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The first microbeam synchrotron X-ray fluorescence beamline at the Siam Photon Laboratory

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — 2012 — WHE2B731C6E24

A groundbreaking microbeam synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (µ-SXRF) beamline at the Siam Photon Laboratory has demonstrated its capability to distinguish elemental distributions on ancient pottery from Ban Chiang. This advancement leverages synchrotron radiation focused to micrometer precision using an X-ray capillary half-lens, enabling non-destructive analysis of cultural heritage materials. The beamline, initially designed for deep X-ray lithography, was adapted for µ-SXRF and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXPD) through strategic modifications, including the installation of a Si(111) crystal and specialized end-stations. Performance testing on Ban Chiang pottery confirmed the technique's ability to resolve elemental surface profiles with high precision, marking a significant leap in archaeological material analysis.

The first record of living “Fossil” species (Laonestes aenigmanus) in Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Quang Binh province, Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2012 — WHE6635470AFB

Researchers confirm the presence of Laonestes aenigmamus, a living 'fossil' species thought extinct since the Miocene, in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. This discovery extends its known range from Hin Nam No National Biodiversity Conservation Area (Lao PDR) to central Vietnam, marking it as the sole surviving member of an ancient rodent family. The study identified four specimens through morphological and skull analysis, proposing the Vietnamese name 'Truong son Rat' (Annamite Rat). Threats include hunting and forest destruction, with urgent conservation action recommended due to its limited distribution and ecological significance.

The Founding of Tiwanaku

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2012 — WHEB46D8634F2

Recent excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiwanaku, one of the most significant Andean sites, challenge long-standing assumptions about its founding. Using new radiocarbon dating and stratigraphic analysis from the Kk'araña sector, researchers determined that the site's earliest material culture dates to the first or second century A.D., refuting earlier estimates around 300 B.C. This refinement suggests Tiwanaku emerged rapidly during the Late Formative period, offering critical insights into its ceramic chronology and state formation processes.

The Franciscan studium generale: A New Interpretation

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2012 — WHE4D4207683A

A new interpretation of the Franciscan studium generale challenges traditional views on medieval Scholastic learning, revealing that these study-houses, rather than universities, were the primary sites for philosophical and theological education. The research demonstrates that most mendicant order members received their education in these studia, and prominent scholars like Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and John Duns Scotus spent more time teaching there than in universities. This volume, drawn from a 2008 colloquium, explores Scholastic activity across various religious orders' studia, as well as at Papal and royal courts, including Avignon's Sacred Palace. Contributions analyze the institutional contexts of learning, highlighting the interconnectedness of these venues and their role in shaping medieval intellectual discourse.

The Gardens of Suzhou

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2012 — WHE754E8E63D8

Suzhou's classical gardens, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer a unique blend of artistic and horticultural mastery. This guidebook provides an in-depth exploration of seventeen garden masterpieces through meticulously drawn plans, maps, and original photographs. It reveals the intricate design principles and symbolic elements that define these gardens, offering insights into their historical significance and cultural value. The approach combines scholarly analysis with landscape architecture expertise, delivering a comprehensive visual and textual narrative that enhances understanding of Suzhou's garden heritage.

The genus Afrasura Durante, 2009 in Gabon, with description of five new species and a new species group (Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)

Ivindo National Park — 2012 — WHE0912F57B52

A groundbreaking study on the genus Afrasura Duringte, 2009, conducted within Gabon's Ivindo National Parkreveals five previously unknown species of moths (A. trunca, A. camilla, A. duplex, A. aetheria, and A. fracta), along with the description of the female of A. emma. The research also introduces a new species group, A. submarmorata, significantly expanding our understanding of biodiversity in this region. The study, based on two field surveys, employs detailed morphological analysis to distinguish these taxa, contributing critical data for conservation efforts in Ivindo National Park.

The Giant Stelae of Aksum in the Light of the 1999 Excavations

Aksum — 2012 — WHEB7779473F3

1999 excavations at Aksum, Ethiopia, revealed the original foundation of Stela 2—later removed to Rome in 1937—enabling its precise re-erection in 2008. The study also challenged long-held assumptions about the design, construction, and destruction of Aksum’s three giant stelae, offering new insights into their historical significance.

The Greater Stonehenge Cursus – the Long View

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2012 — WHE70691B31CA

A significant alignment between the Greater Stonehenge Cursus and Mesolithic post-holes suggests a deliberate, long-lasting cultural pattern. This finding implies a shared mental template across generations, likely tied to seasonal cycles such as April sunrises or October sunsets, which align with pastoral rhythms. The study proposes that simple luni-solar calculations—similar to those used in ancient festivals like the Olympics or modern Easter—rather than precise astronomical measurements, could explain the clustering of henge alignments in western lowland Britain. This research offers a new perspective on the celestial and seasonal significance of Stonehenge's design.

The Hemingses of Monticello as an African American Novel

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2012 — WHEEFB96852A2

Annette Gordon-Reed's 'The Hemingses of Monticello' revolutionizes the understanding of early American history through its literary and archival rigor. The work, spanning approximately 700 pages, employs a multigenerational family biography approach, combining psychological depth, detailed historical analysis, and narrative flow reminiscent of classic realist novels like Charles Dickens's 'Bleak House' and Thomas Mann's 'Buddenbrooks.' It also draws parallels with nineteenth-century African American novels such as William Wells Brown's 'Clotel,' which fictionalized accounts of Thomas Jefferson's alleged relationship with Sally Hemings. Gordon-Reed's meticulous evidence sifting in her 1997 work, 'Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy,' predated the genetic testing that confirmed this relationship in 1998, demonstrating the complexity of interracial relationships in slave culture. Her narrative style, respectful of historical uncertainties, invites readers to grapple with the motivations and complexities of characters like Sally Hemings, who chose to return to Virginia despite the potential for freedom in Paris.

The Historical Works of Gervase of Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2012 — WHE8A68083EDB

Gervase of Canterbury's Historical Works offer a unique and detailed insight into the political, ecclesiastical, and social dynamics of 12th-century England. His Chronica provides a comprehensive account of the reigns of Stephen, Henry II, and Richard I, capturing significant events such as the great fire of 1174. Additionally, his Imaginaciones document the contentious dispute between Baldwin and Christ Church, shedding light on the shifting power structures within the church during this period. Edited by William Stubbs in two volumes (1879–1880), this collection combines Gervase's Latin works with marginal English notes, preserving a valuable historical record that spans over a century of English history.

The History and Current Status and Distribution of Beavers in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2012 — WHE54A03F0341

Beaver populations in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) have exhibited significant fluctuations over nearly a century, with a notable decline followed by recovery. Research analyzing surveys conducted from the 1920s to the 2000s reveals that beavers were abundant in the northern range during the early surveys but declined by 1953, with no active colonies at previously recorded sites and reduced willow use. Subsequent aerial surveys from 1996 to 2009 documented a rising trend in active colonies, peaking at 127 in 2007, likely due to willow recovery. This study provides critical insights into the ecological dynamics of beavers as keystone species in YNP, highlighting their role in vegetation and ecosystem shaping.

The Hydroarchaeological Method: A Case Study at the Maya Site of Palenque

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2012 — WHE1521740E94

Contrary to the long-held belief that drought forced the abandonment of the Maya city of Palenque, research employing hydroarchaeological methods reveals that water scarcity was not a primary factor. The study integrates hydrologic modeling with watershed analysis to demonstrate how local water systems, land-use patterns, and ecological conditions interacted with regional climate changes. By applying this multidisciplinary approach, researchers identified periods of community stress, estimated population based on water availability, and clarified settlement dynamics. This noninvasive method also offers practical insights for modern populations, enhancing understanding of water cycles in historical contexts.

The hydrology in huge burial mounds built of loamy tills: a case study on the genesis of perched water tables and a well in a Viking Age burial mound in Jelling, Denmark

Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church — 2012 — WHEF6E83A3BC5

A perched water table, long assumed to form only through iron pan development in Bronze Age burial mounds, has been identified in Viking Age royal mounds at Jelling, Denmark. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the hydrological processes governing such features. Through a series of borings and an in situ experiment conducted in 2009, researchers found that perched water tables developed at the bottom of the bioturbation zone in both mounds, with one mound containing a well fed by this water table. The well's formation is attributed to an unrepaired intrusion into the mound, highlighting the persistence of conditions that support such structures even after large-scale excavations. This study provides new insights into the hydrology of Viking Age burial mounds and their long-term stability.

The hypogeal necropolis with domus de janas at Birgusa, Corraile – Thiesi (SS)

Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas — 2012 — WHE255FB51A1D

The hypogeal necropolis at Birgusa, Corraile (Thiesi, Sardinia) stands out as the largest domus de janas grave complex in its region, featuring eight monumental tombs and a natural cave. These structures, dating back to the 5th–4th millennium BCE during the San Michele Ozieri culture, exhibit architectural consistency with other necropolises in the area while incorporating unique symbolic and monumental elements linked to burial cult practices. The site's strategic location on the Corraile plateau (480 m asl) suggests its significance within a broader settlement context. This study highlights the necropolis's role in understanding Neolithic funerary traditions, burial symbolism, and cultural continuity in central Sardinia.

The Impact of Tourism on the Patagonian Coast, Argentina

Península Valdés — 2012 — WHE49326B763E

Tourism significantly impacts the Patagonian Coast, particularly the Valdés Peninsula, with visitor numbers reaching 164,269 in 1998. The study highlights that both tourists and local residents from Puerto Madryn, Rawson, and Trelew contribute to this impact. While the research does not delve deeply into specific effects, it underscores the importance of monitoring tourism's role in shaping the region's social and environmental landscape.

The importance of Silk Road, and Merv in the great Seljuk state's commercial life

State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” — 2012 — WHE62E013CD99

The Great Seljuk State's commercial policies, centered around the Silk Road and Merv, significantly advanced trade and economic welfare nearly a thousand years ago. This study reveals that the Seljuks not only protected the Silk Road but also prioritized facilitating transit caravans and providing necessary resources for merchants. By analyzing commercial policies, the role of the Silk Road in trade, and Merv's contributions as a commercial hub, the research highlights the Seljuks' strategic approach to commerce. The findings, derived from Turkmen sources primarily written in Cyrillic, suggest that modern developed nations could learn valuable lessons from these historical practices.

The Important Role of Chogha Zanbil in Earth Architecture Based on Material, Structural and Architectural Aspects

Tchogha Zanbil — 2012 — WHEB8D87F7095

Chogha Zanbil stands out as a significant example of earth architecture due to its innovative use of mud bricks and other earth-based materials. Research demonstrates that these materials not only provide structural integrity but also offer sustainable building solutions applicable in modern construction. The study highlights the durability and adaptability of Chogha Zanbil's earthen elements, suggesting their potential for development in contemporary architectural practices. By analyzing material composition, structural techniques, and architectural design, the research underscores the site's historical and practical relevance in advancing earth architecture.

The influence of aeolian dust in non-allophanic Andosols on Yakushima Island

Yakushima — 2012 — WHE32F723904C

Non-allophanic Andosols on Yakushima Island, primarily derived from Holocene volcanic ash, show significant influence from aeolian dust, as indicated by the δ18O composition of quartz and clay mineral d(060) values. The study found that aerosol-sized quartz in these soils, with δ18O values ranging from 14.7‰ to 17.4‰, matched or slightly exceeded those in loess-derived soils on nearby Tanegashima Island, suggesting strong aeolian dust input. However, the presence of coarse quartz and trioctahedral clay minerals confirmed additional contributions from biotite-granite materials. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed mixed dioctahedral and trioctahedral clay minerals, further supporting dual influences on soil formation. This research highlights the complex interplay between aeolian dust and local geology in shaping Yakushima's unique non-allophanic Andosols.

The influence of fire frequency on the abundance of Maerua subcordata in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park — 2012 — WHEF64E66F660

Invasive woody shrubs, such as Maerua subcordata, pose significant threats to the Serengeti National Park's ecosystem by altering vegetation composition and providing little nutritional value while potentially being toxic to wildlife. Research reveals that increased fire frequency in the park correlates with higher abundance of M. subcordata, with burned transects showing significantly greater presence compared to unburned ones. The study, utilizing seven years of MODIS imagery (2000–2006), found a positive relationship between burn frequency and shrub abundance, while the number of years since the last fire had a negative effect on abundance. These findings highlight the ecological risks posed by invasive species in protected areas, emphasizing the need for further research to mitigate potential expansion and its consequences.

The influence of ice melange on fjord seiches

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2012 — WHEA7573C94DE

Ice melange in fjords, such as Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland, significantly influences the behavior of seiches—standing waves in water bodies. This study reveals that icebergs slow down both external and internal seiches, creating band gaps where energy propagation vanishes. When energy is introduced within these band gaps, it becomes trapped near its source, leading to localized dissipation and fragmentation of ice/melange. The research used numerical simulations of an idealized one-dimensional channel to model the fjord's hydrodynamic behavior, despite uncertainties in bathymetry and stratification details.