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Publications

Showing 27901 – 27920 of 30315 publications

Regional Stratigraphic, Depositional, and Diagenetic Patterns of the Interior of St. Lawrence Platform The Lower Ordovician Romaine Formation, Western Anticosti Basin, Quebec

Anticosti — 2012 — WHEA5F5F2D92A

A comprehensive analysis of the Great American Carbonate Bank (GACB) reveals significant insights into its stratigraphic, depositional, and diagenetic patterns, particularly within the Lower Ordovician Romaine Formation in the western Anticosti Basin, Quebec. This study identifies distinctive lithofacies and fauna that provide a robust chronostratigraphic framework for correlating disparate outcrops and subsurface data, enhancing our understanding of the bank's depositional history and evolution. The research integrates biostratigraphy, ichnology, stratigraphy, and diagenesis to shed light on the GACB's economic potential, including its role as a source of hydrocarbons, minerals, and construction materials. Additionally, it explores the bank's potential as an aquifer or waste repository, contributing valuable data for both scientific and practical applications.

Reinventing mutualism between humans and wild fauna: insights from vultures as ecosystem services providers

Socotra Archipelago — 2012 — WHEB8E90F2A6A

A unique mutualistic relationship between humans and the globally threatened Egyptian vulture in Socotra, Yemen, sustains one of the densest populations of this scavenger. The study reveals that human activities support this population by providing organic waste, which vultures consume—accounting for up to 22.4% of annual town waste disposal. Researchers analyzed spatial distribution and consumption patterns to demonstrate how vultures serve as critical ecosystem regulators. However, globalization threatens this balance, necessitating policies that integrate societal needs with biodiversity conservation. The authors propose shifting the mutualism toward cultural services to reconcile economic development and conservation in the Middle East.

Relaciones Socioambientales entre Comunidades y Áreas Naturales Protegidas. Reserva de la Biosfera Calakmul: entre el Conflicto y la Conservación

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2012 — WHE467FAB5925

A primary driver of conflict between rural communities and the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (RBC) management is the exclusion of local stakeholders from decision-making processes. This study identifies that producers and rural communities feel marginalized in planning, executing, and evaluating conservation actions led by the Reserve's Directorate (DRBC), leading to tensions over land use and productive activities. Researchers used qualitative indicators—gathered through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and direct observation—to analyze these conflicts, then validated findings with statistical methods including correlation coefficients and principal component analysis. The research highlights a critical disconnect between top-down conservation management and local needs, suggesting that inclusive governance models could mitigate socio-environmental friction in protected areas.

Relationships Between Distributions of Corals and Physical Environments in Amitori Bay, Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2012 — WHE3AE32DFD91

Amitori Bay, located on Iriomote Island in Japan, exhibits significant variability in coral distribution influenced by local physical environments. Research reveals that wave exposure plays a critical role in shaping coral community structure: tabulate corals thrive in areas with high wave energy, while branching corals are less abundant there. This pattern emerges despite the bay's small size, as sediment input from two rivers and varying wave conditions create distinct microenvironments. The study employed comprehensive field surveys at 26 sites, combined with CTD measurements, river flow observations, and numerical simulations to analyze hydrodynamics, temperature, waves, and sediment transport. These findings underscore the complex interplay between physical factors and coral ecology in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Relative competitiveness of adventive plant species in herbaceous communities of the Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2012 — WHEC05ABB7C96

Adventive plant species exhibit varying competitiveness in different herbaceous communities of the Western Caucasus, challenging assumptions about their ecological equivalence with indigenous species. Using a mathematical model based on species immigration and extinction dynamics, researchers found that adventive plants often outperform or underperform indigenous species depending on the community type—such as near-riverbed shoals, forest glades, steppe meadows, or agricultural lands. This suggests that adventive species' competitive advantage is context-dependent, with implications for biodiversity and ecosystem management in UNESCO-recognized regions like the Western Caucasus.

Religion, Religious Tradition, and Nationalism: Jewish Revival in Poland and “Religious Heritage” in Québec

Historic District of Old Québec — 2012 — WHEFB03B07AB3

This study reveals how societies reactivate past religious traditions to address contemporary social transformations and advance political agendas, using the cases of Jewish revival in Poland and 'religious heritage' in Québec's Historic District of Old Québec. It introduces a distinction between religion and religious tradition to analyze how these elements are juxtaposed to articulate or fortify national identities while responding to challenges posed by pluralism. The research employs extensive fieldwork and sociological analysis, demonstrating that religion and tradition serve diverse goals—both religious and secular—and undergo transformation in the process. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between religion, politics, and societal change.

Remembering Bernard Lovell

Jodrell Bank Observatory — 2012 — WHEAFB7A7B260

Bernard Lovell, a pioneering astronomer, demonstrated the potential of using lunar surface reflections to communicate with wealthy industrialists, showcasing innovative applications for Jodrell Bank Observatory's 250-foot dish. This approach involved bouncing voices off the Moon's surface, highlighting both scientific ingenuity and public engagement strategies in astronomy during the mid-20th century.

Remnant Stones: The Jewish Cemeteries and Synagogues of Suriname. Epitaphs , and: Remnant Stones: The Jewish Cemeteries and Synagogues of Suriname. Essays , and: Creole Jews: Negotiating Community in Colonial Suriname (review)

Jodensavanne Archaeological Site: Jodensavanne Settlement and Cassipora Creek Cemetery — 2012 — WHE9C87536D81

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Suriname's Jewish cemeteries and synagogues, particularly those in Jodensavanne, serve as 'open air archives' offering profound insights into the religious life, social dynamics, and racial identity of early American Jewish communities. The study challenges traditional historiography by integrating material culture and iconography alongside textual evidence, uncovering a rich visual vocabulary used by Surinamese Jews to convey beliefs, life stories, and status. Through meticulous transcriptions and translations of 1,700 epitaphs spanning six languages (1666–1904) and detailed architectural analysis of four cemeteries and the Kahal Kados Beraha VeSalom synagogue (1685), researchers demonstrate the central role of these sites in shaping early American notions of race, gender, and sexuality. The findings underscore Suriname's significance as a hub for Jewish history, with its community peaking at 1,500 residents—far surpassing North America in the late 18th century.

Remote-sensing observations of coastal sub-mesoscale eddies in the south-eastern Baltic

Curonian Spit — 2012 — WHE28BD484C7F

Coastal sub-mesoscale eddies, up to 25 km in diameter and lasting up to six days, were identified near the Sambian Peninsula and Curonian Spit in the south-eastern Baltic. These eddies form under specific wind conditions (SW, S, or W) and can extend from the shoreline to the 65 m isobath, significantly influencing coastal dynamics. The study utilized CODAR radar measurements and MODIS/ASAR satellite imagery from 2000 to 2011, revealing persistent eddy formation patterns along the southern and central Curonian Spit. This research advances understanding of small-scale oceanographic processes in UNESCO-listed coastal regions.

Representing and interpreting traumatic history: a study of visitor comment books at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2012 — WHE49E80784F5

Visitor comment books at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (HPMM) reveal a spectrum of emotional and reflective responses to traumatic historical narratives, underscoring the museum's role in promoting international harmony. Analysis shows that while the exhibition effectively conveys anti-nuclear messages through vivid depictions of the atomic bomb's aftermath, it elicits varied reactions—ranging from deep reflection on war's cruelty among survivors and overseas visitors to concerns about the emotional intensity for younger audiences. The study highlights the museum's interpretive approach as a powerful tool for healing wounds of war and fostering peace, though it also identifies areas for refinement in balancing emotive impact with educational sensitivity.

Reproductive senescence in female S oay sheep: variation across traits and contributions of individual ageing and selective disappearance

St Kilda — 2012 — WHE141D593BA8

Reproductive senescence is not universally observed across all aspects of reproductive performance in female Soay sheep, according to a study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda. While age-related declines were detected in fecundity and offspring traits like birth weight and early survival, no significant late-life decline was found in twinning rate. The research used longitudinal data from an unmanaged population to disentangle individual ageing effects from selective mortality, revealing that within-individual senescence and terminal declines in performance mask population-level patterns. This study highlights the complexity of reproductive ageing, challenging the assumption that all fitness traits exhibit uniform senescence.

Reptiles from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, northeastern Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2012 — WHE9E70628123

A comprehensive survey of reptiles in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (LMNP), Brazil, reveals 42 species, with restinga areas—shrubby coastal habitats—hosting a remarkable 81% of the recorded fauna. This study underscores the unique biodiversity of LMNP, situated at the intersection of three major Neotropical ecosystems: Amazonia, Caatinga, and Cerrado. Conducted over 235 days of fieldwork, the research highlights the critical importance of conserving restingas, which, despite comprising only 20% of the park's protected area, support the majority of reptile species in this complex habitat. The findings emphasize the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these ecologically rich but vulnerable environments.

Research on data fusion method for archaeological site identification

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2012 — WHE56A03E051D

Data fusion techniques significantly enhance the identification and understanding of archaeological sites, as demonstrated by a study on Liangzhu City. The research found that methods like Pansharping, Brovey transformation, and HSV transformation effectively enrich spatial information and improve feature contrast, while wavelet, PCA, and Gram-Schmidt transformations better preserve spectral details. Among these, Pansharping proved most effective for archaeological site recognition by providing rich textural details. The study highlights the importance of selecting fusion methods tailored to specific sites, offering a more comprehensive understanding of site extent, structure, and organization.

Research on the Weathering Problems of Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes — 2012 — WHE1A5EBBA09A

Longmen Grottoes is experiencing significant weathering damage, with chemical weathering emerging as the most pronounced threat due to deteriorating environmental and climatic conditions. The study categorizes weathering into physical, chemical, and biological types, analyzing their mechanisms and impacts on the grottoes. While previous research has documented these issues, this work highlights the increasing severity of chemical weathering, posing a critical challenge to the preservation of this cultural heritage. The approach involves synthesizing existing studies to elucidate damage patterns and mechanisms, providing a foundation for targeted conservation strategies.

Resistivity and Georadar Survey on the Nazca Lines

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2012 — WHEC6048CD0A4

A combined resistivity and georadar survey on the Nazca Lines revealed similar subsurface structures, offering insights into desert soil weathering processes. While georadar provided fast, continuous data acquisition but with limited depth penetration (depending on frequency), resistivity imaging uncovered deeper structural features up to 3.5 meters. This study highlights the complementary strengths of these geophysical methods for investigating shallow geological formations in arid environments.

Response of southern right whales to simulated swim‐with‐whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina

Península Valdés — 2012 — WHE311E8A6854

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) exposed to simulated swim-with-whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina, showed significant behavioral changes, including reduced resting, socializing, and surface active behaviors, while traveling increased during interactions. Mother-calf pairs exhibited the strongest responses, with faster swimming and more frequent reorientation. These findings raise concerns about the long-term impacts of increased tourism activity on whale behavior, particularly given recent die-offs in the region. The study suggests that legalization of swim-with-whale tourism should be deferred until further investigations are conducted to assess potential long-term consequences.

Responsible local communities in historic inner city areas: Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn, Estonia

Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn — 2012 — WHE6CB17F6F10

Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, demonstrates how community engagement in heritage conservation has evolved alongside international conventions. The study reveals that while specialized conservation efforts began in the 1960s, broader local involvement and responsibility for heritage protection have grown in parallel with the development of the World Heritage Convention (1972). This dual approach—combining early expert-led initiatives with expanding community participation—has shaped Tallinn's unique governance framework. The research highlights the importance of integrating local stakeholders into conservation strategies to ensure sustainable preservation, aligning with global heritage consciousness.

Respuesta ambiental en el Pacífico frente a la subducción de la dorsal asísmica de Cocos (Panamá y Costa Rica)

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2012 — WHECD1928DB7F

The subduction of the Aseismic Cocos Ridge (DAC) significantly altered marine environments along the Pacific coasts of Panama and Costa Rica, shaping the evolution of benthic communities. Research reveals that during the early Pliocene, oceanic islands with moderate upwelling existed in the Burica region before the Isthmus of Panama closed. The DAC's collision later uplifted the seafloor, transforming deep waters into shallow coastal areas and intensifying open-ocean upwelling while creating protected zones near Burica. This process led to the formation of coral reefs in the tropical Eastern Pacific. A second uplift event during the middle Pleistocene elevated the Talamanca Range, blocking trade winds and further optimizing ecological conditions for marine life. The study reconstructed past benthic assemblages using Neogene fossil formations and modern dredge collections, analyzed via principal component analysis to compare paleoecological conditions with contemporary data.

Restoration of the rammed earth walls of the Generalife, (Granada, Spain)

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2012 — WHE9643BD2D27

Ongoing research on the restoration of rammed earth walls at the Generalife, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín in Granada, Spain, is revealing new insights into preservation techniques for this historic material. Initial findings suggest that traditional methods may require adjustments based on modern scientific analysis, which has led to modifications in the restoration process. The study employs a combination of fieldwork and laboratory testing to assess the structural integrity and durability of the walls, aiming to balance historical authenticity with contemporary conservation practices. While the project is still in its early stages, preliminary results indicate that adaptive approaches could enhance the longevity of these heritage structures without compromising their original character.

Return to Monticello

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2012 — WHE0A81B810FE

After Thomas Jefferson's retirement from public life, his daughter Martha Jefferson Randolph faced a complex transition back to Monticello. While Jefferson embraced his return to private life, focusing on his farms, gardens, library, and family in Albemarle County, Martha experienced both opportunities and challenges. This chapter examines the contrasting impacts of Jefferson's retirement on their lives, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the household and the broader implications for historical understanding.