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Fragments of an Indian Ocean Life: Aristide Corroller Between Islands and Empires

Island of Saint-Louis — 2011 — WHE15733CF472

This study highlights the unique socio-economic trajectory of Île de France (later Mauritius) during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, contrasting its stability with other French colonies amid global conflicts. It reveals how the island's strong maritime orientation and reliance on neutral trade, particularly U.S. commerce, sustained its economy despite broader disruptions. The research underscores the dual nature of Île de France's economy—urban maritime and rural plantation—and its resilience during the French Wars, which positioned it distinctly from Caribbean colonies. Additionally, it examines the island's economic boom post-1825 following Britain's preferential sugar tariff, coinciding with the decline in slave labor availability. The study employs historical analysis to explore these dynamics, offering insights into the complex interplay of colonial economies and global trade during this period.

Freshwater fish fauna of Koyna River, northern Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats — 2011 — WHE60DA4B8B0D

A two-year study (2007–2009) of the Koyna River, northern Western Ghats, India, identified 58 freshwater fish species—11 endemic to the Krishna River system and eight threatened by human activities. Notably, the Koyna River remains relatively free from anthropogenic stressors or invasive species, positioning it as a potential refuge for conserving endangered and endemic fishes. The research highlights the ecological significance of this site while emphasizing the need for minimal human interference and strict controls on alien species introduction to safeguard its unique biodiversity.

From Archaeology to Ideology in Northwest Mexico: Cerro de Moctezuma in the Casas Grandes Ritual Landscape

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2011 — WHEC87CD7565D

Cerro de Moctezuma, a hilltop settlement in the Casas Grandes ritual landscape of northwest Mexico, was not merely an ordinary residence but a specialized ideological center with unique architectural and symbolic features. Unlike other Media period settlements (A.D. 1200-1450), El Pueblito on Cerro de Moctezuma stands out due to its distinct construction materials, imposing buildings, and untypical settlement composition, suggesting a focus on ritual and community interactions. Comparative analyses of artifacts revealed no extraordinary differences in ceramics or stone tools, but other evidence—such as wood preference, bird wings, and elk remains—pointed to specialized, ideological interests. The site's trails, wayside shrines, and hill summit precinct were physical and symbolic places that shaped perceptions of the hill, positioning Cerro de Moctezuma as a ritual center reinforcing central beliefs from Paquime, the premier capital of the region.

From Collaboration to Conservation: Insights From the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Okavango Delta — 2011 — WHE941E998854

A decade-long ethnographic study of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, reveals that while the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) program has fostered collaboration among local communities, government, tourism operators, and conservationists, its effectiveness in achieving long-term wildlife conservation remains mixed. The research highlights that CBNRM, which offers economic incentives such as land access, employment, and tourism profits, has succeeded in co-management in some cases but may lack substantive impact in others. Collaboration across social actors—including NGOs—is identified as a key indicator of potential success, though sustained efforts are needed to ensure lasting conservation outcomes. This case study provides valuable lessons for similar co-management initiatives worldwide where biodiversity and local livelihoods intersect.

From Cunningham to Curzon

Agra Fort — 2011 — WHE58387CC5BF

Between 1803 and 1857, Mughal monuments in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Delhi experienced significant disruptions in their maintenance due to British colonial policies. The study reveals that the British government altered the Islamic institution of awqaf, rescinding tax-free status for charitable lands, which led to the decline of several monuments. While some repairs were funded sporadically—such as those directed by Lord Minto and Lord Hastings—the trend reversed in 1847 under Lord Hardinge, accelerating decay. Delhi’s monuments fared better due to revenue from waqf lands, but non-religious structures deteriorated severely. The 1857 Uprising marked a turning point, halting the British government's inconsistent approach to monument preservation.

From Cunningham to Curzon (Chapter 2)

Agra Fort — 2011 — WHE4A7C21B422

British colonial policies significantly disrupted the maintenance and preservation of Mughal monuments in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Delhi between 1803 and 1857. Key findings reveal that while some structures received intermittent funding for repairs—such as the Taj Mahal under Lord Minto and Akbar's tomb under Lord Hastings—the British government largely dismantled traditional Islamic endowment systems (awqaf), removing tax-free status and redirecting revenues to state benefits. This led to widespread decay, particularly in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, where shrines like Sheikh Salim Chishti's dargah lost protection post-1847. Delhi's monuments fared better due to a special magistrate overseeing waqf properties, but palaces and gardens there also deteriorated. The study highlights how high imperialism altered spatial practices, prioritizing state interests over monument conservation until the 1857 Uprising, which further destabilized their care.

From Damascus to Edessa Travelogue of a Visit to Syria and Turkey

Ancient City of Damascus — 2011 — WHE8CD8F30BF7

A 2011 travelogue recounts the journey of fifteen scholars from Northern Europe and the United States through Syria and Turkey, revisiting ancient paths taken by merchants, geographers, intellectuals, and pilgrims. The expedition, led by Inga-Lill and Samuel Rubenson (Lund University), highlighted the enduring cultural and religious significance of Damascus, including its historic city walls linked to the Apostle Paul's escape, and the unique Aramaic-speaking Christian community in Ma'aloula. The study offers a firsthand account of Syria’s linguistic heritage, ancient churches, and pilgrimage sites, providing insights into the region's historical layers and living traditions.

From Greenwich Village to Taos: Primitivism and Place at Mabel Dodge Luhan’s (review)

Taos Pueblo — 2011 — WHE259ABE5274

Flannery Burke's work challenges the romanticized notion of New Mexico as a 'world apart' from modernity, instead framing it as central to 20th-century modernism. Through her analysis of Mabel Dodge Luhan and her circle, Burke exposes the complexities and contradictions inherent in primitivism, a key aesthetic and political movement among modernists. She demonstrates how non-white individuals, including Pueblo people like Tony Lujan and Nina-Otero Warren, actively negotiated the terms of patronage and representation, often diverging from the interests of their Anglo benefactors. Burke's nuanced approach reveals the material consequences of these cultural encounters, particularly in debates over land-claim legislation, while also highlighting the enduring influence of modernist primitivism on contemporary issues in New Mexico.

From House Church to Tenement Church: Domestic Space and the Development of Early Urban Christianity--The Example of Ephesus

Ephesus — 2011 — WHE848CAE6998

Apartment blocks, or insulae, likely served as early Christian meeting spaces in Greco-Roman cities, challenging the traditional view that house churches were the primary form of worship. This study applies social networking theory to analyze the social and physical dynamics of early urban Christianity (c. 50–150 CE), using Ephesus as a case study. While literary records mention house churches, archaeological evidence for large-scale purpose-built spaces is scarce until the third century. The research suggests that insulae provided both practical and social environments conducive to Christian gatherings, bridging gaps in our understanding of early Christian architecture and urban life.

From pseudo‐3D to full‐resolution GPR imaging of a complex Roman site

Roman Walls of Lugo — 2011 — WHE24FF1D8ED4

A high-resolution ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey of the Roman Walls of Lugo, Spain, revealed intricate details of a Roman villa previously obscured by a pseudo-3D imaging strategy. The study demonstrated that ultra-dense grid data acquisition—with GPR lines spaced just 0.1 meters apart—could capture fine structures such as walls, apses, and chambers with unprecedented clarity. Initial surveys in May 2007 used a more spaced grid (0.5 m), which only identified broad areas of interest. A follow-up survey in July 2008, focusing on a smaller area with ultra-dense sampling, uncovered the villa's full architectural complexity. This case highlights how advanced GPR techniques can significantly enhance archaeological interpretations in complex semi-urban environments.

From Respect to Reburial: Negotiating Pagan Interest in Prehistoric Human Remains in Britain, Through the Avebury Consultation

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2011 — WHE6FCCAC6F10

A significant shift is underway in how pagan interests are being integrated into decisions regarding the treatment of prehistoric human remains, as demonstrated by the Avebury Reburial Consultation. This study highlights that meaningful engagement between archaeologists and pagans can foster respectful dialogue, but identifies challenges in the process. It explores the philosophical and emotional perspectives of pagans, advocating for their inclusion in decision-making to develop common ground and enable participatory pragmatism. The research emphasizes the need for frameworks that accommodate diverse worldviews while balancing scientific study with spiritual considerations.

Fungal root endophyte associations of plants endemic to the Pamir Alay Mountains of Central Asia

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2011 — WHEBD4F5A154C

A study on fungal root endophyte associations of 16 endemic plant species from the Pamir Alay Mountains, Central Asia, reveals that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were present in 15 species, with varying colonization types, while absent only in Matthiola integrifolia. This is the first report of AM status and morphology for all studied species, including three genera. Dark septate endophytes (DSE) accompanied AMF colonization in ten species, with low colonization frequency except in Spiraea baldschuanica. Sporangia of Olpidium spp. were sporadically found in three plant species' roots. Seven AMF species from the Glomeromycota phylum were also reported for the first time from this region. These findings provide valuable insights for conservation and restoration programs of these endemic plants, highlighting the potential role of beneficial root-inhabiting fungi in protecting rare and endangered species.

Gas and isotope chemistry of thermal features in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park — 2011 — WHE59691C4AA0

Gases from different thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park exhibit distinct chemical signatures, revealing complex subsurface processes. Unlike previous assumptions, these variations are not solely tied to surface temperatures or feature types but instead reflect underlying lithologies and contributions from magmatic, crustal, and meteoric sources. The study analyzed 130 gas samples and 31 water samples collected between 2003 and 2009, measuring bulk chemistry and isotopic compositions (δ¹⁸O, δD, δ¹³C for CO₂ and methane, helium, neon, and argon). By comparing these findings with previous research, the authors highlight the significance of subsurface geology in shaping gas emissions, offering new insights into Yellowstone's dynamic hydrothermal system.

Gender and Mortuary Ritual at Ancient Teotihuacan, Mexico: a Study of Intrasocietal Diversity

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2011 — WHE34EA16AEBC

A comparative analysis of mortuary rituals across four distinct residential areas of Classic Teotihuacan reveals that gender roles and ideologies were not uniformly experienced or constructed throughout the society. This finding challenges traditional assumptions about social identity in ancient complex societies, demonstrating significant variability in gender expression even within a single urban center. The study employs a multiscalar approach, examining differences between urban compounds (La Ventilla 3, Tlajinga 33, and Tlailotlacan 6) and a hinterland settlement (Axotlan). By integrating this comparative framework, researchers uncover how social heterogeneity structured early state formations, offering new insights into the nuanced interplay of gender, class, and faction in Teotihuacan's sociopolitical landscape. The research underscores the importance of revising scales of analysis to fully grasp the significance of diversity in ancient societies.

Genealogies of Nurture: Of Pots and Professors

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — 2011 — WHE2F12996C6C

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, occupied from approximately 2100 BCE to 200 CE, reveals significant insights into the social and cultural dynamics of early Southeast Asian communities. The site, known for its intricate painted pottery, provides evidence of elaborate infant burials, often involving ceramic jars, suggesting a complex mortuary practice. The presence of bronze and iron artifacts indicates advanced metallurgical skills by 1500 BCE and 500 BCE, respectively. Analysis of trauma patterns challenges the notion of widespread warfare, as many injuries are inconsistent with combat wounds. The site also reflects a transition from a model of exchange-based alliances to one involving fixed social ranking, potentially linked to the shift from managed swamps to fixed rice fields. This study integrates archaeological evidence with anthropological theories to re-evaluate the development of early state systems in Southeast Asia.

Generation of a 3D city model of Baalbek/Lebanon based on historical photos

Baalbek — 2011 — WHEE845F6786B

A groundbreaking strategy for generating high-accuracy 3D city models from historical photographs has been developed, enabling the integrated mapping of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Baalbek. This approach overcomes challenges posed by varying image qualities, camera parameters, and capture conditions—such as differing scales, flight heights, and unknown lens distortions—by employing a multi-stage photogrammetric method. The core innovation lies in combining historical images through bundle adjustment algorithms to determine inner and outer orientation parameters with precision, even when metadata (e.g., camera specifications) is absent. The resulting 3D reconstructions achieve sufficient accuracy for CityGML-based modeling at multiple levels of detail (LODs), while semantic enrichment enhances the model's analytical value for studying urban evolution. This work demonstrates that historical imagery can be leveraged to produce geometrically robust and semantically rich digital twins, advancing heritage documentation and preservation.

Geochronology of the Turkana Depression of Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2011 — WHE5FEE5E9169

The Turkana Depression, spanning northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia, reveals a detailed geochronological record of sedimentary and volcanic rocks from the Mesozoic to the Holocene. Key findings include the identification of Cretaceous strata in Lokitaung Gorge and early Eocene volcanism (34–36 Ma) in the region, marking the onset of significant volcanic activity. Oligocene to Miocene sequences (23–9.1 Ma) provide critical age constraints for fossiliferous sedimentary deposits, while Pliocene strata of the Omo Group (4.3 Ma to present) offer a continuous record with notable gaps. The study leverages (40)Ar/(39)Ar dating on volcanic ash layers and K/Ar ages on basalts, supplemented by paleomagnetic polarity stratigraphy, to establish precise age control from 4.2 to 0.75 Ma. Additionally, the Kibish Formation in the lower Omo Valley records deposition between 0.2 and 0.1 Ma, with Member IV (correlative to the Galana Boi Formation) dated to 12–7 ka BP.

Geologic Journey

Gros Morne National Park — 2011 — WHE8EC1EF00EC

Gros Morne National Park's geological history, spanning 500 to 200 million years, is illuminated through the lens of plate tectonics. This five-episode series, 'Geologic Journey,' narrated by David Suzuki, traces Canada's prehistory by examining major landforms such as Niagara Falls and the Torngat Mountains. The series employs scenic footage, computer-generated animations, and cross-sections to depict geological processes like lava and mineral movements from the mantle to the Earth's surface. While primarily aimed at a general audience, it provides a visually engaging introduction to plate tectonics, though it lacks detailed educational content for comprehensive understanding.

Geological evolution of a complex basaltic stratovolcano: Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna — 2011 — WHE2E6183027C

Mount Etna's geological evolution is characterized by four distinct phases of eruptive activity, spanning from 500 ka to the present. The study, based on a new stratigraphic model and 40Ar/39Ar age determinations, reveals that the volcano transitioned from scattered fissure-type eruptions in a foredeep basin (Basal Tholeiitic Supersynthem) to the formation of a lava shield (Timpe Supersynthem), followed by central-type activity (Valle del Bove Supersynthem). The most intense phase, around 57 ka, saw the development of a stratocone that filled paleovalleys. The final phase, beginning 15 ka ago, marked the formation of Mongibello volcano, characterized by recurrent flank eruptions in three weakness zones. These findings provide critical constraints for understanding Etna's origin and the geodynamic processes shaping eastern Sicily.

Geology and petrology of the lava complex of Young Shiveluch Volcano, Kamchatka

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2011 — WHE52CAE63141

A detailed geological and petrological study of Young Shiveluch Volcano, Kamchatka, reveals that its lavas—primarily magnesian andesites and basaltic andesites—originate from a hybrid genesis process. These rocks are formed by mixing silicic derivatives with highly magnesian magma in a shallow-depth magmatic chamber, periodically replenished during fractional crystallization of plagioclase and hornblende. This process explains the volcano's rock series without requiring a subducting Pacific slab melting model, offering new insights into volcanic petrogenesis in Kamchatka.