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Beloved Heritage – Condemned Heritage. About the handling of fortification heritage within the border region Germany-France-Luxembourg

City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications — 2011 — WHEFBBCD5BBE3

The transborder region of Saar-Lor-Lux, spanning Germany, France, and Luxembourg, boasts over 600 fortified structures that vividly illustrate the evolution of military architecture. A striking contrast emerges in how these fortifications are perceived: while France and Luxembourg cherish them as valuable cultural heritage—with several sites, including Luxembourg's citadel, listed by UNESCO—they face neglect or negative perception in Germany. This study examines this disparity, revealing a missed opportunity for cross-border cultural recognition and tourism development. By analyzing the treatment of fortified heritage across the region, the research identifies potential measures to enhance their preservation and utilization, fostering transnational collaboration.

Betwixt Tichitt and the IND: the pottery of the Faïta Facies, Tichitt Tradition

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata — 2011 — WHEAC39F68536

A key insight from this study is the identification of distinct Early and Late Faïta ceramic phases, which provide a temporal framework for understanding the Tichitt Tradition (c. 1900-400 BC) in Mauritania and its expression in the Middle Niger (Faïta Facies, c. 1300–200 BC). The research employs attribute-based comparisons across extensive ceramic assemblages from both regions to discern chronological divisions. Notably, it highlights the early adoption of cord roulette techniques in West African Sahel ceramics, offering new perspectives on technological and decorative evolution during this period.

Bioestratigrafía del parche arrecifal de la Quebrada Brazo Seco, Plio-Pleistoceno, Limón, Costa Rica

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2011 — WHE8F7195714F

A Plo-Pleistocene patch reef in the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves, Costa Rica, reveals interrupted coral growth due to rapid sedimentation or uplifting. The study describes fossil content—including mollusks, corals, bryozoans, arthropods, and ichnofossils—from the Río Banano Formation, indicating a shallow marine environment with patch reefs. Overlying conglomerates of the Suretka Formation suggest fan delta deposits linked to the uplifting of the Talamanca Range. The research combines outcrop analysis and fossil data to reconstruct depositional conditions, providing insights into the geological history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Biogeochemical responses of two alpine lakes to climate change and atmospheric deposition, Jasper and Banff National parks, Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2011 — WHEA8793AE0CE

Alpine lakes in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks exhibit distinct biogeochemical responses to climate change and atmospheric deposition, revealing varied ecological impacts over the past 500 years. Curator Lake in Jasper shows strong sensitivity to thermal stratification driven by warming, with no significant changes in reactive nitrogen (Nr) cycling. In contrast, McConnell Lake in Banff demonstrates a complex response mediated by glacial activity and Nr inputs, underscoring the diverse limnological effects of abiotic stressors on similar ecosystems. The study combines paleoecological measures—such as primary production and diatom community structure—with geochemical proxies to trace these changes, providing critical insights into the ecological footprint of recent environmental transformations in mountain park environments.

Biogeography of Nicotiana section Suaveolentes (Solanaceae) reveals geographical tracks in arid Australia

Lord Howe Island Group — 2011 — WHE762D5A6EBC

A biogeographical analysis of Nicotiana section Suaveolentes reveals distinct geographical tracks in arid Australia, shaped primarily by vicariance rather than range expansion. The study, using phylogeny based on morphology and molecular data, identified three major biogeographical tracks—northern, central, and southern—that reflect the continent's aridification history, dating back to at least the Early Miocene (15 million years ago). These tracks connect regions like the Great Sandy Desert, Western Desert, and Nullarbor, with plesiomorphic taxa occurring on continental peripheries and derived taxa marking internal arid zones. The research provides insight into the evolutionary history of this largely Australian-endemic plant group and its adaptation to arid conditions.

Biogeography of The New Zealand Subantarctic Islands: Phylogenetics ofPseudhelops(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2011 — WHE484B94DBCF

A cladistic and population genetics study of the beetle genus Pseudhelops (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on New Zealand’s subantarctic islands reveals that P. wenhami, previously considered a synonym, is a distinct species with higher-altitude distribution on Auckland Islands, while P. tuberculatus dominates lower altitudes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests island populations farther from the mainland are more derived, challenging geological estimates for the Antipodes and Bounty Platforms. The study also identifies sympatry in Pseudhelops, a common trait among subantarctic beetles, and proposes that soft polytomies may reflect recent speciation or ancestral soft branching. Morphological synapomorphies in P. liberalis and P. clandestinus hint at adaptations to rocky, vegetation-poor habitats.

Biological nitrogen fixation in acidic high‐temperature geothermal springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park — 2011 — WHE4C5BAAA349

Researchers have discovered that biological nitrogen fixation occurs in acidic, high-temperature geothermal springs within Yellowstone National Park, extending the known upper temperature limit for this process in terrestrial systems. The study identified three unique phylotypes of nifH genes in sediment samples from 14 springs (ranging from 48.0°C to 89.0°C and pH 1.90–5.02), which are distantly related to known acidiphilic diazotrophs. Acetylene reduction assays and (15)N(2) tracer studies confirmed active nitrogen fixation, with rates linked to ammonia concentrations. A highly enriched culture revealed a dominant nifH phylotype present across all samples, suggesting significant contributions of fixed nitrogen to these ecosystems.

Biomass, commonly occurring and dominant species of macrobenthos in Onega Bay (White Sea, Russia): data from three different decades

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2011 — WHE6F9AE0DE3D

A stable sublittoral macrobenthos community in Onega Bay, White Sea, has been observed over nearly seven decades. Analysis of biomass data from 1952, 1981/90, and 2006 surveys revealed consistent patterns, with the highest biomass recorded near the Solovetsky Islands. Dominant species such as Modiolus modiolus, Arctica islandica, Balanus balanus, and Verucca stroemia maintained their leading positions in biomass across all decades. Multidimensional scaling analysis indicated minimal shifts in community structure, suggesting resilience to climate variation and low anthropogenic impact. The study utilized data from 107 stations, collected using different grab types, with overlapping survey areas allowing for comparative analysis.

Bioturbation by stingrays at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2011 — WHEC15A0BAB5E

Stingrays play a significant ecological role at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, by bioturbating soft sediments and creating sheltered habitats for other taxa. Research quantifying their impact revealed that stingrays excavate approximately 1.08 cubic meters of sediment daily in Mangrove Bay, equivalent to 760.8 kg wet weight, and rework up to 42% of the soft sediments annually. The study used long-term mapping and pit measurements over 21 days and 18 months to track ray activity and pit persistence. Findings indicate that while pits have a 40% probability of lasting four days, their volume remains static, suggesting secondary use by other organisms. This highlights stingrays' dual role in sediment turnover and habitat modification.

Birds Consumed by the Invasive Burmese Python ( Python molurus bivittatus ) in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

Everglades National Park — 2011 — WHEDE92326E2B

A study of 85 Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in Everglades National Park, Florida, revealed that these invasive snakes prey on at least 25 bird species from nine avian orders. Among the identified prey were four species of special concern in Florida and one federally endangered species, the Wood Stork (Mycteria americana). This research provides the first detailed analysis of the avian component of the Burmese python's diet, underscoring its potential significant impact on native bird populations in the park.

Bloodmeal identification and feeding habits of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) collected at five islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2011 — WHE6AF27E842E

Mosquitoes exhibit distinct host preferences based on genus and subgenus, with some species showing strong mammalophilic tendencies while others, such as Ae. (Geoskusea) baisasi, predominantly feed on fish. A six-year study across five Ryukyu Archipelago islands identified bloodmeals from 975 mosquitoes representing 35 species, revealing that genera like Anopheles and Culex display varied feeding patterns tied to warm-blooded or cold-blooded hosts. Subgenera within Culex also demonstrated divergent preferences, with some favoring mammals and birds while others targeted a broader range of vertebrates. The research used PCR-based bloodmeal identification to analyze mosquitoes collected via five methods from diverse habitats, including forests, residential areas, and animal sheds. These findings highlight the ecological diversity of mosquito feeding habits and their potential implications for disease transmission in UNESCO-listed island ecosystems.

Body wave attenuation heralds incoming eruptions at Mount Etna

Mount Etna — 2011 — WHEB99278438B

A groundbreaking study reveals that increased seismic attenuation of body waves precedes eruptions at Mount Etna, offering a potential early warning sign for volcanic activity. Researchers analyzed high-quality seismological data from the active volcano in Italy and found that magma emplacement within the crust significantly alters seismic wave propagation, detectable before visible eruption signs. This discovery provides new insights into the predictability of magma ascent, leveraging transient changes in physical properties beneath active volcanoes. The study highlights Mount Etna's unique role as a natural laboratory for understanding volcanic processes due to its continuous magmatic activity and robust data collection infrastructure.

Botanical Aspects of Environment and Economy at Gordion, Turkey

Gordion — 2011 — WHE42D43C8638

Long-term environmental and land-use changes at Gordion, Turkey, are revealed through detailed botanical analysis. The study identifies shifts in vegetation patterns, agricultural practices, and economic activities over centuries, providing insights into the site's ecological history and human adaptation. By analyzing archaeobotanical remains, researchers reconstructed past landscapes, uncovering evidence of crop cultivation, grazing, and forest management. This work advances understanding of both the botanical evolution of western Asia and the socio-economic dynamics at Gordion, a key archaeological site in central Anatolia.

Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers and paleoenvironmental reconstruction in Zoigê peat sediments during the last 150 years

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2011 — WHE5410AA6740

A significant increase in mean annual air temperature (MAAT) of approximately 5°C and a rise in pH by 0.8 units have been observed in the Zoigê grassland, located on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, since the 1980s. This finding was derived from analyzing branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) in peat sediments, which allowed for paleoenvironmental reconstruction over the last 150 years using the cyclization of branched tetraethers (CBT) and methylation of branched tetraethers (MBT) indices. The study identified three distinct stages of variation: a period of stable pH and slow MAAT decrease from 1851 to 1927, followed by rapid decreases in both parameters between 1927 and 1979, and the recent warming trend since the 1980s. These reconstructed temperatures align with tree-ring data from nearby Jiuzhaigou Valley, reinforcing confidence in GDGT-based proxies for continental paleoclimate reconstruction.

Breaking the Maya Code

Maya Site of Copan — 2011 — WHEAC49E51B6A

Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in deciphering Mayan glyphs found at UNESCO World Heritage Site Copán and other Mayan sites. The breakthrough involved interpreting these symbols as a combination of phonetic and conceptual elements, initially proposed by Russian scholar Knorosov in the 1950s. This was further advanced by comparative linguistic studies in the 1970s, leading to the decipherment of approximately 85% of the glyphs. The narrative highlights the challenges posed by scholarly rivalries, personality clashes, and Cold War politics that hindered progress. Despite remaining mysteries, this account provides a firsthand perspective on the complex process of decoding an ancient language, enriched with illustrations and engravings of the glyphs.

Brief communication: Endocranial volumes in an ontogenetic sample of chimpanzees from the taï forest national park, ivory coast

Taï National Park — 2011 — WHE7D453A401F

Research on chimpanzees from Taï National Park, Ivory Coast, reveals that endocranial volume (EV) increases rapidly during early ontogeny and reaches 34% of adult mean by the neonate stage. The study, based on high-resolution CT scans of 43 chimpanzee crania, found an average adult EV of 378.7 ± 30.1 cm³, with sexual dimorphism evident before adulthood. Regression analysis showed that cranial width provided better estimates for EV than length or height. This unique dataset, enriched by behavioral observations, advances understanding of brain growth patterns in great apes and contributes to discussions on hominin evolution.

British youth abroad: some observations on the social context of binge drinking in Ibiza

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2011 — WHE9963953FEE

Binge drinking among British youth abroad, particularly in Ibiza, is deeply embedded in social interactions and the pursuit of pleasure. This study highlights how the context of holiday resorts shapes the behavior and consequences of binge drinking, offering a nuanced understanding beyond traditional survey data. Using ethnographic fieldwork, researchers analyzed the social dynamics of British youth during their time abroad, revealing the significance of relationships between youth, pleasure, and environment in influencing drinking patterns. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on public health concerns related to youth binge drinking in international settings.

Brittle tectonic reconstruction of palaeo-extension inherited from Mesozoic rifting in West Zagros (Kermanshah, Iran)

Bisotun — 2011 — WHED5953B7B6E

A north–south palaeo-extension regime, inherited from Triassic–Jurassic rifting of the Neo-Tethyan passive margin, has been reconstructed for West Zagros (Kermanshah, Iran) using brittle tectonic analysis. The study reveals that east–west-trending normal faults, linked to Mesozoic rifting, dominated the extensional history of the region throughout its syn- and post-rift evolution. This pattern mirrors modern passive margins like those of the British Isles. Earthquake focal mechanisms further support an oblique crustal stretching model for the rifting process, providing insights into the tectonic inheritance shaping the current Zagros mountain belt.

Bronze Age Textiles: A Preliminary Analysis of Fragments Discovered at Tepe Dasht, Sistan

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2011 — WHEEAA4F664C6

Rare Bronze Age textile fragments from Tepe Dasht, a satellite site of Shahr-i Sokhta in Sistan, provide unprecedented insights into ancient spinning and weaving techniques. Despite the fragile nature of textiles, which rarely survive archaeological contexts, these remains—though degraded by time—reveal crucial details about daily life, craftsmanship, and environmental conditions during the third millennium BC. The study employed preliminary analysis to identify production methods, addressing long-standing challenges in discerning textile manufacturing processes. This research underscores the significance of textiles as material cultural evidence, offering a unique lens into agriculture, trade, ritual, and technological advancements in ancient Sistan.

Browning in desert boundaries in Asia in recent decades

Lut Desert — 2011 — WHEAD6E3889D3

Recent decades have seen contrasting trends in vegetation greenness along the boundaries of major Asian deserts, with simultaneous 'browning' observed across diverse regions. A study analyzing data from 1982 to 2008 revealed that while desert boundary areas experienced a 7.2% per decade increase in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) during 1982–1998, this trend reversed sharply, with a 6.8% decline thereafter. Bare soil areas contracted by 9.8% annually in the 1990s but expanded by 8.7% per decade in the 2000s, indicating significant shifts in desertification patterns. Climate factors, particularly precipitation and temperature, played divergent roles: north of 40°N, greening in the 1990s was linked to increased rainfall, while browning in the 2000s correlated with reduced precipitation (19 mm/decade) and warming (0.7°C/decade). Below 40°N, local climate variations did not fully explain the browning trend, suggesting complex interactions between moisture availability and vegetation dynamics. These findings underscore the vulnerability of desert boundaries to climate-driven changes, offering critical insights for understanding desertification in a warming world.