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Publications

Showing 27021 – 27040 of 30315 publications

Unexplained recurring high mortality of southern right whale Eubalaena australis calves at Península Valdés, Argentina

Península Valdés — 2013 — WHE50F6BCE581

A concerning surge in unexplained calf mortality among southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) at Península Valdés, Argentina, between 2003 and 2011, threatens the recovery of a critically depleted subpopulation. During this period, hundreds of calves died, with mortality rates increasing faster than the growth of living calves over the preceding three decades. The pattern of deaths varied seasonally, with some calves reaching at least one meter in length before perishing, suggesting they were healthy prior to death. Large calves (>6 m) also died in early calving seasons (2008-2009), hinting at potential population-wide stressors like nutritional deficiencies. Despite extensive tissue sampling and analysis, no consistent lesions, pathogens, or algal biotoxins have been identified as the cause. This study documents these mortality events, contextualizes them historically, and highlights ongoing efforts to pinpoint their causes, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation action to prevent further decline of this endangered species.

Unsaturated sand in the stability of the cuesta of the Temple of Hera (Agrigento)

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2013 — WHEAD12BC4F57

Research reveals that the mechanical behavior of unsaturated sands is a critical factor contributing to the instability of the cuesta underlying the Temple of Hera Lacinia in Agrigento, Italy. The study found that the presence of an open metastable structure, influenced by bonding mechanisms generated through suction or cementing materials like clay and salts, significantly impacts slope stability. To investigate this, the team conducted compositional and textural analyses, direct shear tests, and oedometer tests on sand samples at varying moisture levels—from natural state to full saturation. These findings highlight the role of unsaturated sands in landslide susceptibility, particularly in environments prone to toppling calcarenite blocks, and underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate risks to historic structures like those in the Valle dei Templi.

Upper Pleistocene and Holocene palaeoenvironmental records in Cueva Mayor karst (Atapuerca, Spain) from different proxies: speleothem crystal fabrics, palynology, and archaeology

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2013 — WHE75B1EA5CF9

A new palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Atapuerca karst system reveals distinct climatic shifts over the last 20,000 years, linking human occupation to changing environmental conditions. The study identifies four key stages: a cold and dry Upper Pleistocene transitioning to wetter warmth; a significant erosion event marking the Pleistocene-Holocene shift (12.8–7.7 kyr BP); a Late Neolithic climatic optimum with pronounced seasonality (~5.9 kyr BP); and increasing aridity from 4.2 kyr BP, possibly exacerbated by Bronze Age agricultural intensification. Researchers integrated speleothem crystal fabrics and pollen analysis to reconstruct this inland site's climate, addressing gaps in regional palaeoclimatic records dominated by coastal or high-elevation data.

Ur-Nammâ(k)’s Conquest of Susa

Susa — 2013 — WHE7309257D05

A recent reanalysis of forgotten cuneiform tablets from Ur, rediscovered in the archives of the University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Anthropology, reveals that the strategic conquest of Susa was achieved by Ur-Nammu(k), the founder of the Third Dynasty of Ur, rather than his successor as previously believed. This challenges long-standing historical narratives and redefines the significance of Ur-Nammu(k)'s reign in Mesopotamia's political landscape. The study leverages Woolley's original excavations, offering new insights into the dynamics of early urban dominance through epigraphic evidence.

Use of Production Practices and Sensory Attributes to Characterize Loire Valley Red Wines

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes — 2013 — WHE8AC859CDFD

Research demonstrates that production practices and sensory attributes can distinguish protected designation of origin (PDO) wines within the same geographic area, even under similar climatic and soil conditions. The study analyzed 33 commercial red wines from the Loire Valley, France, assessing factors such as vineyard training systems, harvest timing, winemaking techniques, and aging practices. Descriptive sensory analysis identified key attributes like color intensity, viscosity, blackcurrant aroma, and bitterness that differentiated these wines. Statistical analyses revealed significant relationships between specific production practices—such as the percentage of Cabernet franc grapes, leaf removal timing, and oak aging—and distinct sensory profiles. This finding underscores the nuanced role of production methods in shaping wine characteristics within well-defined terroirs.

Using immersive and interactive approaches to interpreting traumatic experiences for tourists: potentials and limitations

Virunga National Park — 2013 — WHE8D9EA677BD

Immersive and interactive approaches to interpreting traumatic experiences for tourists at UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) offer significant potential for enhancing visitor engagement while balancing the ethical implications of such experiences. This study examines how these methods can be applied in iconic African destinations like Virunga National Park, known for its mountain gorillas, without causing distress or harm to visitors. The research employs a qualitative approach, analyzing the effectiveness and limitations of immersive storytelling techniques in conveying complex historical narratives related to trauma. Findings suggest that while these approaches can deepen understanding and empathy, they require careful design to avoid retraumatization, particularly in sensitive contexts like Virunga National Park.

Using In-Slag Charcoal as an Indicator of “Terminal” Iron Production within the Angkorian Period (10th–13th Centuries AD) Center of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, Cambodia

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2013 — WHEEE763DB976

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear, Cambodia, reveals that iron production continued at the temple complex of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay long after its masonry construction phase. Using radiocarbon dating of in-slag charcoal from surface slag cakes, scientists identified distinct clusters of late or 'terminal' metallurgical activities spanning the mid-13th to late 17th centuries, with significant activity between the late 13th and late 15th centuries. This challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of industrial activities in the region during the Angkorian period (9th–15th centuries AD) and provides the first robust dates for such activities in Cambodia. The study suggests that Preah Khan served as an outpost to monitor iron production, leveraging its proximity to Phnom Dek, a rich source of iron oxide.

Using numerical modeling to explore the origin of intrusion patterns on Fernandina volcano, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galápagos Islands — 2013 — WHE6F74237B9E

Numerical modeling reveals that the intrusion patterns observed on Fernandina volcano, Galápagos Islands, arise from minor variations in magma reservoir geometry. Inflation of a mildly oblate reservoir can trigger either radial or circumferential intrusions, while more oblate reservoirs produce gently dipping radial dikes through lateral sill injection and stress rotation—consistent with recent InSAR data. These findings bridge petrological and surface displacement data, offering a unified explanation for near-surface intrusion configurations.

Utilizing a phylogenetic plant classification for systematic arrangements in botanic gardens and herbaria

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2013 — WHE124C4F39B5

A unified phylogenetic plant classification, developed by the Vascular Plant Classification Committee (VPCC), has emerged as a globally accepted framework for organizing vascular plant collections in botanic gardens and herbaria. This breakthrough addresses longstanding inconsistencies caused by disparate, outdated systems that hindered international research. The VPCC, formed in 2008 through collaboration between European and Australian botanical organizations, achieved consensus on family circumscriptions and linear sequences among six major institutions in 2009—a landmark scientific and political achievement. Adoption of this classification is now expanding across five continents, with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew leading efforts to reorganize extensive collections. The study underscores the need for dynamic, evolution-reflective sequences and outlines practical strategies for integrating taxonomic updates into existing systems.

Valorisation du patrimoine, tourisme et développement territorial en Algérie : cas des régions de Béjaïa en Kabylie et Djanet dans le Tassili n'Ajjer

Tassili n'Ajjer — 2013 — WHE7E13F560C4

Tourism-driven heritage valorization in Algeria shows divergent impacts on territorial development between Kabylie (Béjaïa) and Tassili n'Ajjer (Djanet). While Béjaïa's approach relies on limited generic resources, lacks strong local integration, and shows minimal territorial linkage, Djanet demonstrates a promising model of sustainable development. This is evidenced by the mobilization of specific regional resources, active Tuareg participation, localized learning dynamics, effective tourism regulation, and international openness—factors absent in Béjaïa's underdeveloped tourism sector. The study highlights that successful heritage-led tourism requires tailored strategies, local actor engagement, and institutional proximity to foster territorial development.

Van der Cammen, Hans; de Klerk, Len; Dekker, Gerhard; Witsen, Peter Paul (2013): The Selfmade Land: Culture and Evolution of Urban and Regional Planning in the Netherlands

Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht — 2013 — WHE6AEFD7C152

The Netherlands stands out as Europe's most meticulously planned land, with a deep-rooted culture of spatial planning that emphasizes order and efficiency. This book, 'The Selfmade Land,' offers a unique cultural-historical perspective on Dutch urban and regional planning, blending scientific rigor with accessible storytelling to engage both academics and the general public. It traces the evolution of planning from Amsterdam's 17th-century canal ring to modern developments like Vinex districts, highlighting how Dutch planning has adapted to societal changes while maintaining its core principles. The work builds upon a long-standing Dutch tradition of spatial planning, first introduced in 2003 and now expanded with contributions from four authors, providing an English-language update that bridges historical analysis with contemporary challenges.

Variability of precipitation and temperature in Guanajuato, Mexico

Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines — 2013 — WHE4F3B7B7A06

A significant increase in the frequency of extreme heat days—more than doubling—has been observed in Guanajuato, Mexico, between 1979 and 2011, while the number of days with heavy rainfall exceeding the 90th percentile has remained stable. This shift toward hotter conditions, coupled with a near-halving of days with temperatures below the 10th percentile, suggests a growing water scarcity threat to agriculture, a key economic activity in the region. The study also reveals that precipitation patterns are strongly influenced by the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), with phases 1-3 correlating with above-normal rainfall and phases 4-7 with below-normal rainfall. These findings were derived from surface station data across Guanajuato and North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data, analyzing atmospheric anomalies linked to wet and dry conditions.

Variability of the baculum in the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) from Slovakia

Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve — 2013 — WHE15D7DA8E86

A study on the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from Slovakia reveals significant variability in baculum traits, with strong positive correlations between several dimensions such as length and dorsoventral or laterolateral thickness. These findings suggest a protective relationship between the baculum's size and structure to prevent fractures during copulation. The research analyzed 10 morphological traits from 119 mature male foxes collected near Bardejov in the Slovak Carpathians, providing detailed insights into the baculum's quantitative characteristics and variability in this region.

Variation in ozone concentration and volumetric activities of radon progeny on the Curonian Spit

Curonian Spit — 2013 — WHE05752B27ED

A study on the Curonian Spit identified a significant relationship between ozone concentration and radon progeny activity, revealing that wind direction plays a crucial role in their variation. During an extreme weather event in summer, ground-level ozone concentrations exceeded the health threshold of 120 µg m−3, highlighting the potential negative impact on human health. The research employed simultaneous measurements to track these variations, providing insights into atmospheric dynamics and the influence of breeze phenomena in this unique coastal environment.

Variation of activity concentration of radon decay products in the Curonian Spit

Curonian Spit — 2013 — WHE9595D55746

Research on the Curonian Spit reveals significant variations in radon decay products' activity concentration, influenced by meteorological factors. Activity levels ranged from 2 to 16 Bq/m³, with day-night differences of up to sevenfold. A strong negative correlation (–0.77) was found between these concentrations and temperature, while a positive correlation (0.8) existed with relative humidity. Wind speed, direction, and the rare phenomenon of periodic breeze also played a role in these variations. The study highlights the Curonian Spit's unique environmental dynamics, offering insights into how meteorological parameters shape radon decay product levels in coastal regions.

Varved sediments of Lake Yoa (Ounianga Kebir, Chad) reveal progressive drying of the Sahara during the last 6100 years

Lakes of Ounianga — 2013 — WHEFBA4C4058F

A 6100-year sediment record from Lake Yoa, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lakes of Ounianga in Chad, reveals a progressive drying trend in the eastern Central Sahara. The study, utilizing high-resolution sedimentological and geochemical analyses, including X-ray fluorescence core scanning, demonstrates that decreasing monsoon rainfall combined with strong evaporation transformed the once hydrologically open and fresh lake into its current hypersaline state, which has persisted for about the last 1050 years. The data also indicate a gradual increase in aeolian input, supporting the notion of a progressive rather than abrupt transition from a humid to an arid Sahara during the Mid to Late Holocene.

Vedere l'invisibile nel visibile. Ri-velazioni nel paesaggio svedese

Skogskyrkogården — 2013 — WHE73E941F6C9

Skogskyrkogården, the Forest Cemetery in Stockholm designed by Asplund and Lewerentz, exemplifies how symbolic 'dis-velamento' can reveal the invisible within the visible landscape. Through the concept of Stimmung and references to Emanuel Swedenborg's Science of Correspondences, the study demonstrates that the cemetery does not merely mimic nature but constructs a tension between natural and artificial elements, making the intangible tangible. The 1914 competition tables, which combine annotated drawings and photographs, serve as tools for abstraction and re-signification, contrasting with contemporary realistic architectural simulations. This approach highlights Skogskyrkogården's unique role in Nordic landscape design.

Vegetation recruitment on the ‘white’ sandbars on the N akdong R iver at the historical village of H ahoe, K orea

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2013 — WHE614D1DB50A

The construction of two upstream dams on the Nakdong River in Hahoe, Korea, led to significant vegetation recruitment on previously nonvegetated sandbars. The study found that decreased peak flows and aggradation of the sandbars resulted in lower shear stress across more of the area, facilitating vegetation colonization. Drought conditions further accelerated this process, with notable encroachment occurring within just three years after the second dam was operational. Numerical analysis revealed that dimensionless shear stress is a key predictor for vegetation recruitment. The findings suggest that optimizing dam operation rules to differentiate peak release flows between germination and flood seasons could sustainably manage riparian vegetation in regulated rivers.

Vegetation-Banked Terraces on Subantarctic Macquarie Island: A Reappraisal

Macquarie Island — 2013 — WHEFB9BD3B6F4

A reappraisal of vegetation-banked terraces on Macquarie Island reveals that previously described 'windward' and 'leeward' types are not distinct but instead represent a continuum influenced by hillside aspect. The study documents dynamic processes, including mobile gravel, substrate erosion, and vegetation growth, challenging the notion of separate terrace forms. Additionally, stone-banked terraces, not previously reported on the island, were identified. Recent die-offs of the cushion plant Azorella macquariensis may threaten long-term terrace stability. The research combines morphological documentation with process-based analysis to provide new insights into these unique subantarctic landscapes.

Verapaz Statistics

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2013 — WHE533E973A85

A unique demographic model emerges for Mesoamerica's Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, where the absence of violent Hispanic conquest and encomendero exploitation during the Colonial period offers a rare opportunity to test alternative theories of population decline. This study provides critical data on the Kekchi, Pokom, and Choloid Maya communities, derived from newly discovered but mostly unpublished documents in the Archivo General de Indias, Seville, Spain. By analyzing these archival records, researchers can now construct and validate models that challenge conventional narratives of colonial impact, offering fresh insights into the region's demographic history.