and completeness. This shift not only shaped scholarly competencies but also brought commercial benefits, enhancing the reputation of Padua and the Venetian government. The study focuses on Andrea Mattioli's commentary, which includes a section on the divinity of nature based on Pliny, highlighting the evolving relationship between classical scholarship and botanical practice during this period.

The Symbolist interior and crystal imagination

Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels) — 2013 — WHE757989BA14

A key insight from this study is the duality of crystal imagery—simultaneously open and closed—as a defining element of Symbolist aesthetics and modernist architecture. The research explores how transparency, translucency, and surface reflectance in materials like glass and mirrors shaped Brussels' late 19th-century artistic and architectural landscape, particularly through the work of Victor Horta. By analyzing patterned glass, mirrors, and rare stones, the study reveals their fascination for Symbolist artists as both transparent and mysteriously interior. It traces the evolution of these themes from Belgian symbolism to German expressionism, highlighting Bruno Taut's Glashaus (1914) as a pivotal example. The paper suggests that the 'crystal imagination'—metaphors evoking unseen worlds—remains a potent source of inspiration for contemporary architectural visions, bridging materiality and vision in modern design.

The tectonophysical researches of the Semisamskaya anticline (North-Western Caucasus fold and thrust belt)

Western Caucasus — 2013 — WHE93A1D0CA18

Research on the Semisamskaya anticline in the North-Western Caucasus reveals significant variability in geodynamic regimes, transitioning from horizontal extension in the fold's axial part to compression at its wings. The study identifies a paragenesis of tectonic fractures linked to sub-horizontal minimum compression stresses oriented northwestward (NW 320°), traced by northeast-striking normal fault systems and northwest-striking upthrust-overthrust systems critical to the region's folded structure. Structural paragenetic and cataclastic analysis methods were employed to analyze palaeostress indicators within Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene sediments, providing insights into the complex stress field patterns that shaped this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The towns of Italy in the later Middle Ages

City of Verona — 2013 — WHEAF695B75D6

Late medieval Italian towns, particularly during the 13th and 14th centuries, represented a pinnacle of urban society and culture in Europe before industrialization. This study provides a comprehensive and inclusive analysis of Italian communal cities, focusing on their unity with dependent countryside, population stability, urban functions, public space development, social composition, institutional autonomy, and civic culture. It examines diverse aspects such as civic religion, economic activities like production and commerce, social tensions among various groups, and the political regimes prevalent in these cities. The research synthesizes descriptions from sources like Bonvesin da la Riva's account of Milan and Giovanni da Nono's depiction of Padua, alongside an anonymous verse on Genoa, to offer a nuanced understanding of urban life during this period.

The Tsaritsa, the Needlewomen and the Witches: Magic in Moscow in the 1630s

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2013 — WHE9117C9BD3D

A 1639 case involving Dar’ia Lamanova, a Kremlin needlewoman, revealed that accusations of magical harm against Tsaritsa Evdokiia Luk’ianova and her children were largely rooted in 'everyday' or 'prosaic' magic practices rather than a broader witch-hunt. Investigations showed evidence of love magic and healing rituals among Moscow witches associated with the royal household, but authorities dismissed claims of a dynastic conspiracy. This finding highlights how 17th-century Russian courts handled magical accusations without resorting to Western European-style persecution, preserving stability despite fears of supernatural threats.

The unusual Gasteromycetes Lycogalopsis solmsii belongs to the gomphoid-phalloid group

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2013 — WHE698D90AF5F

A rare tropical fungus, Lycogalopsis solmsii, previously misclassified as belonging to the Lycoperdales or Agaricales, has been reclassified based on genetic analysis. The study, conducted at Singapore Botanic Gardens, isolated and sequenced DNA from a 30-year-old specimen, revealing its affiliation with the gomphoid-phalloid group of Gasteromycetes. This finding challenges existing taxonomic classifications and underscores the importance of molecular techniques in fungal systematics. The research utilized ribosomal DNA sequencing to compare the fungus against a broad sample of Basidiomycetes, providing novel insights into its phylogenetic placement.

The Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) Juana Lopez Beds of the D-Cross Tongue of the Mancos Shale in central New Mexico and their relationship to the Juana Lopez Member of the Mancos Shale in the San Juan Basin

Mesa Verde National Park — 2013 — WHEC42E4A8912

Research reveals that the Juana Lopez Member of the Mancos Shale, previously recognized only in the San Juan Basin, extends into central New Mexico as the Juana Lopez Beds within the D-Cross Tongue. This extension is characterized by thinner calcarenites and sandstones interbedded with shales, suggesting significant condensation and potential erosional unconformities across its geographic extent. The study identifies a distinctive fossil assemblage, including the oyster Cameleolopha lugubris and ammonite Prionocyclus macombi, which provides biostratigraphic resolution but is not universally present in all outcrop sections. Chronostratigraphic analysis indicates that neither the upper nor lower contacts of the Juana Lopez represent regional isochronous surfaces, complicating correlations across New Mexico.

The Use of Greek in Pre-Sasanian Iran

Bisotun — 2013 — WHE94E58B3D23

Greek inscriptions from Iran, spanning Achaemenid to early Sasanian periods, reveal the linguistic and cultural integration of regions like Media into the Seleucid and Arsacid Empires. These texts, predominantly found at Susa and Bisotun, highlight Greek's role in administrative and institutional contexts during this transitional era. The study also underscores the significance of Greek colonies such as Seleuceia-on-the-Eulaeus and Antioch-in-Persis, providing insights into their historical and geopolitical importance.

The use of high resolution digital surface models for change detection and viewshed analysis in the urban area around the pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur — 2013 — WHEC73D3CA351

A high-resolution digital surface model (DSM) analysis reveals significant urban pressure on the Giza pyramid plateau, driven by Cairo's rapid expansion. The study combines DSM data from 2005 to 2011 with field-collected ground control points and advanced terrain extraction techniques, overcoming challenges like shadow effects and informal urban morphologies. Findings show not only horizontal sprawl but also a rise in building levels, directly impacting the pyramids' viewshed. By integrating population statistics, the model provides actionable insights for heritage conservation policies.

The Wooden Roof of Banesa e Skendulate in Gjirokastra, Albania: The Role of the Diagnostic Test Campaign in the Structural Safety Evaluation

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2013 — WHE0274CA1CCE

A diagnostic test campaign on the wooden roof of Banesa e Skendulate, a historic Ottoman-style building in Gjirokastra (Albania), revealed that applying modern strength class standards to ancient timber elements risks overestimating structural vulnerability. The study found that empirical design methods used by local craftsmen effectively supported heavy stone roofing, challenging conventional safety assessments. Researchers conducted non-destructive testing and geometric surveys to analyze the roof's structural system, behavior, and degradation, then developed an analytical 3D model. This approach highlights the need for tailored reference values based on real conditions of historic wood to guide reinforcement projects accurately.

Thebes

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2013 — WHE4FCF0A0609

Ancient Thebes, known by numerous names such as 'Victorious Thebes' and 'The City of the Lord of Eternity,' was a significant cultural and religious center in ancient Egypt. This guide to its antiquities reveals the city's multifaceted identity, highlighting its western bank necropolis, often referred to as Pa-Hathor or Tjamet Amentet, which was dedicated to the patron goddess Hathor. The text explores the evolution of Thebes' nomenclature, from its Egyptian roots to Greek interpretations like Diospolis Magna, reflecting its enduring significance in both local and broader Mediterranean contexts. By analyzing historical texts and archaeological evidence, the study reconstructs the layered history of this iconic site, offering insights into its religious, political, and cultural importance across millennia.

Thermal environment effect of land surface water bodies in Beijing based on satellite data

Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing — 2013 — WHE9880EBA573

Large-scale water bodies in Beijing, including urban lakes and reservoirs like Miyun Reservoir, significantly mitigate the urban heat island effect by lowering surrounding land surface temperatures. Satellite data analysis revealed that these water bodies exhibit distinct thermal effects: cooling during daytime (especially in summer) and warming at night (particularly in autumn and winter), depending on seasonal conditions. Notably, water bodies reduce building surface temperatures within a 300-meter radius, with the strongest cooling effect (1.2°C reduction) observed closest to the water's edge. In contrast, green spaces like Temple of Heaven Park had minimal impact, showing only a 0.4°C temperature drop within 100 meters. This study underscores the critical role of water bodies in urban thermal regulation and demonstrates the efficacy of satellite data for monitoring such environmental effects.

Thermal tolerance of meltwater stoneflyLednia tumananymphs from an alpine stream in Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park, Montana, USA

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park — 2013 — WHEF00576AAB9

Research on the meltwater stonefly Lednia tumana reveals critical insights into its thermal tolerance limits, with lethal temperature maxima (LTM) of 32.3 ± 0.28°C and 31.05 ± 0.78°C under acclimation temperatures of 8.5°C and 15°C, respectively. While these metrics did not show statistically significant differences, they suggest potential vulnerabilities to rising stream temperatures in alpine ecosystems. The study employed controlled water bath experiments to measure critical thermal maxima (CTM) and LTM, providing a foundation for assessing the impacts of climate change on this species, which is limited to glacial and snowmelt-driven streams in the Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park and a candidate for endangered species listing. Predicted chronic temperature maxima were 20.6°C and 20.2°C for the two acclimation treatments, underscoring the need for further research on long-term thermal effects.

Three new species of Euphorbia subg. Chamaesyce (Euphorbiaceae) from Bolivia

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park — 2013 — WHE144A9C2511

Researchers have identified three new species of Euphorbia subg. Chamaesyce within Bolivia's UNESCO-listed Noel Kempff Mercado National Park and surrounding regions, expanding the taxonomic understanding of this plant genus. The discoveries include Euphorbia beckii, found in the Área Natural de Manejo Integrado of Apolobamba (La Paz), which belongs to sect. Alectoroctonum and exhibits similarities to E. viridis; Euphorbia fuentesii from Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park (Santa Cruz), part of sect. Anisophyllum and closely related to E. catamarcensis; and Euphorbia riinae, a member of sect. Crossadenia subsect. Ephedropeplus, closely allied with the Brazilian species E. gymnoclada. The study combines morphological analysis with taxonomic comparisons to distinguish these new entities, contributing to the biodiversity documentation of Bolivia's protected areas.

Tiger, Lion, and Human Life in the Heart of Wilderness: Impacts of Institutional Tourism on Development and Conservation in East Africa and India

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2013 — WHE9E0C2C1C78

Tourism emerges as a pivotal institutional factor that can reconcile conservation and development goals, though its impact varies significantly between regions. A study across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), and Corbett National Park (India) found that tourism contributes differently to human development in these areas, defined by local 'stages of progress.' While tourism played a notable role in both Tanzania and India, non-tourism factors like livestock income influenced development outcomes more prominently in Tanzania than in India. This suggests that institutional tourism can be a catalyst for balancing conservation efforts with socio-economic growth, but its effectiveness depends on contextual factors.

Tigers in the Transboundary Manas Conservation Complex: Conservation implications across borders

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — 2013 — WHEC41FC77C4A

A population of approximately 15 tigers (95% CI: 15–29) was estimated within the Transboundary Manas Conservation Complex (TMCC), spanning Manas National Park, India, and Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan. Tiger density estimates ranged from 0.75 to 1.9 individuals per 100 km², depending on the analytical method used. The study utilized a camera-trap survey over 400 km², capturing 87 photographs of 14 individually identified tigers during 5,955 trap-nights. These findings underscore the TMCC's critical role in tiger conservation, emphasizing the need for transboundary management strategies to safeguard biodiversity across political boundaries.

Timbuktu Civilization and its Significance in Islamic History

Timbuktu — 2013 — WHEEFAEA202E2

Timbuktu's civilization emerged as a pivotal trade hub and intellectual center in West Africa, challenging the narrative that Islamic scholarship was confined to the Middle East. From its origins as a seasonal trading post in the 11th century, Timbuktu flourished into a beacon of learning, housing renowned schools and universities that thrived between the 11th and 15th centuries. The study highlights Timbuktu's role as an academic and commercial epicenter, supported by evidence from manuscripts and architectural landmarks that attest to its advanced civilization during the medieval period. It also examines the factors behind its development and the enduring influence of its early leaders.

Timbuktu, the African Medieval Knowledge City: The Role of Knowledge Development Actors

Timbuktu — 2013 — WHE4899CD4059

Medieval Timbuktu emerges as a pioneering African knowledge city, challenging the Western-centric narrative of scholarly development. This study identifies key actors—such as scholars, scribes, and rulers—whose motivating values, urban activities, and roles in knowledge dissemination shaped Timbuktu's intellectual legacy. Using the Human Activity Systems Model, it analyzes their contributions to scholarship, revealing a dynamic ecosystem of learning that thrived despite geographical and historical marginalization. The findings highlight Timbuktu’s significance as a hub for advanced education and cultural exchange, offering insights into alternative models of knowledge development in non-Western contexts.