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Showing 27261 – 27280 of 30315 publications

Changes in Fiber Use and Spinning Technologies on the Iranian Plateau: A comparative and diachronic study of spindle whorls ca 4500-2500 BCE

Proto-urban Site of Sarazm — 2012 — WHE163B94C15D

A comparative and diachronic study of spindle whorls from the Iranian Plateau reveals significant changes in fiber use and spinning technologies between 4500-2500 BCE. The research, spanning sites like Sarazm in Tajikistan and Cheshmeh Ali in Iran, identifies broad trends in spinning technology over time and space, addressing inconsistencies in nomenclature and contextual information. Insights from ethnoarchaeological studies suggest a potential unique spinning toolkit for this region, with marked changes in whorl form, weight, and material coinciding with the widespread use of wool. The study also explores whether spindle whorls served as markers of identity on the Iranian Plateau.

Changes in vegetation over nine years after rehabilitating a linear feature in Australia’s arid zone

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2012 — WHE87E59A5454

Rehabilitating a deteriorated road in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia, using imported sand and topsoil successfully stabilized the road surface and promoted vegetation recovery over nine years. While herbaceous species from the imported fill dominated rehabilitated areas, succession did not always mirror adjacent undisturbed habitats due to similarities with the Simpson Land System. Notably, introduced Buffel grass altered local ecosystems by suppressing native plants and increasing wildfire risk, particularly at creek crossings. The study highlights the need for targeted management strategies to control invasive species and improve long-term ecological outcomes in arid zones.

Changes of groundwater conditions on Jeju volcanic island, Korea: implications for sustainable agriculture

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2012 — WHE06A6ADE5E8

A significant decline in groundwater levels and rise in electrical conductivity on Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea, indicates worsening seawater intrusion and groundwater quality deterioration. Despite efforts like banning illegal wells and artificial recharge using rainwater, groundwater use has surged from 110 to 195 million cubic meters annually (1999–2008), driven by agricultural, domestic, and industrial demands, as well as the growing adoption of ground source heat pumps. Long-term monitoring data reveals critical threats to sustainable water management on this streamless island.

Changes of the International and Domestic Conservation of the Rice Terraces

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras — 2012 — WHEAE8E6041E0

The conservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras' has evolved through three distinct phases, each marked by shifts in international and domestic policies and increased local community involvement. The first phase (1966-1993) predated its inscription on the World Heritage List, while the second (1994-2000) focused on post-inscription efforts. The third phase (2001-present) followed its listing as a World Heritage in Danger site. This study identifies these phases as critical to understanding sustainable rural community development and heritage conservation, highlighting the role of local governments and communities in shaping conservation strategies.

Channelized sandstone bodies (‘cordons’) in the Tassili N'Ajjer (Algeria & Libya): snapshots of a Late Ordovician proglacial outwash plain

Tassili n'Ajjer — 2012 — WHE9721C8CA03

A Late Ordovician proglacial outwash plain, preserved in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tassili n'Ajjer (Algeria & Libya), reveals fossilized networks of braided and anastomosed channels formed by high-magnitude flood events. These channelized sandstone bodies, or 'cordons,' exhibit ribbon-like forms with widths ranging from 60 to 600 meters and thicknesses from 5 to 30 meters, offering a unique snapshot of an unconfined outwash braidplain. The study combines satellite imagery, sedimentary logs, and photomosaics to analyze the architecture and facies of these features, which indicate they were deposited during glacier outbursts within a sand-dominated deltaic topset succession.

Chapitre 7. Réforme catholique et influences jansénistes

Chartres Cathedral — 2012 — WHEE084A18F9B

A unique insight into the intellectual and spiritual landscape of Chartres Cathedral's chapter during the late 17th century emerges from post-mortem inventories spanning 1688 to 1699. These archives, housed in Eure-et-Loir, reveal a gradual assimilation of Catholic Reform ideals, often tinged with Jansenist influences, among the cathedral's clergy. The study provides a nuanced understanding of how these theological currents shaped the daily lives and aspirations of the chapter members, offering a rare glimpse into their material possessions and spiritual preoccupations.

Chapter 4 Multigroup Segregation Patterns and Determinants: The Case of Immigrants in an Italian City

City of Verona — 2012 — WHE560060C0C1

Strong evidence indicates that housing market dynamics and ownership distribution significantly influence immigrant segregation within urban spaces, particularly in cities with high internal mobility among immigrant groups. The study employs a local concentration statistic derived from segregation curves to measure the degree of segregation for different immigration groups in Verona, Italy. By analyzing individual characteristics, housing features, and local amenities, the research demonstrates that these factors are complementary causes of observed racial concentration patterns. This finding challenges simplistic models by highlighting the complex interplay between market attributes and individual traits in shaping urban segregation.

Characterisation of PM2.5 concentrations and turbulent fluxes on a island of the Venice lagoon using high temporal resolution measurements

Venice and its Lagoon — 2012 — WHE6087FEC381

A seasonal pattern in PM2.5 turbulent fluxes was identified, with daytime positive values during winter and negative during summer, indicating significant atmospheric influence on deposition velocities. The study also revealed that high wind velocities from the water sector contributed to larger emissions, suggesting a notable role of sea spray in PM2.5 fluxes. Additionally, diurnal winds from the Adriatic Sea and nocturnal winds from the Alps influenced deposition velocity, creating an increase in negative fluxes during morning sea breeze onset. The research utilized high-resolution optical PM2.5 detectors coupled with micrometeorological stations to measure vertical turbulent fluxes using eddy-correlation techniques across three seasons.

Characterising the sources and fate of dissolved organic matter in Shark Bay, Australia: a preliminary study using optical properties and stable carbon isotopes

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2012 — WHEEE17BB6882

Shark Bay, a seagrass-dominated subtropical ecosystem with limited freshwater inputs, exhibits complex sources and transformations of dissolved organic matter (DOM). A study combining excitation/emission fluorescence spectroscopy (EEM-PARAFAC) and stable carbon isotope analysis revealed that DOM in Shark Bay originates from multiple sources, including terrestrial inputs, plankton, macroalgae, and seagrass. While isotopic data suggests substantial contributions from seagrass, fluorescence analysis indicates that much of this input is derived from decomposing detritus rather than active exudation during primary production. The study also highlights the role of evaporation in concentrating DOM and the potential significance of photo-degradation in transforming DOM within the system.

Characteristics of the chemical composition of groundwater on Tanegashima, Yakushima, and Nakanoshima islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan

Yakushima — 2012 — WHE8C55A51027

Groundwater on Yakushima Island exhibits distinct chemical characteristics compared to nearby Tanegashima and Nakanoshima, primarily due to its higher annual rainfall. A study analyzing 26 groundwater samples found that while chlorine concentrations were lower on Yakushima, reflecting greater dilution from precipitation, the ratio of sea salt components exceeded 50% in most samples. Non-sea salt (nss) components across all islands were predominantly influenced by chemical weathering of plagioclase feldspars, with additional effects from ion exchange and sulfuric/carbonic acid weathering on Nakanoshima. Notably, Yakushima's groundwater showed high nss potassium (K+) concentrations, likely derived from K-feldspar weathering in granite, despite lower overall nss component totals. Low nitrate levels across the islands suggest minimal anthropogenic influence.

Characteristics, distribution and morphogenesis of subtidal microbial systems in Shark Bay, Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2012 — WHE0070949F1B

Extensive subtidal microbial deposits, covering approximately 300 km² of Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay, Australia, have been mapped and analyzed for the first time. These deposits, dominated by aragonite with distinctive isotopic signatures (δ13C +4.46 to +5.88; δ18O +3.06 to +3.88), reveal a subtidal microbial habitat 10 times larger than previously known intertidal areas. The study highlights two depositional stages, with growth rates ranging from <0.1 mm/year to 0.5 mm/year, and provides evidence of late Holocene sea-level changes through fabric sequences. Distinct microbial communities and lateral fabric relations were identified, emphasizing the geoscientific significance of Hamelin Pool for early life studies and ancient environmental interpretations.

Characterization of Andosols in Yakushima Island

Yakushima — 2012 — WHE1E7EB47D5F

Research on Yakushima Island reveals that Andosols derived from volcanic ash exhibit distinct chemical and mineralogical properties depending on their ecological context. Soils under evergreen broad-leaved forests show high concentrations of acid oxalate-extractable aluminum (Alo) and silicon (Sio), alongside low iron (Fe) ratios, indicating a warmer climate with less severe leaching compared to soils under coniferous or grassland ecosystems. All studied pedons were classified as Kuroboku soils (USCSJ 2nd) and Andosols (WRB). Notably, mountainous Andosols lack allophanic horizons due to intense rainfall (>10,000 mm/year), which inhibits allophane formation through Al leaching, humus complexation, and vermiculite interlayer incorporation. These findings highlight the interplay between climate, vegetation, and soil development in shaping Andosol properties on Yakushima Island.

Characterization of mudejar mortars from St. Gil Abbot church (Zaragoza, Spain): Investigation of the manufacturing technology of ancient gypsum mortars

Mudejar Architecture of Aragon — 2012 — WHE7C8F92AE2A

Research on Mudejar mortars from St. Gil Abbot church (Zaragoza, Spain) reveals that these ancient gypsum-based materials exhibit a unique homogeneity in composition, with both binder and aggregates predominantly made of gypsum and carbonate rock fragments. The study, employing multi-analytical techniques including petrographic analysis, chemistry, and mineralogy, demonstrates that the aggregates are by-products of a grinding process applied to pre-burnt raw materials. This manufacturing technique significantly enhanced the mortars' quality, offering insights into advanced ancient construction practices. Published in Materiales de Construcción, this work underscores the sophistication of Mudejar architecture's technological innovations.

Charmed Circle: Stonehenge, Contemporary Paganism, and Alternative Archaeology

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2012 — WHE4A304E6230

Stonehenge's ritual significance, rooted in prehistoric cosmological principles and solar alignment, is reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary paganism. While mainstream archaeology views Stonehenge as a complex Neolithic monument tied to seasonal cycles, modern Druidry—recognized as a religion in the UK since 2010—offers an alternative narrative, often clashing with academic interpretations. This study contrasts these perspectives, highlighting tensions between 'invented traditions' and postmodern archaeological theories that embrace vernacular interpretations. It reveals how Stonehenge serves as both a physical monument and a symbolic battleground for competing narratives of heritage, religion, and identity in the 21st century.

Chauvet, Ardèche, France

Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche — 2012 — WHEE8544CABA0

The Grotte Chauvet-Pont d'Arc, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ardèche, France, features an extraordinary collection of prehistoric cave art. Among its 420 animal figures—345 of which are identifiable to species—15 distinct species are depicted with varying frequencies and distribution patterns. A notable aspect is the dominance of dangerous animals, particularly felines, which stand out for their clarity and abundance. This study provides a detailed analysis of the cave's artwork, offering insights into the artistic and cultural significance of this remarkable site.

Chengjiang

Chengjiang Fossil Site — 2012 — WHED5723EA752

Exceptionally preserved fossil sites, known as Fossil-Lagerstätten, have revolutionized our understanding of Earth's biological history. Among these, the Chengjiang Fossil Site stands out for its unique window into early Cambrian ecosystems, offering a comprehensive view of life during this pivotal period. These sites, scattered throughout geological time, provide critical insights into ecosystem evolution, comparable to other famous Lagerstätten like the Burgess Shale and Solnhofen Limestone. By studying such sites, researchers can reconstruct the complexity and diversity of ancient ecosystems with remarkable precision.

Chichen-Itza y Tula Comentarios a un Ensayo

Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza — 2012 — WHE86BB79D914

A groundbreaking re-evaluation of the cultural influences between Chichén-Itzá and Tula challenges the prevailing consensus among researchers. While most scholars attribute distinctive elements in Chichén-Itzá to Toltec influence, George Kubler's essay argues these features likely originated in the Maya region or elsewhere before being adopted by Tula. This counter-narrative, published in Estudios de Cultura Maya, reshapes our understanding of architectural and cultural diffusion between Mesoamerican civilizations, emphasizing the need to trace origins beyond the Toltec period.

Cistercian architecture or architecture of the Cistercians?

Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay — 2012 — WHEEEDAD1821F

Cistercian architecture, a cornerstone of the medieval Cistercian legacy, is recognized as a distinct architectural style that has captivated tourists and scholars alike. This study challenges traditional narratives by examining the specificity and identity of Cistercian abbeys, moving beyond the notion of it being merely a product of the Romanesque period originating in Burgundy. The research employs a multi-faceted approach, analyzing historiographical steps, architectural plans, and the role of abbey buildings as material sources for monastic life. It reveals that while Cistercian architecture spread internationally through the Order's network, it was not solely an export from France but also indigenous to other regions, such as Britain and Germany. The study highlights the significance of Cistercian architecture in shaping the identity of the Order and its influence on regional architectural styles.

Civic and Household Community Relationships at Teotihuacan, Mexico: a Space Syntax Approach

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2012 — WHE225C337990

A novel integration of space syntax with archaeological data reveals the intricate community structures and systems of authority within Teotihuacan's epicentral zone. This approach demonstrates how spatial configurations of buildings and public spaces reflect both civic and household interactions, offering a materialist framework to identify communities at varying scales. By modifying Yaeger and Canuto's interactional approach, researchers uncovered nuanced patterns of social organization, challenging conventional interpretations of Teotihuacan's urban landscape.

Clarification of Mechanisms of Nutrient Circulation Between Ocean and Inland in Shiretok

Shiretoko — 2012 — WHEE9A1C65558

Research in Shiretoko reveals that drift ice from the northern Okhotsk Sea plays a significant role in transporting nutrients to the peninsula's inland ecosystems during winter. This nutrient circulation contributes to the region's rich biodiversity and robust ecological system. To quantify this process, scientists employed isotope analysis to estimate the amount of nutrients transported between the ocean and inland areas. While the study confirms the importance of drift ice as a nutrient source, it also highlights the need for further research to precisely measure its impact.