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Publications

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Geology of the Caucasus: A Review

Western Caucasus — 2011 — WHE115EB74039

The Caucasus region's geological structure and history are shaped by its position between the converging Eurasian and Africa-Arabian plates, marked by continental collision. This study reveals that the region transitioned from a Tethys Ocean margin with island arcs and rifts to a complex orogenic system. Key findings include the separation of Caucasian terranes from western Gondwana during the Early Palaeozoic due to back-arc rifting, followed by the formation of the Palaeotethys Ocean. The study also highlights the inheritance of the Mesozoic Tethys from the Palaeotethys and the role of the Arabian block in shaping tectonic deformations. The research integrates geological evidence to trace the region's evolution from pre-collisional stages to its current intracontinental mountainous edifice, emphasizing the influence of plate interactions on its geological history.

Geophysical prospecting in archaeology: investigations in Santa Venera, south suburb of Poseidonia-Paestum, Campania, southern Italy

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2011 — WHEA40465BD23

Integrated geophysical surveys, including magnetic, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and geoelectrical techniques, successfully identified buried archaeological structures such as walls, canals, and tombs in the Santa Venera area of Paestum, Italy. These non-destructive methods provided critical insights that guided systematic excavations, confirming the presence of Greek and Roman settlement remains. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of high-density, cross-correlated geophysical surveys in preventive archaeology, enabling precise planning for infrastructure development while preserving significant cultural heritage in compliance with European guidelines.

Geophysical prospection of a bronze foundry on the southern slope of the acropolis at athens, Greece

Acropolis, Athens — 2011 — WHE6AB641D254

A geophysical survey of the Acropolis's southern slope in Athens, Greece, has uncovered evidence of additional bronze production pits, shedding new light on ancient manufacturing processes. The study, conducted in 2010, employed magnetometry (MAG), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to map subsurface anomalies. Two major pits were identified: one previously excavated, whose extent was outlined, and another newly detected oval-shaped pit measuring 8–10 meters in length, 2–3 meters in width, and 2.5 meters deep, featuring steep vertical walls and possible entrances. Virtual models generated from LiDAR scans of the excavated pit aided interpretation, confirming the new pit as part of a bronze foundry complex. These findings prompt further excavations to explore this ancient production site.

Geophysical Survey of Complex Deposits at Ramey Field, Cahokia

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2011 — WHE1B4356FC17

A geophysical survey at Cahokia Mounds, specifically in the western portion of Ramey Field east of Monks Mound, revealed complex archaeological deposits with at least five construction episodes and a circular structure measuring 20 meters in diameter within Mound 36. Additionally, a massive complex of resistance and magnetic anomalies was identified, possibly representing an unknown mound or facility associated with stockade entryways overlooking Cahokia Creek. The study employed magnetic field gradiometry and electrical resistance techniques over 72,800 square meters to assess the effectiveness of near-surface geophysical surveys in areas with deep, complex deposits. While typical features like structures and pits were difficult to identify, the findings suggest significant potential for uncovering previously unknown architectural elements and understanding the site's intricate history.

Georeferencing Incidents from Locality Descriptions and its Applications: a Case Study from Yosemite National Park Search and Rescue

Yosemite National Park — 2011 — WHE6EE96F1E11

A groundbreaking study reveals that georeferencing Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents from textual descriptions significantly enhances spatial analysis, with the Shape Method reducing uncertainty areas by up to 99.5% compared to the Point-Radius Method. Analyzing 1,271 Yosemite National Park SAR incidents (2005–2010), researchers achieved a mean uncertainty radius of 560 ± 51 meters and an uncertainty area of 3.60 ± 0.840 km² using the Point-Radius Method. This spatially explicit approach provides critical insights for emergency preparedness, marking the first study to apply such methods to SAR data.

Geotechnical monitoring as key safety management element at the Dürnstein/Wachau rockslide / Geotechnische Messungen als zentraler Bestandteil des Sicherheitsmanagementplans beim Felssturz Dürnstein/Wachau

Wachau Cultural Landscape — 2011 — WHE6F3F35355D

A rockslide near Dürnstein/Wachau, Austria, necessitated extensive remedial measures to restore rail infrastructure and ensure long-term safety. The study introduces a geotechnical risk management system based on the observational method (EC 7) as a key safety management element during construction of additional protection measures. Geotechnical monitoring played a central role in mitigating risks associated with cliff face instability. The paper highlights specific challenges, practical solutions, and experiences related to applying this method for monitoring rock faces, offering insights into effective risk management strategies for similar geotechnical hazards.

Gjirokastra, un pays fertile en mythes de pierre

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2011 — WHE44C8DA2954

Gjirokastra stands out for its unique architectural identity, built entirely from stone across seven rocky hills. This study reveals the city's layered history and cultural significance, often overshadowed by literary depictions in works like those of Ismail Kadaré. The research explores how Gjirokastra’s physical structure—its paving stones, fortifications, walls, and even rooftops—reflects a deep-rooted mythos and resilience, blending fact with the fictional narratives that have shaped its perception. The approach combines literary analysis with architectural observation to uncover the city's multifaceted heritage, offering insights into how built environments can embody cultural narratives.

Gli statuti delle confraternite modenesi dal X al XVI secolo

Cathedral, Torre Civica and Piazza Grande, Modena — 2011 — WHE52D1F2D6E1

A comprehensive collection of pre-Tridentine statutes from Modena's confraternities, spanning the 10th to 16th centuries, offers unprecedented insight into the normative structures and socio-cultural dynamics of these lay organizations. The volume provides a nearly exhaustive set of documents, enabling analysis of their diachronic and synchronic evolutions, motivations for membership, social kinship networks, and community engagement. Key findings include the identification of lacunae in extant manuscripts and detailed descriptions of rituals, particularly musical practices, which shed light on the rich cultural life of these confraternities.

Globale Herausforderungen und die (Wieder-)Entstehung neo-traditioneller Landrechte. Rechtsanthropologische Untersuchungen in Guinea-Bissau

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô — 2011 — WHE89236B6CF0

Global legal and economic pressures are reshaping land rights in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, through the emergence of 'neo-traditional' claims. This study reveals that local communities are actively reasserting indigenous legal norms to navigate conflicts with global actors—such as tourists, fishermen, oil companies, and environmental organizations—whose divergent legal perceptions disrupt traditional boundaries, eroding trust and fostering accusations of immorality. The research employs legal anthropology to analyze how these neo-traditional rights, while initially aimed at excluding outsiders, also introduce internal changes within the archipelago's age-class society. The findings highlight the tension between globalization and local governance, demonstrating how traditional systems adapt to external pressures while facing internal transformations.

Google Earth: Inspiration and Instrument for the Study of Ancient Civilizations

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2011 — WHEA9F0C2525A

High-resolution satellite imagery from Google Earth has revolutionized the study of ancient civilizations by revealing previously obscured archaeological features, including Nasca geoglyphs and Mesoamerican causeways. This tool enables researchers to identify orientations in structures like Chinese pyramids, potentially linked to magnetic compass use, and discover new sites such as Atzompa near Mexico's Monte Albán. The study demonstrates that Google Earth significantly enhances efficiency by aiding fieldwork planning, data visualization, and resource allocation, while also inspiring novel discoveries. By bridging gaps between digital exploration and on-site verification, this approach offers a cost-effective and innovative method for advancing archaeological research.

Governing memory: Justice, reconciliation and outreach at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2011 — WHEF972B3D9B0

Outreach efforts by the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) shape public memory, often producing acquiescence or resistance to official narratives of justice and reconciliation. The study reveals that museum and memorial sites, along with public forums, serve as key arenas where conflicting memories of political violence are contested and reframed. While outreach aims to license a dominant reading of Cambodia's past, it encounters ambivalent and resistant responses, illustrating broader challenges to the ECCC's legitimacy. This analysis highlights the complex interplay between institutional efforts to govern memory and public engagement with historical narratives.

Grain from Cyrene

Archaeological Site of Cyrene — 2011 — WHE571EB81871

Cyrene, founded around 631 BC, was a significant grain producer and exporter in the ancient Greek world. However, the history and scale of its grain production and export had remained unexplored until now. This study offers a groundbreaking analysis by integrating environmental, archaeological, and institutional data to reconstruct Cyrene's role as a grain supplier. The findings reveal the extent and significance of its agricultural output during the Hellenistic period (3rd to 1st centuries BC), providing new insights into the economic dynamics of ancient Mediterranean societies.

Grasshoppers of the Andes: new Melanoplinae and Gomphocerinae taxa (Insecta, Orthoptera, Acrididae) from Huascarán National Park and Callejón de Huaylas, Ancash, Peru

Huascarán National Park — 2011 — WHE683F2AB1C1

A study published in Zoosystema (2011) reports the discovery of two new grasshopper taxa, belonging to the subfamilies Melanoplinae and Gomphocerinae, from Huascarán National Park and Callejón de Huaylas in Peru. These findings contribute to the understanding of orthopteran biodiversity in the Andes, a region with limited entomological research. The study employed morphological analysis, including detailed examination of genital structures, to distinguish these new taxa. This research highlights the importance of Huascarán National Park as a hotspot for grasshopper diversity and underscores the need for further exploration of Peru's high-altitude ecosystems.

Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides Walbaum, 1792) early stage distribution in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Anticosti — 2011 — WHE7CA57CD657

A first-of-its-kind study on the early life stages of Greenland halibut in the Gulf of St. Lawrence reveals late-winter spawning, likely in the deep Laurentian Channel southwest of Newfoundland. Using data from ichthyoplankton and bottom trawl surveys conducted between 2005 and 2010, researchers identified larvae primarily south and north of Anticosti Island in April-May, with postlarvae concentrated north of the island by August. Larval distribution patterns suggest hatching occurred in late March or early April, providing critical insights into the species' reproductive cycle and habitat use.

Gringotenango : the U.S. retirement migration to Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala — 2011 — WHE69517B0516

Antigua Guatemala, a picturesque Spanish colonial city nestled in the Guatemalan highlands, has emerged as an unexpected retirement destination for U.S. retirees, offering a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty despite its turbulent recent history. This study reveals that the city's appeal lies in its unique combination of Mayan and Ladino cultures, stunning volcanic landscapes, and pleasant climate, which provides retirees with a permanent vacation-like lifestyle. However, the research also highlights the paradoxical nature of Antigua as a retirement hub due to the ongoing violence and criminal activities that plague Guatemala, presenting both opportunities and challenges for this growing migration trend.

Ground water geochemistry of the south Taos Valley

Taos Pueblo — 2011 — WHE3B3D8E0DDF

Groundwater in the South Taos Valley exhibits anomalous concentrations of fluoride, arsenic, chloride, and other ions, likely due to deep-seated faults channeling hot waters that mix with shallow aquifers. These findings, derived from a comprehensive sampling program by TSWCD staff and analyzed by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, reveal elevated levels exceeding EPA drinking water standards—most notably at Ponce de Leon Hot Springs along the eastern fault bordering Miranda Canyon graben. Similar patterns are observed in domestic wells and near the Pecos-Picuris fault system, suggesting a geochemical link between subsurface faults and surface manifestations. The study also highlights surprisingly high total dissolved solids (TDS) in perennial streams, tapped by local acequia systems, underscoring potential implications for water quality and resource management.

Group Composition of Guinea Baboons (Papio papio) at a Water Place Suggests a Fluid Social Organization

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2011 — WHEB21ED605DD

A study of Guinea baboons (Papio papio) in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, challenges the traditional dichotomy of baboon social systems. Unlike hamadryas or savannah baboons, which exhibit either multilayered units or stable multimale-multifemale groups, this research reveals a fluid social organization characterized by dynamic party composition. Over three months, observers recorded frequent splits and fusions in baboon parties crossing an open area, with 45.9% of arriving parties changing size or structure. This variability suggests that Guinea baboons do not conform to either extreme model but instead exhibit greater flexibility in their social dynamics. The findings imply a need to revise the rigid classification of baboon social systems, acknowledging broader diversity in their organization.

Habitat Use and Foraging Ecology of a Batoid Community in Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2011 — WHEC47297B785

In the pristine ecosystem of Shark Bay, Australia, batoid mesopredators—juvenile rays and skates—dominate nearshore habitats during warm seasons, suggesting their abundance is more influenced by predator avoidance than optimal foraging conditions. Stable isotopic analysis revealed high dietary overlap among species, with crustaceans from seagrass habitats as a primary food source, though individual specialization also occurs. Acoustic telemetry showed that batoids remain resident year-round but shift habitats seasonally rather than migrating, indicating their lower abundance in cold seasons is due to habitat preference rather than emigration. These findings challenge the assumption that mesopredator dynamics are solely regulated by prey availability and highlight the potential for seasonal ecosystem impacts through their presence, despite limited foraging activity on sandflats.

Habitat-specific distribution and abundance of arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius) in southwest Yukon

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2011 — WHE11DDBF876E

A study of Arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii plesius) in the Kluane region of southwest Yukon, Canada, revealed significant habitat-specific distribution and abundance patterns. Populations were notably absent from boreal forest habitats during a low-phase cycle of snowshoe hares, while high densities were observed in low-elevation (1.25 ± 0.22 squirrels/ha) and alpine meadows (5.7 ± 0.22 squirrels/ha). The findings suggest source-sink dynamics between boreal forests and meadow habitats, with the latter acting as persistent refuges for the species. Researchers used late-summer density estimates across three habitat types from 2008 to 2010 to test predictions about predator-mediated population cycles.

Hazards of Collaboration: Local State Co-optation of a New Protected-Area Model in Southwest China

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas — 2011 — WHE51C0D7EB8B

A new protected area model in Yunnan Province, China, intended to foster collaboration and market-oriented conservation, was ultimately co-opted by local state and tourism industry actors. The resulting Pudacuo National Park generates significant revenue for the government but delivers ambiguous conservation benefits while marginalizing local residents. This case study highlights the risks of power imbalances in collaborative conservation efforts, suggesting that explicitly addressing inequality may help conservation promoters achieve more equitable outcomes. The research relied on intensive interviews and document analysis to dissect the dynamics at play.