World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 29701 – 29720 of 30315 publications

Fossil hunting in the Neolithic: Shells from the Taurus Mountains at Çatalhöyük, Turkey

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2010 — WHE623B709E1F

Archaeological research at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, Turkey, reveals that inhabitants collected and utilized fossil shells from distant mountain basins during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period. The study identifies approximately 200 mollusk fossils, including Miocene-era gastropods and bivalves from the Taurus Mountains (50 km away) and Pliocene scaphopods from the Hatay Basin. These fossils, primarily found in late-phase deposits, are linked to feasting activities, suggesting they were gathered either by local transhumant communities or visitors. The findings provide evidence of Neolithic fossil procurement practices and long-distance resource acquisition, offering insights into ancient human behavior and environmental interactions.

Four new species and one new genus of zoanthids (Cnidaria, Hexacorallia) from the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2010 — WHEC28047E5B7

Researchers have identified four new species of zoanthids, including two belonging to a newly described genus, Terrazoanthus, from the Galápagos Islands. These findings expand the known biodiversity of macrocnemic zoanthids in the region. Two species, Terrazoanthus onoi and Terrazoanthus sinnigeri, are distinguished by their attachment to abiotic substrates, contrasting with the type genus Hydrozoanthus, which associates with hydrozoans. Antipathozoanthus hickmani is notable for its exclusive association with the antipatharian Antipathes galapagensis, while Parazoanthus darwini frequently associates with sponges. The two Terrazoanthus species share identical mitochondrial DNA sequences but can be distinguished by subtle differences in their internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (ITS-rDNA). This study combines morphological and molecular analyses to elucidate the taxonomic diversity and ecological relationships of zoanthids in the Galápagos.

Francesco e Innocenzo III ad Assisi: riflessioni sull’iconografia francescana della missione evangelizzatrice

Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and Other Franciscan Sites — 2010 — WHE888D3C69A1

A renowned scene from Giotto's frescoes in Assisi, 'La conferma della regola,' depicts St. Francis receiving papal approval for his order's rule from Pope Innocent III. This study reveals that Giotto likely incorporated subtle visual cues to emphasize the evangelizing mission assigned by the pope while also hinting at the formalization of a written rule. The analysis suggests two key cultural references—imperial reception scenes and the 'Traditio legis' tradition—were used by Giotto, reflecting his medieval artistic imagination. These insights shed light on the ideological and iconographic choices behind this masterpiece, offering a deeper understanding of its historical and religious significance.

Free Fatty Acids Composition in Adipocere of the Kwäday Dän Ts’ìnchí Ancient Remains Found in a Glacier*

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2010 — WHE6DF222F0DA

Analysis of adipocere from the ancient remains of Kwäday Dän Ts’ìnchí, discovered in a retreating glacier in Tatshenshini-Alsek Park, revealed milligram per gram levels of saturated free fatty acids (FFAs), including myristic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. Negligible amounts of unsaturated FFAs, such as palmitoleic acid, were detected. This study applied a robust method for extracting, identifying, and quantifying FFAs using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The findings further corroborate the presence of adipocere in forensic examinations of these ancient remains.

From Big Bad Wolf to Ecological Hero:Canis Lupusand the Culture(s) of Nature in the American–Canadian West

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2010 — WHE5375A6EA20

Wolves (Canis lupus) have undergone a dramatic shift from being viewed as devils to ecological heroes in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, reflecting broader changes in wilderness conservation and frontier narratives. This study compares attitudes toward wolves across Yellowstone, Glacier, Banff, and Jasper National Parks over the past century, highlighting how policies and cultural perceptions of nature have evolved transnationally. By adopting a borderlands approach, it underscores the importance of considering wolves' natural roaming patterns rather than political boundaries when studying their ecological and symbolic significance in the American-Canadian West.

From heritage to hyper-reality? Tourism destination development in the Middle East between Petra and the Palm

Petra — 2010 — WHE37A98ABEA8

Tourism development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is increasingly characterized by 'hyper-real' destinations, which blend symbolic value with global competitiveness, contrasting starkly with stagnating heritage sites like Petra. This study applies postmodern theory to interpret how projects such as Sharm El-Sheikh and Dubai's Palm Islands dominate tourism landscapes through constructed hyperrealities, suggesting this model will shape future destination development in the region. The research draws on Eco and Baudrillard's frameworks to analyze the transformation of tourism spaces, offering a critical perspective on the evolution of Arab world destinations.

From Pseudo-3D to full-resolution GPR imaging in archaeology: A complex Roman site in Lugo, Spain

Roman Walls of Lugo — 2010 — WHE49974C9882

Advanced ground-penetrating radar (GPR) imaging revealed intricate details of a Roman villa's architecture, including walls, apses, and chambers, at the UNESCO-listed Roman Walls of Lugo site in Spain. The study demonstrated that ultra-dense grid surveys significantly enhance the resolution and interpretability of 3D GPR data compared to pseudo-3D strategies. Conducted over two campaigns (May 2007 and July 2008), the research initially mapped a broad area using a pseudo-3D approach, which identified key features for further investigation. A subsequent ultra-dense grid survey focused on a smaller section, uncovering high-resolution images that provided unprecedented insights into the villa's structure. This case study underscores the importance of meticulous data acquisition in archaeological GPR surveys, particularly in complex semi-urban settings.

From the Chinguetti mosque to Dubai towers ‘Extraversion’, connections and neo-urban society in a globalized Mauritania

Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata — 2010 — WHEC69B505A8C

Globalization in Mauritania, while driving economic development and urban transformation, creates deep-seated frustration for most Mauritanians. This study highlights the ambivalence of globalization by contrasting the symbolic significance of historical sites like the Chinguetti mosque with the modern skyline of Dubai, reflecting the neo-urban society emerging in a globalized context. The research employs spatial and identity analysis to explore how Mauritania's integration into the global economy reshapes its cultural landscape, particularly in the capital city Nouakchott. It reveals that while globalization fosters material progress, it also perpetuates symbolic disconnects, underscoring the complexities of socio-economic transitions.

From urban to regional planning in Latin America, 1920–50

Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas — 2010 — WHE6A0E9B7506

A shift from urban to regional planning in Latin America between 1920 and 1950 is attributed to the professionalization of planning, marked by the emergence of planning offices and university curricula. This transition, analyzed through a comparative lens, reflects broader trends in urban modernization and the evolution from 'urbanismo' to 'planificación.' Key figures such as Carlos Contreras (Mexico), Hannes Meyer (Mexico), Carlos della Paolera (Argentina), Karl Brunner (Colombia/Chile), and Maurice Rotival (Venezuela) played pivotal roles in this shift, demonstrating how planning expanded beyond local urban boundaries to encompass regional and territorial scales. The study highlights the epistemological and professional shifts underpinning this transformation.

Fruit and seed floras from exceptionally preserved biotas in the European Paleogene

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2010 — WHE8B3DB30C27

Exceptionally preserved fossil fruit and seed assemblages from two European Paleogene sites—Messel Pit, Germany, and the Isle of Wight, UK—reveal critical insights into Middle Eocene dispersal biology, biogeography, and plant-animal interactions. These assemblages, associated with exquisitely preserved flowers, insects, and vertebrates (at Messel), showcase delicate structures like plumes, wings, and a fruit with a long awn. Rare specimens at Messel, including fully preserved fruiting heads and seeds within animal gut contents, highlight the site's significance for understanding floristic diversity and soft tissue preservation. The study combines paleobotanical analysis with detailed morphological examination to reconstruct past ecosystems and dispersal mechanisms.

Galhas de insetos da Reserva Biológica Estadual da Praia do Sul (Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, RJ)

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2010 — WHE99896066DE

A pioneering survey of insect galls in the Reserva Biológica Estadual da Praia do Sul (Ilha Grande, Brazil) uncovered 36 distinct gall morphotypes, with Myrtaceae emerging as the dominant plant family. The study revealed that 75% of these galls were attributed to Cecidomyiidae flies, while Hemiptera and Lepidoptera also contributed smaller proportions. Notably, Mikania sp. (Asteraceae) and Guapira opposita (Nyctaginaceae) served as superhosts, supporting multiple gall species. The research employed morphological analysis to categorize galls by location—foliar (64%), cauline (25%), and bud (14%)—highlighting the ecological complexity of this UNESCO-listed site's biodiversity.

Gender, Sexuality, and Syphilis in Early Modern Venice

Venice and its Lagoon — 2010 — WHE45292583F5

Syphilis, known as the 'French disease' during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, became deeply embedded in the society, culture, and institutions of early modern Venice. This study reveals how gender dynamics and sexuality played pivotal roles in its widespread transmission and societal impact. By analyzing historical records, medical texts, and cultural narratives, the research provides a nuanced understanding of syphilis's role in shaping Venetian society during this period. The findings highlight the interplay between public health, social norms, and institutional responses, offering insights into the broader consequences of sexually transmitted diseases on early modern communities.

Genetic diversity of Southern hemisphere blue mussels (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) and the identification of non-indigenous taxa

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2010 — WHE35D215F488

Widespread bioinvasion of Northern hemisphere blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) into the Southern hemisphere has been documented for the first time, challenging assumptions about species distribution constraints. The study also identified inter-specific hybrids (Mytilus edulis × M. galloprovincialis) in both international ports and remote protected locations like Chile and New Zealand's Auckland Islands, highlighting vulnerability across diverse environments. Researchers used nuclear-DNA marker Me 15/16 to analyze 484 mussel samples from New Zealand, Australia, and Chile, revealing 478 pure M. galloprovincialis in Southern hemisphere sites and six hybrids. A new RFLP assay further confirmed the presence of Northern hemisphere M. galloprovincialis across almost every sampled region, including high-latitude areas up to 52°S, with implications for understanding selective environmental pressures on species distribution.

Genetic heritage in the Darling River Aboriginal peoples captures ancient presence and post-contact survival

Willandra Lakes Region — 2010 — WHE0745A58B06

Aboriginal peoples of the Darling River region in western New South Wales exhibit deep family lineages that have persisted through centuries of European colonization, despite significant demographic and cultural losses. These communities maintain strong affiliations with the Paakintji (Barkindje) and Ngyambaa language groups, reflecting their ancient presence in the region. The study integrates genetic, anthropological, archaeological, and linguistic evidence to highlight the resilience of these lineages, which trace back to the Pleistocene era. This research underscores the enduring connection between contemporary Aboriginal populations and the Willandra World Heritage Area, including significant sites like Lake Mungo, one of Australia's earliest known burial sites. The findings provide a genetic perspective on the survival and adaptation of Indigenous Australians through profound historical disruptions.

Genetic Structure, Origins, and Relationships of Grapevine Cultivars from the Castilian Plateau of Spain

Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain — 2010 — WHEDCA8B2D257

Research reveals that grapevine cultivars from the Castilian Plateau, Spain, exhibit distinct genetic clusters linked to pilgrimage routes. Analysis of 421 cultivated and four alleged wild grapevine samples identified 121 unique genotypes, with nearly a quarter being previously unreported. Three genetic clusters emerged: one grouping Muscat-type accessions and interspecific hybrids; another linking French varieties and those from the western plateau, suggesting historical introductions along pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela; and a third encompassing central plateau accessions and local table grapes, indicating localized origins or crossbreeding between introduced and indigenous varieties. Chlorotype data supported the authenticity of three wild samples as potential Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris. The study used microsatellite loci for genotyping and additional nuclear and chloroplast markers to refine genetic relationships.

Genoa and Lucca Against Pisa

Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) — 2010 — WHE923E721A7E

A significant historical conflict between Genoa, Lucca, and Pisa unfolded on May 17, 1165, marked by a pivotal sea battle in the Bay of Porto Venere. This event followed Pisa's annulment of Barisone of Arborea's investiture and granting Sardinia to Pisa just one month prior. The dispute escalated after a Genoese merchant ship was captured by Pisans, leading to diplomatic tensions. Ambassadors from both communes sought imperial intervention, with negotiations held on the island of Palmaria. However, the presence of a notorious corsair, Trapilicini, a former Pisan now serving Genoa, exacerbated hostilities. His provocative statements further inflamed the situation, highlighting the fragility of the truce and the deep-seated rivalries between the communes. This historical account sheds light on the complex power dynamics and maritime conflicts of the period.

GEOBIA Vegetation Mapping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Spectral and Non-spectral Ancillary Information

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2010 — WHE6A9B42F769

Incorporating texture and topographic variables with spectral data from scanned color infrared aerial photographs significantly improved the accuracy of GEOBIA vegetation classification in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, increasing overall accuracy by 2.8 percent and Kappa by 5.0 percent. A separate study using multispectral Ikonos imagery found that elevation, aspect, slope, and proximity to streams also enhanced classification accuracy, achieving 76.6 percent overall accuracy and a Kappa of 0.57, closely resembling manual interpretations. These findings suggest that ancillary information can substantially aid GEOBIA vegetation mapping in rugged mountain areas, offering potential for more precise updates to vegetation inventories.

Geochemical Distributions of Heavy Metals and Cr Behavior in Natural and Cultivated Soils of Volcanic Jeju Island, Korea

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2010 — WHE0298C81A4E

Jeju Island's volcanic ash soils, classified as Andisols, exhibit unique geochemical characteristics with elevated levels of heavy metals, particularly chromium (Cr), which can exceed 1000 mg/kg. This study reveals that Cr is a significant soil contaminant, originating from ferromagnesian minerals and associating with Fe and Al oxides during weathering. Cultivated soils maintain these volcanic properties but show slight increases in Cu, Pb, and Zn due to fertilizer inputs, while Cr content decreases, possibly forming soluble organic complexes of Cr(III). The high reducing capacity of these soils suggests a low potential for Cr(VI) contamination. The research analyzed mineralogy, texture, and heavy metal distributions in both natural and cultivated soils using sequential extractions and geochemical assessments.

Geochemistry of H2‐ and CH4‐enriched hydrothermal fluids of Socorro Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico. Evidence for serpentinization and abiogenic methane

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2010 — WHE8897C28E75

Research on Socorro Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Revillagigedo Archipelago, reveals that hydrothermal fluids rich in hydrogen (H₂) and methane (CH₄) originate from serpentinization processes beneath the volcano. The study identifies isotopic signatures of light hydrocarbons (δ¹³C and δ²H) and their inverse trend, indicating abiogenic methane formation at high temperatures within a basaltic-ultramafic hydrothermal system. Geochemical analysis, including carbon and helium isotopic ratios, suggests these fluids share similarities with those from mid-ocean ridge vents. The findings highlight the complex interplay of volcanic activity, seawater interaction, and subsurface geochemical processes in shaping Socorro Island's unique hydrothermal environment.

Geological history of Western Caucasus and adjacent foredeeps based on analysis of the regional balanced section

Western Caucasus — 2010 — WHE02917BCEB4

A balanced geological section of the Tuapse foredeep-Western Caucasus-Western Kuban foredeep system reveals that the Western Caucasian basin existed as a rift from the Callovian to Eocene periods, with its principal inversion occurring during the Oligocene-Miocene. The region transitioned into an orogeny phase by the Pliocene-Quaternary, indicating significant tectonic activity. The study suggests that Caucasus compression extended over 30 km within this area. Using seismic evidence and other geological data, researchers reconstructed the region's history to provide insights into its long-term geological evolution.