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Showing 29341 – 29360 of 30315 publications

À Carcassonne, la Cité sous les regards

Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne — 2010 — WHED8E5ACE64F

By the early 19th century, Carcassonne's fortified city was largely abandoned and neglected, its military significance waning under Napoléon Ier's administration. The study reveals how the once-strategic fortress, deemed obsolete in 1804, succumbed to neglect and partial demolition as its stones were sold for construction, leaving only fragments of its former grandeur. This historical analysis sheds light on the transition from active military use to abandonment, highlighting the fragility of heritage preservation when structures lose their strategic value.

A cartographical perspective to the engineering works at the Sulina mouth, the Danube Delta

Danube Delta — 2010 — WHE5BB3A8C810

Historical cartographic data from the Sulina mouth of the Danube Delta reveals significant shifts in coastal evolution, providing critical insights for refining future models. The study leverages a vast collection of maps and charts created by the European Commission of the Danube (ECD) between 1856 and 1939, which used a unique local grid network benchmarked at Sulina. These historical records offer a detailed baseline for understanding long-term changes in the delta's morphology. Post-World War II, Romanian authorities adopted new cartographic standards like the Gauss-Kruger projection, but the ECD's legacy data remains invaluable for comparative analysis. To manage and analyze this extensive dataset, researchers developed a GeoNetwork-like catalog service, facilitating metadata indexing and geospatial data handling. This approach bridges historical engineering records with modern coastal evolution studies, offering a robust framework for future research on the Danube Delta.

A climatologically based long-range fire growth model

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2010 — WHE410DACB8C1

A climatologically based long-range fire growth model demonstrates strong agreement with deterministic fire growth models, validating its probabilistic approach for predicting wildfire extent. The model integrates fire spread probabilities and survival likelihoods, derived from 30 years of fire weather data and fuel type variations. By combining exponential distributions of potential spread rates across eight compass directions with Markov chain predictions of duff moisture code evolution, the model generates probable fire extent maps. A comparative study within Wood Buffalo National Park showed that this long-term probabilistic approach closely matches hourly-based deterministic simulations, even when introducing heterogeneous fuels and weather conditions. This finding supports the model's utility for large-scale wildfire risk assessment in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Wood Buffalo National Park.

A Context Analysis of Neolithic Cygnus Petroglyphs at Lake Onega

Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea — 2010 — WHE7E397D08C2

A context analysis of Neolithic Cygnus petroglyphs at Lake Onega, Russia, reveals that swan images were likely supernatural symbols, prominently featured due to their perceived powers. The study found a strong correlation between the abundance of swan glyphs and cervid (mostly elk) representations, with some engravings showing partial superimposition of these animals. This suggests a symbolic connection or shared significance in Neolithic Finno-Ugric culture. Additionally, the research indicates that rising water levels during a period of climatic cooling submerged early sites around Lake Onega, while newer petroglyph sites along the Vodla river exhibit larger and more abundant swan images, with an absence of solar/lunar glyphs. This shift may reflect increased environmental challenges and the swan's perceived role in mitigating such adversities.

A contribution to the knowledge of the odonatofauna of the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen)

Socotra Archipelago — 2010 — WHE7C1E972445

A comprehensive review of the Socotra Archipelago's odonatofauna (dragonfly and damselfly species) confirms the presence of 17 out of 18 known species on the main island, with detailed distribution patterns documented between 2007 and 2010. The study also provides new insights into species occurring on Abd El-Kuri and Samha islands, expanding the understanding of this unique ecosystem. Researchers combined field collections with literature surveys to achieve these findings, offering valuable data for biodiversity studies in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A detrital record of lower oceanic crust exhumation within a Miocene slow-spreading ridge: Macquarie Island, Southern Ocean

Macquarie Island — 2010 — WHED9D24A7154

Macquarie Island's sedimentary record reveals the exhumation of lower oceanic crust from a Miocene slow-spreading ridge, providing insights into tectonic processes in the Southern Ocean. The study identifies two distinct lithofacies: basal basaltic breccia and enriched mid-ocean-ridge basalt (E-MORB) with gabbroic intercalations. Basaltic detritus reflects upper oceanic crust metamorphism, while gabbroic detritus indicates deeper crustal sources. Geochemical analysis and zircon geochronology suggest the gabbroic material originated from Paleogene-aged tholeiitic MORB, likely sourced from the Southeast Indian Ridge via a long-offset transform fault. This research reconstructs the tectonic history of Macquarie Island, highlighting the role of transpression in shaping its geological features.

A geothermal‐linked biological oasis in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park — 2010 — WHEC85B472E2B

A geothermal-linked biological oasis has been discovered on the floor of Yellowstone Lake, characterized by an aquatic moss colony (Fontinalis) thriving at temperatures exceeding known maxima for such plants. This unique ecosystem is sustained by supersaturated CO₂ vent waters, likely enabling a highly elevated CO₂ compensation point. The moss supports a localized food chain, including crustaceans (Hyalella and Gammarus), a segmented worm (Lumbriculidae), and a flatworm tentatively identified as Polycelis, analogous to deep marine hydrothermal vent ecosystems. The study employed geochemical analysis and biological sampling to characterize this novel environment, revealing its potential for supporting significant biodiversity despite extreme conditions.

A Guide to the Katydids of Australia

Lord Howe Island Group — 2010 — WHE5AEDD61AFB

Katydids, a diverse group of Australian insects from the family Tettigoniidae, exhibit remarkable adaptive strategies, including mimicry and bright coloration to deter predators. With over 1000 species found across Australia, Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe Island Group, these insects play significant ecological roles and continue to be subjects of scientific study due to their complex behaviors, acoustical physiology, and interactions with plants and the environment. The guide highlights their biodiversity, relationships with humans, and provides visual documentation through color photographs, contributing valuable insights into their ecological significance.

A Hidden Dimension In Site Planning: Exploring Affective Experience As Part Of Sense Of Place On The Farm Kromdraai, Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, South Africa

Vredefort Dome — 2010 — WHEC5C4E54A31

This research reveals that integrating the affective dimension of environments into site planning can enhance people's sense of place and identification with their locality. The study, conducted at Kromdraai within the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site in South Africa, found diverse affective responses and personal meanings associated with the natural rural landscape. It also demonstrated that a participatory approach involving individuals from various disciplines can provide deeper insights into these relational dimensions. This led to the formulation of site planning guidelines that capture the underlying meanings of interactions between people and their environment. The findings contribute new possibilities for planners to explore the complex dimensions between people and places, while also developing effective methods for public participation.

A high-resolution stalagmite record of the Holocene East Asian monsoon from Mt Shennongjia, central China

Hubei Shennongjia — 2010 — WHEAFF5E86E9F

A high-resolution stalagmite record from Sanbao Cave, Hubei Shennongjia, reveals four distinct stages in the evolution of the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) over the Holocene, providing a continuous history spanning 13—0.2 thousand years before present. The study identifies an abrupt transition into the Holocene (~11.5 ky BP), followed by a gradual increase in monsoon intensity (11.5—9.5 ky BP), a maximum humid period (9.5—6.5 ky BP), and a subsequent decline (6.5—0.2 ky BP). Comparison with regional records suggests that shifts in the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) may control monsoon intensity across southern Asia on orbital timescales, while millennial to centennial-scale variability aligns with Greenland ice core δ 18 O records. The research uses 1413 oxygen isotope data and 65 230 Th ages from six stalagmites to reconstruct EASM dynamics.

A laboratory based experimental study of mercury emission from contaminated soils in the River Idrijca catchment

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2010 — WHE0D7CE8ECBB

Mercury emissions from contaminated soils in the Idrija Hg-mine region, Slovenia, exhibit significant variability depending on distance from mining sources and environmental conditions. Laboratory flux measurements revealed that mercury emission fluxes (MEFs) ranged from less than 2 to 530 ng m^-2 h^-1, with the highest emissions observed in alluvial soils near the mining district. The study found a strong positive correlation between MEF and three key environmental parameters: soil temperature, moisture, and solar radiation. Notably, light-induced mercury flux was independent of soil temperature, while the aqueous phase in soil appeared to recharge the available mercury pool for both light- and thermally-induced emissions. The overall flux response varied significantly based on the form of mercury present, with higher activation energies required for soils dominated by insoluble cinnabar compared to those with more mobile mercury forms. This research highlights the complex interplay between environmental factors and mercury speciation in determining emission dynamics.

A lovebird (Psittaciformes: Agapornis) from the Plio-Pleistocene Kromdraai B locality, South Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2010 — WHE43F0E73757

A fossil humerus from the Plio-Pleistocene Kromdraai B locality in South Africa confirms the presence of lovebirds (Agapornis) during the early Pleistocene, around 1.95 million years ago. This specimen differs morphologically and is slightly smaller than extant lovebird species, suggesting it represents an extinct taxon. The discovery supports the idea that the paleohabitat around Kromdraai B, where Australopithecus robustus lived, was a mosaic of wooded or forested habitats. Lovebirds' modern preference for such environments aligns with mammalian-based evidence, providing insights into the ecological context of early hominid habitation.

A Methodological Approach Towards Conservation

Villa Romana del Casale — 2010 — WHE2B9C58945D

Conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Villa Romana del Casale, requires a consistent methodological approach to identify and preserve their inherent values. This study proposes a qualitative methodology that extracts typological, structural, constructional, functional, aesthetic, formal, historical, and symbolic values from historic buildings. By analyzing these values, conservation projects can achieve more objective outcomes and better decision-making processes. The research highlights the need for a standardized approach to conservation, drawing on examples like the Colosseum, Palace of the Partal, and Theatre at Orange, which are widely admired in the heritage conservation community.

A methodology for Raman structural quantification imaging and its application to iron indoor atmospheric corrosion products

Amiens Cathedral — 2010 — WHE4D3F5C3F67

Raman structural imaging has been advanced to quantitatively analyze corrosion products on ancient iron artifacts, offering new insights into the composition and structure of indoor atmospheric corrosion layers. This study introduces a novel methodology using home-developed software, LADIR-CAT, which extracts quantitative parameters from Raman hyperspectral maps. Applied to corroded iron samples from Amiens Cathedral, France, this approach enables detailed mapping of corrosion compounds, providing a deeper understanding of the degradation processes affecting historical metal structures. The findings contribute significantly to the preservation and study of cultural heritage materials, particularly those at risk from atmospheric corrosion.

A new Burgess Shale–type assemblage from the “thin” Stephen Formation of the southern Canadian Rockies

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2010 — WHEA83A863DCE

Researchers have discovered a new Burgess Shale-type fossil assemblage in the 'thin' Stephen Formation near Stanley Glacier, Kootenay National Park, Canada. This marks the first finding of such fossils in this formation, expanding the known temporal and geographic range of the Burgess Shale biota. Unlike previous discoveries linked to paleotopographic features like the Cathedral Escarpment, this assemblage was preserved in a distal ramp setting without evidence of an escarpment. The low-diversity assemblage includes eight new soft-bodied taxa, notably the anomalocaridid Stanleycaris hirpex n. gen., n. sp., and suggests restrictive paleoenvironmental conditions. The study implies that similar assemblages may be common in the regionally widespread 'thin' Stephen Formation.

A new cavernicolous Parobisium Chamberlin 1930 (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae) from Yosemite National Park, U.S.A

Yosemite National Park — 2010 — WHE0309AFED55

Scientists have identified a new species of troglobiotic pseudoscorpion, Parobisium, within two granite talus caves in Yosemite Valley, marking only the second such discovery from North American granite talus caves. This blind species, distinguished by its anterior pair of pale eyespots lacking a tapetum, is common within its known habitat but has not been found elsewhere despite extensive surface and shallow cave searches. The study provides a taxonomic key for the genus in the U.S., highlighting the potential for further subterranean fauna discoveries in undersampled regions. The research underscores the biodiversity of Yosemite National Park's caves, suggesting that granite talus slopes may harbor unique and unexplored troglobiotic species.

A new early dinosaur (Saurischia: Sauropodomorpha) from the Late Triassic of Argentina: a reassessment of dinosaur origin and phylogeny

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2010 — WHE88A7F1B41F

A new early dinosaur species, Chromogisaurus novasi, has been discovered in the Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina, challenging traditional views on dinosaur diversity and dominance. This find reveals that dinosaurs first appeared as a diverse group, though numerically minor, with their numerical rise over other tetrapods occurring diachronously after an initial phase of low abundance but high diversity. Phylogenetic analysis places Chromogisaurus at the base of Sauropodomorpha within the Guaibasauridae family, introducing it as the first member of this group and naming a new subfamily, Saturnaliinae, which includes Chromogisaurus and Saturnalia. The study also reclassifies Eoraptor as the sister-taxon to Neotheropoda and herrerasaurids as non-eusaurischian saurischians, providing significant insights into early dinosaur evolution.

A new fossil species of frog of the Australian limnodynastid genus Limnodynastes Fitzinger from the Oligocene Kangaroo Well Local Fauna of the Northern Territory and tabulation of ilial features of all extant and extinct species

Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) — 2010 — WHEA0E677ADDA

A new species of frog, Limnodynastes waterhousae, has been identified from the Oligocene Kangaroo Well Local Fauna in the Northern Territory, Australia. This discovery adds to the understanding of ancient frog diversity and evolution in Australia. The research describes the proximal portions of a left and right ilium as key material for this new species, which shares similarities with L. antecessor from Riversleigh, Queensland. Additionally, the study provides a comprehensive tabulation of ilial features across all 30 extant and extinct Australian frog genera, offering valuable comparative data for future research.

A new herrerasaurid (Dinosauria, Saurischia) from the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of northwestern Argentina

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2010 — WHE391703871D

A new herrerasaurid dinosaur, Sanjuansaurus gordilloi, has been identified from the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation in northwestern Argentina. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the diversification of saurischian dinosaurs, suggesting that they were already widely diversified by the late Carnian period rather than increasing in diversity across the Carnian-Norian boundary. The research involved a phylogenetic analysis that placed Sanjuansaurus within Herrerasauridae, at the base of Theropoda, alongside other known taxa such as Herrerasaurus and Staurikosaurus. The study highlights the significant paleontological importance of the Ischigualasto/Talampaya Natural Parks, contributing to our understanding of early dinosaur evolution in southwestern Pangea.

A new population of the Cone-billed Tanager Conothraupis mesoleuca, with information on the biology, behaviour and type locality of the species

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2010 — WHE7EBE05C3DA

Researchers have identified a new population of the Critically Endangered Cone-billed Tanager (Conothraupis mesoleuca) in Chapada dos Parecis, Mato Grosso, Brazil. This discovery, based on observations of at least 40 individuals, expands the known range of the species, which was previously thought to be limited to Emas National Park in Goiás. The study provides the first detailed information on the biology and behavior of this elusive bird, including descriptions of its habitat preferences—primarily flooded riverine areas—and the female's morphology. Historical records suggest that the type locality of the species may refer to the Juruena telegraph station, clarifying a long-standing ambiguity. This finding underscores the urgent need for further research on the species' biology and conservation status, given its restricted range and potential habitat availability in the upper Juruena basin.