Publications
Showing 28041 – 28060 of 30315 publications
Surface textures and dynamics of the 2005 lava dome at Shiveluch volcano, Kamchatka
Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2012 — WHEA0831AA10D
A study of the 2005 lava dome at Shiveluch volcano, Kamchatka, revealed unexpected surface textures and thermal dynamics that shed light on silicic lava dome growth. Researchers discovered an active crease structure in the center of the dome accompanied by a high-temperature zone (>380 °C), which was perpendicular to the crease. These findings were made possible through a combination of thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing, ground-based photography, and airborne TIR camera data. The study demonstrated a novel approach for integrating multi-source data, offering insights that could be applied to other active domes worldwide.
Surficial Geologic Map of Mesa Verde National Park, Montezuma County, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park — 2012 — WHEB59D10B238
A detailed surficial geologic map of Mesa Verde National Park reveals critical geological features that shaped the landscape for the Ancestral Puebloan people (A.D. 550–1300) and continue to influence modern conservation efforts. The map identifies key bedrock units like the Cliff House Sandstone, which formed deep alcoves ideal for cliff dwellings, and loess deposits on mesa tops that provided fertile soil for agriculture. It also highlights hazards such as landslides, debris flows, and flash floods, which threaten archaeological sites and infrastructure today. Covering 100 mi² (260 km²), the map includes surficial deposits like alluvium, colluvial materials, and rockfall debris, alongside Oligocene-age minette dikes. This comprehensive mapping integrates geological hazards with historical resource use, offering insights for both archaeological preservation and land management.
Surveying on the Cultural Approaches for the Melaka Malay Houses
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2012 — WHEF49C3CB844
Malay traditional houses, deeply rooted in the Straits of Malacca's cultural heritage, reflect a dynamic architectural evolution shaped by climate, religion, and local creativity. This study reveals that these houses are not merely ornamental but functional symbols of Malay identity, with distinct regional variations in design and spatial elements. The research focuses on two preserved houses in Melaka Tengah District, analyzing their origin, physical-psychological-geographical aspects, layout plans, and ornate motifs—key features distinguishing them from modern Western influences. Findings highlight the diminishing presence of traditional elements due to contemporary architectural trends, emphasizing the urgency of preserving these heritage structures. The study underscores the cultural significance of Malay houses as living archives of regional history and craftsmanship.
Sustainable development in a Dutch-German World Heritage site: The Wadden Sea, Germany and the Netherlands
Wadden Sea — 2012 — WHEB70EAB0579
The Wadden Sea, a vast temperate coastal wetland spanning the North Sea coasts of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, stands out as one of the last undisturbed large-scale intertidal ecosystems. Its intricate habitats—ranging from tidal channels to salt marshes—support diverse plant and animal species, including marine mammals like harbour seals and grey seals. Recognized for its ecological significance, the Dutch and German portions were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009 due to their uninterrupted natural processes. The site's conservation approach is rooted in an ecosystem-based strategy, emphasizing sustainable use while preserving its unique biodiversity. This study highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration, as evidenced by the 1982 Joint Declaration on the Protection of the Wadden Sea, which laid the groundwork for its World Heritage nomination and continues to guide its management.
Sustainable Development of Tourism Industry in Jiuzhai-Huanglong Scenic Zone
Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2012 — WHE1DE26F937F
A strategic framework for sustainable tourism development in the Jiuzhai-Huanglong Scenic Zone has been proposed to address critical challenges such as resource depletion, ecological contamination, and inadequate management. The study identifies key issues, including waste of tourism resources, environmental degradation, and emerging problems related to global trade standards. It introduces six interconnected systems—sustainable resource protection, eco-environmental safeguards, green product planning, marketing, management, and theoretical foundations—to ensure long-term viability. This approach integrates ecological preservation with economic growth, offering a model for balancing tourism expansion and conservation in fragile high-altitude ecosystems.
Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism as Motors for Development
Sundarbans National Park — 2012 — WHE3BEF025D80
Sustainable tourism can drive development while preserving biodiversity, as demonstrated by global case studies. The research highlights successful models such as community-based ecotourism in the Amazon and eco-lodges that integrate conservation with economic growth. It explores innovative approaches like integrated circuits for sustainable tourism planning, eco-retrofits in vulnerable regions (e.g., Sundarbans), and stakeholder perspectives in protected areas (e.g., Masai Mara). Key challenges—such as balancing luxury with sustainability or addressing rural ethnic tourism development—are also addressed. The study combines qualitative analyses of diverse projects, including private-communal partnerships, restoration preferences, and volunteer tourism models, to derive actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Syphacia sp. (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) in coprolites of Kerodon rupestris Wied, 1820 (Rodentia: Caviidae) from 5,300 years BP in northeastern Brazil
Serra da Capivara National Park — 2012 — WHE73840D2F42
Researchers have uncovered the first ancient record of Syphacia sp., a parasitic nematode, in rodent coprolites from northeastern Brazil. Analyzing 5,300-year-old fecal remains of Kerodon rupestris—a rock-dwelling caviid—excavated at Toca dos Coqueiros within Serra da Capivara National Park, the team identified eggs belonging to this oxyurid genus. This discovery marks a significant paleoparasitological finding in the Americas, shedding light on historical parasite-host dynamics and ancient ecosystems in Brazil's semiarid regions.
Tabula siglorum
Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHEDD5D9F4B06
A significant portion of medieval Scholastic learning and literature, often overshadowed by university settings, was produced in the studia or study-houses of religious orders. These institutions, more numerous and widely distributed than universities, were central to the education of mendicant order members, including notable figures like Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus, who spent more time teaching there than at universities. Additionally, the Papal Court, particularly the Sacred Palace in Avignon, and royal courts served as crucial loci for Scholastic discourse. This volume, originating from a 2008 colloquium, explores the study and teaching of philosophy and theology across various religious orders' studia, as well as intellectual activity at papal and royal courts. Contributions from multiple scholars delve into these institutional contexts, providing a comprehensive examination of their roles in medieval Scholasticism.
Tagging studies reveal restricted movement of snapper (Pagrus auratus) within Shark Bay, supporting fine-scale fisheries management
Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2012 — WHE5738DD65C6
Snapper (Pagrus auratus) populations in Shark Bay, Western Australia, exhibit highly restricted movement, supporting the implementation of fine-scale fisheries management zones. A 1980s tagging study revealed that 300 out of 491 recaptures occurred within 5 nautical miles of the tagging site, with only 3.3% crossing a newly defined zone boundary. A follow-up study from 1998 to 2003, involving 2558 tagged snapper, confirmed this pattern, with 181 out of 197 recaptures happening at the tagging site. Juveniles were found to be more sedentary than adults, while adults showed limited evidence of inter-annual spawning-site fidelity. These findings support the use of three small management zones in Shark Bay's Western Gulf, aiding community acceptance through collaborative research efforts.
Take the Right Decision Everybody
Bryggen — 2012 — WHE50299514DA
Systematic monitoring of archaeological deposits at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen reveals critical insights for balancing urban development with heritage preservation. The study demonstrates that continuous, replicable methods—including archaeological assessments, biochemical investigations, and hydrogeological mapping—yield high-quality data essential for informed decision-making by cultural heritage managers. These findings provide a toolbox to achieve government preservation targets while safeguarding the 'underground archives,' allowing urban centers like Bryggen to develop sustainably. The research underscores the importance of integrating multi-disciplinary approaches to protect and manage these irreplaceable historical resources.
Taraxacum pankhurstianum(Asteraceae), a new dandelion endemic to St Kilda, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
St Kilda — 2012 — WHE478B2D96AD
A new dandelion species, Taraxacum pankhurstianum, has been identified as endemic to the remote island of St Kilda in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. This discovery, derived from achenes collected and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, highlights its close relationship with T. faeroense within the Spectabilia section. The species is distinguished by its hairy involucral bracts. This finding expands the known biodiversity of St Kilda and contributes to the understanding of dandelion taxonomy in isolated island ecosystems.
Taxila (Punjab, Pakistan)
Taxila — 2012 — WHE9D68922462
Taxila, located about twenty-two miles from Islamābād and Rāwalpindi, stands as one of Asia's greatest archaeological treasures. This site, once the heart of an influential university in the Kingdom of Gandhāra, thrived from the 6th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D., serving as a pivotal hub along ancient trade routes connecting China, Central and West Asia, and India. First uncovered in 1852, its ruins span approximately twenty-five square miles and are divided into three distinct cities. The significance of Taxila lies not only in its vast archaeological extent but also in its role as a center of learning and cultural exchange during its peak, making it a cornerstone of historical and anthropological study.
Técnicas Arqueométricas Combinadas Aplicadas al Análisis de Diseños de Alfarería "Tricolor" de Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina
Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2012 — WHEA04E3796CF
A combined application of archaeometric techniques has revealed significant insights into the design patterns of tricolor pottery from Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina. The study identified distinct stylistic elements and manufacturing processes that provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and technological practices of ancient societies in the region. By analyzing surface designs on ceramic fragments using advanced methods, researchers were able to trace the evolution of pottery styles and their potential symbolic or functional significance. This approach offers a novel way to interpret archaeological data, bridging gaps between material culture and historical context.
Tel Ḥaẓor — 2011
Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba — 2012 — WHE5243A336F3
Excavations at Tel Hazor during the 2011 season uncovered significant archaeological insights, contributing to our understanding of one of the most important biblical sites. The research, conducted by a team led by A. Ben-Tor and S. Zuckerman, employed systematic excavation techniques, including surveying, drafting, photography, restoration, and administration, with support from international volunteers and financial backing from foundations and individual donors. The findings shed light on the site's historical layers, particularly those related to its biblical significance, while also providing new data for comparative analysis within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern archaeology.
Temperatures of the past 2000 years inferred from lake sediments, southwest Yukon Territory, Canada
Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2012 — WHE820BBDFAF1
Over the past 2000 years, lake sediments from four sites in southwest Yukon Territory, Canada—including alpine and forest regions near Kluane Lake and the Donjek River area—reveal distinct shifts in mean July air temperatures. Before AD 800, the region experienced relatively cool conditions, but post-AD 800, temperatures became more variable, with a notable warming period between ~AD 1100 and 1400, followed by cooler conditions during the Little Ice Age (~AD 1400 to 1850), and subsequent warming. These findings align with other paleoclimate evidence from the region, providing a robust reconstruction of past temperatures using chironomid records—a method that quantifies temperature changes through sediment analysis.
Temples et marques du pouvoir romain en Arabie romaine
Ancient City of Bosra — 2012 — WHE53C5E7D6D4
This study reveals that the Nabataeans, following the peaceful annexation of their kingdom by Rome in 106 AD, maintained architectural and religious autonomy despite Roman dominance. While Roman sanctuaries were established in Decapolis cities like Amman and Jerash, the Nabataeans integrated Graeco-Roman imagery into their temples while preserving Semitic worship practices. The research analyzes how this dual tradition—marked by both Roman influence and Nabataean continuity—reflects a strategy of cultural preservation and religious freedom within the newly formed Roman province of Arabia. The study also highlights the construction or embellishment of local sanctuaries, such as those in Khirbet edh-Dharih and Wadi Ramm, alongside the elevation of Petra to metropolis status, suggesting a complex interplay between Roman administrative power and Nabataean identity.
Temporal and spatial analyses of temperature in a French wine‐producing area: the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes — 2012 — WHEA364A90312
A significant warming trend has been observed across the Loire Valley, a renowned French wine-producing region, with temperature increases recorded at all regional weather stations over the past 60 years. This study highlights that spatial variability in temperature and bioclimatic indices is more pronounced at local scales, particularly within vineyards, compared to broader regional patterns. Using a multi-scalar approach, researchers analyzed data from Météo-France's network and high-resolution temperature loggers placed within vine rows, including those in the sweet wine-producing Coteaux du Layon appellation. The findings underscore the complex interplay between climate change and viticulture, suggesting that microclimatic variations could significantly impact wine quality and vine phenology.
Temporal and spatial variation of atmospherically deposited organic contaminants at high elevation in yosemite national park, California, USA
Yosemite National Park — 2012 — WHE0183A02769
Atmospherically deposited organic contaminants, such as pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), exhibit significant spatial and temporal variation at high elevations in Yosemite National Park. Research indicates that pesticide concentrations are generally lower in Yosemite compared to Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks, likely due to shorter air flow paths over agricultural lands and reduced local pesticide use. Conversely, PAH levels in sediment are higher in Yosemite, suggesting varying sources or transport mechanisms. The study sampled shallow-water sediment and tadpoles (Pseudacris sierra) across four high-elevation sites during the summers of 2006–2008, revealing that DDT-related compounds occasionally exceeded safety thresholds in both parks. While total cholinesterase activity in tadpoles did not show a consistent pattern, variability in chemical concentrations among sites and sampling periods contributed significantly to overall variation, with differences observed between sediment and tadpole data.
Temporal variation of phytoplankton in two neighbouring Mediterranean shallow lakes in Doñana National Park (Spain)
Doñana National Park — 2012 — WHECE9B32F321
A study on two neighboring Mediterranean shallow lakes, Santa Olalla and Dulce, within Doñana National Park, Spain, reveals distinct phytoplankton dynamics despite their proximity. Both lakes exhibit low Shannon diversity indices (1.11 for Santa Olalla and 1.79 for Dulce) and high phytoplankton chlorophyll a concentrations (365.2 mg/m³ in Santa Olalla vs. 230 mg/m³ in Dulce), with primary production rates also higher in Santa Olalla (1.29 g C m⁻³ h⁻¹ vs. 0.88 g C m⁻³ h⁻¹). The research identifies eight functional groups in Santa Olalla, dominated by H₁, K, and S₁ groups after the initial four months, while Dulce shows a more complex distribution with ten groups over time. Canonical correspondence analysis confirms that shifts in phytoplankton composition are linked to changes in physical-chemical features and hydrological conditions, which vary between the two systems. These findings highlight the resilience of phytoplankton communities under stressful conditions such as rapid water volume fluctuations, low light penetration, and low nutrient concentrations, contributing to our understanding of eutrophic wetland ecosystems.
Temporal variations of geyser water chemistry in the Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone National Park — 2012 — WHEF8B8431D76
A study of geysers in Yellowstone National Park's Upper Geyser Basin reveals that despite significant changes in eruption intervals, the chemical composition of Old Faithful Geyser has remained remarkably stable for over 120 years. This stability suggests no major alterations in the hydrothermal system, providing a baseline for monitoring future changes. Researchers analyzed water chemistry and isotopes from five geysers between 2007 and 2008, finding that smaller-volume geysers exhibit greater seasonal variations due to factors like evaporation, meteoric water recharge, and interactions with the Firehole River. The study also detected modern meteoric water in Aurum and Oblong Geysers, indicating dynamic hydrological processes.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > Search