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The Diversity and Biogeography of Western Indian Ocean Reef-Building Corals

Island of Mozambique — 2012 — WHE66712CBDD1

A core region of high coral diversity and connectivity exists in the northern Mozambique Channel, driven by unique oceanographic conditions. This study reveals that reef-building coral species richness decreases radially from this central area, challenging the notion of a distinction between mainland and island fauna. Instead, diversity patterns align with primary oceanographic drivers, including the South Equatorial Current, which maintains high diversity in the northern Mozambique Channel and exports it to surrounding regions. The Chagos archipelago was found to be more closely related to the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) than to the Maldives, India, or Sri Lanka, based on hard coral data analysis. The research sampled 21 locations between 2002 and 2011, using SCUBA diving and underwater digital photographs for species identification, with cluster analysis and multi-dimensional scaling applied to presence/absence data.

The Diversity of Sacred Lands in Europe. Proceedings of the Third Workshop of the Delos Initiative - Inari / Aanaar 2010

Delos — 2012 — WHE9EAF5EC77B

Europe's sacred natural sites, often overlooked but rich in cultural and religious significance, face growing threats while holding critical historical value. This publication from the Delos Initiative highlights their diversity, exploring their past importance and current challenges through a multidisciplinary approach. It serves as an essential resource for conservation managers and those interested in the intersection of religion, culture, and nature, offering insights that bridge scientific, historical, and practical perspectives.

The Dolmen Kolikho, Western Caucasus: Isotopic Investigation of Funeral Practice and Human Mobility

Western Caucasus — 2012 — WHEF482C4018C

A unique, undisturbed dolmen on the Black Sea coast of Russia, discovered in 2008, reveals significant insights into human mobility and funeral practices from the late Bronze Age (19th to 13th centuries BC). Strontium isotope analysis of human remains from around 70 individuals buried in the megalithic structure indicates diverse origins, suggesting that the site served as a gathering place for people from different regions. This finding challenges assumptions about regional isolation and highlights the complexity of social networks during this period.

The Dominican Studium Romanae Curiae: The Papacy, the Magisterium and the Friars

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHE9FA95064D2

Scholastic learning and discourse in the later Middle Ages were predominantly conducted within the studia or study-houses of religious orders, which outnumbered universities and were more widely distributed across Europe. This volume challenges the conventional understanding by highlighting that most members of mendicant orders received their education in these studia rather than at universities, with notable figures like Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus spending significant time teaching there. It also underscores the role of the Papal Court, particularly the Sacred Palace at Avignon, as a significant locus for Scholastic activity alongside royal courts. The research compiles essays from experts to explore the study and teaching of philosophy and theology in various religious orders' studia, as well as intellectual activities at papal and royal courts, offering a comprehensive perspective on this understudied aspect of medieval education.

The domus ecclesiae of Reims: the state of the question in the light of recent research

Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims — 2012 — WHECC2FC90B76

Recent archaeological research has confirmed the existence of Late Antique and Early Medieval structures on the site of the former archiepiscopal residence at Reims, known as the Palais du Tau. This includes a substantial two-story Carolingian building, likely the predecessor to the current north wing of the archbishop’s palace, and possibly an 9th-century archive building with a lower chapel erected by Archbishop Ebbo. The study reexamined written sources, particularly those from Gregory of Tours and Flodoard, to verify the location and internal organization of the domus ecclesiae south of the primitive cathedral. While some questions remain unresolved, this research clarifies the early history of the site, providing new insights into its architectural evolution and historical significance.

The Dutch in Seventeenth-Century Senegambia and the Emergence of Papiamentu

Island of Gorée — 2012 — WHECA6B495B24

Linguistic evidence suggests that the Dutch West India Company's (WIC) presence on Gorée Island and along the Petite Côte in 17th-century Senegambia played a pivotal role in the emergence of Papiamentu, the creole language spoken in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. The study highlights compelling similarities between Papiamentu and Upper Guinea Portuguese Creole, indicating that Dutch traders likely facilitated language transfer during their commercial dominance from 1621 to 1677. This period of Dutch influence in the region is often overlooked but was critical in shaping the linguistic landscape of the Caribbean. The research challenges traditional narratives by emphasizing the significance of this understudied episode and its abrupt end following the loss of Gorée to the French.

The dynamics of infragravity wave transformation over a fringing reef

Ningaloo Coast — 2012 — WHEC3017E8E0A

A fringing reef at Ningaloo Coast, Western Australia, exhibits unique dynamics where infragravity waves—low-frequency ocean motions—dominate over short-period waves on the lagoon side due to efficient generation by breakpoint forcing on its steep fore-reef slope. This study, combining field observations and numerical simulations, revealed that while both wave types remain small (<0.3 m) in shallow reef waters (<2 m), infragravity waves persist further inland, their propagation modulated by tidal water levels. Frictional dissipation dampens these waves but at a slower rate than short waves, leading to the dominance of progressive (shoreward-moving) infragravity motions across the reef and lagoon. The findings challenge conventional assumptions about wave behavior in such environments, offering critical insights for understanding coastal processes in fringing reef systems.

The Early Development of the Cave 26-Complex at Ajanta

Ajanta Caves — 2012 — WHE6E1635D2F1

Ajanta's Cave 26-complex, previously believed to be a late Vākāṭaka phase caityagṛha, is now shown to be the second excavation of the Vākāṭaka period and the first major caityagṛha built after a 250-year gap. This study challenges long-held assumptions by presenting new evidence that attributes its unique four-flanked wing arrangement and subsequent additions (Caves 21, 23, 24) to a single patron, likely monk Buddhabhadra, rather than the saṅgha. The research introduces unprecedented architectural features, highlighting individual patronage in Buddhist art and architecture. It also identifies Dharmadatta and Bhadrabandhu as the first known Master Architects of Indian art, credited with executing this groundbreaking project under challenging conditions. By analyzing artistic, iconographic, and architectural data alongside practical excavation challenges, the study offers a fresh perspective on Ajanta's development.

The Early Silurian Gun River Formation of Anticosti Island, eastern Canada: A key section for the mid-Llandovery of North America

Anticosti — 2012 — WHE247DCEEDC7

A revised stratigraphic analysis of the Early Silurian Gun River Formation on Anticosti Island, Quebec, reveals a 85–100 m thick carbonate succession deposited in a deepening, tropical carbonate ramp or shelf. The formation is divided into four members (Lachute, Innommee, Sandtop, and Macgilvray), providing critical insights into the mid-Llandovery period following the Late Ordovician mass extinctions. The study demonstrates gradual faunal turnover from low-diversity Rhuddanian communities to more diverse mid-Aeronian assemblages, marked by abundant large pentamerids, indicating sustained deposition without major sedimentary gaps. Deposition occurred at 30–60 m water depths, 40–80 km offshore from the Laurentian craton, with evidence suggesting periodic sub-storm wave base conditions in southern tropical latitudes (20°–25° S). The absence of shallow-water reefs and ooid shoals further supports this interpretation.

The Editor's Notes

Baroque Churches of the Philippines — 2012 — WHE290B419DAF

The Parish Church of St. Augustine in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, stands as a remarkable example of earthquake-Baroque architecture from the Philippines' colonial era. Constructed between 1704 and 1710, this church is renowned for its intricate façade featuring five niches housing carved saints, buttressed brick-and-stone walls, and an ornate retablo mayor adorned with gold leaf. Historical documentation, including the Foronda-Manzano papers, Adaza's 1986 research, and Ragual's contributions, provides a comprehensive understanding of this architectural marvel. The church's design, characterized by its resilience to earthquakes and elaborate decoration, reflects the fusion of Spanish and local Filipino influences during the Spanish colonial period.

The effects of climate change on people in the Andes: melting glaciers mean drought, tension and conflict for Peru’s mountain people in and around Huascarán National Park

Huascarán National Park — 2012 — WHEDCC6B4DA02

Peru's Cordillera Blanca, home to the indigenous Quechua-speaking people and Huascarán National Park, is experiencing severe societal impacts due to climate change, particularly from melting glaciers. This study highlights that Peruvians face disproportionate consequences compared to other regions, yet there is a scarcity of information on human responses or societal effects in developing mountain areas. The research focuses on the tension and conflict arising from drought conditions caused by glacier retreat, offering insights into the complex interplay between environmental change and community dynamics in vulnerable regions.

The Engineering of Budj Bim and the Evolution of a Societal Structure in Aboriginal Australia

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape — 2012 — WHEA988320343

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, located in southwestern Victoria, represents one of the most sophisticated engineering achievements in pre-colonial Australia. The site's aquaculture structures, built using Budj Bim lava flows, demonstrate advanced water management and societal organization, challenging the notion that engineering was introduced to Australia by Europeans. These structures supported a permanent food supply, settlement, trade networks, and governance systems distinct from other Aboriginal societies. Recognized as an Engineering Heritage National Landmark by Engineers Australia, this research highlights the ingenuity of Indigenous Australian civilizations in sustainable resource management and societal development.

The engineering of Budj Bim and the evolution of a societal structure in Aboriginal Australia

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape — 2012 — WHEF6D1A25EF1

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, recognized as an Engineering Heritage National Landmark by Engineers Australia, showcases advanced aquaculture engineering by Aboriginal Australians. The site's lava flow structures, dating back to southwestern Victoria, not only provided a permanent food supply but also facilitated trade and established a unique form of governance distinct from other Aboriginal societies. This study challenges the notion that engineering began with European arrival in Australia, highlighting sophisticated pre-historic civil engineering practices that may even predate those in northern hemisphere civilizations.

The Enormous Room

Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas — 2012 — WHE63FDF9F85D

A striking contrast emerges between the Copper Age and Bronze Age architectural traditions of Sardinia, revealing distinct societal shifts. While Bronze Age Sardinia is renowned for its monumental 'Great Houses,' the earlier period's domestic architecture is primarily understood through underground tombs known as domus de janas. These tombs, part of the Ozieri Culture, were intricately decorated and served as realistic replicas of domestic interiors, offering insights into Copper Age living spaces. Radiocarbon dating suggests these structures were contemporary with Western Europe's later megalithic art phases. Notably, most Sardinian domus de janas were square or rectangular, with only a minority designed to mimic roundhouses, reflecting the limited survival of settlements from this period. The study also compares these Mediterranean sites with similar structures in Britain and Ireland, exploring their potential ceremonial significance.

The Epidemiology of Extreme Hiking Injuries in Volcanic Environments

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2012 — WHEB43DC1EBBA

Extreme hiking in volcanic environments, particularly in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, poses significant risks due to the inexperience of hikers and their unfamiliarity with volcanic hazards. Studies highlight common injuries such as respiratory irritation from volcanic gases, dehydration, and extremity injuries like scrapes, lacerations, and thermal burns, ranging from treat-and-release incidents to fatalities. The research underscores a critical gap in epidemiological data from other volcanic destinations and the need for preventive strategies to mitigate injury occurrence and severity.

The Extramural Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone at Cyrene, Libya, Final Reports, Volume VIII

Archaeological Site of Cyrene — 2012 — WHE29D64D380F

The Extramural Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone at Cyrene, Libya, provides critical insights into the architectural and religious evolution of one of the most significant Greek colonies in North Africa. This study reveals how the sanctuary's design and development from 31 B.C. to A.D. 365 mirrored broader trends in Demeter sanctuaries across the Mediterranean, while also reflecting Cyrene's unique cultural and historical context. By analyzing architectural features, inscriptions, and comparative data from other Demeter sites, the research offers a comprehensive understanding of the sanctuary's role in religious practice and urban life during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

The extrinsic in the architectural thinking of Leon Battista Alberti: a reading of Sant'Andrea in Mantua

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2012 — WHEE755F55364

Leon Battista Alberti's architectural theory, often perceived as focused solely on material and formal aspects, is revealed to also prioritize extrinsic elements—contextual, social, and moral dimensions—that are crucial to architecture's character. Through an analysis of his writings, including the treatise De re aedificatoria and his description of Sant'Andrea in Mantua, this study demonstrates that Alberti's naturalism extends to considering how architecture serves functional, conceptual, material, and moral purposes. His use of metaphor, such as 'roof,' 'hearth,' and 'table,' transcends literal meaning to encapsulate broader social and ethical significance. By reinterpreting Sant'Andrea through this lens, the study refutes claims of rhetorical insincerity in Alberti's later work, highlighting his innovative approach to integrating extrinsic factors into architectural thought.

The Eye of God: Tranquility and Tradition . . . Mata Ortiz Pottery in Harmony with the Ancients

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2012 — WHE83A8B8326B

A significant pottery tradition from the ancient city of Paquimé, inhabited between AD 900 and 1450, has been identified as one of the highest forms of prehistoric North American art. This tradition is reflected in the contemporary Mata Ortiz pottery, which draws inspiration from Paquimé's iconography and techniques. The study highlights the cultural continuity and economic impact on the community of Mata Ortiz, where over 400 residents are potters, with some achieving global recognition. However, it also notes a darker historical practice of digging up ancient pots to sell them as new ones, which persists today. The research combines ethnographic observation, archaeological collaboration, and oral history, providing insight into the complex heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Fern GenusPolystichum(Dryopteridaceae) in Costa Rica1

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2012 — WHEBCB383CC07

Costa Rica is home to 12 species of the taxonomically challenging fern genus Polystichum, including three allopolyploids. This study provides a taxonomic identification guide for these species, focusing on key morphological characters such as petiole and pinna-rachis scales, ultimate segment shape, and indusium. The research also evaluates the distribution patterns of the genus in the Neotropics, revealing that while five species are widespread across Tropical America, two extend to the southern range limits, and three—including two allopolyploids—are confined to Costa Rica and Panama. Additionally, the study lectotypifies three names: P. aculeatum var. flavidum, P. nudicaule, and P. opacum. The genus is predominantly found in high-elevation rainforests and páramos of the Cerro de Talamanca, highlighting its ecological preference for wetter montane regions.

The feudal principalities: the west (Monferrato, Saluzzo, Savoy and Savoy-Acaia)

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2012 — WHE2E604E415C

During the late Middle Ages, three feudal principalities—Monferrato, Saluzzo, and Savoy—shaped the political landscape of modern Piedmont. While Savoy expanded steadily under its powerful dynasty, Monferrato and Saluzzo faced territorial constraints due to rival powers like France and the Visconti–Sforza state. These dynasties, rooted in rural governance, maintained feudal loyalty to the emperor until 1530, demonstrating a strict and juridically aware approach to feudal investiture. This study clarifies their political dynamics, emphasizing Savoy's strategic position between stronger rivals and its enduring imperial precedence.