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Probing religion at Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2010 — WHE6516DFA08A

A groundbreaking interdisciplinary study at Çatalhöyük, Turkey, challenges conventional explanations for the Neolithic transition to complex societies by highlighting the pivotal role of spirituality and religious ritual. From 2006 to 2008, an international team of natural scientists, archaeologists, anthropologists, philosophers, and theologians collaborated on-site, integrating field observations with laboratory analyses. This unique approach revealed that spiritual practices likely facilitated social organization, economic shifts, and cognitive developments during this transformative period. The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in reinterpreting the emergence of civilization in Anatolia and the broader Middle East.

Procesamiento de Metales Durante el Horizonte Medio en el Altiplano Surandino (Escaramayu, Pulacayo, Potosí, Bolivia)

City of Potosí — 2010 — WHE35616ADCB6

Archaeological research at the Pulacayo site (Escaramayu, Potosí, Bolivia) reveals evidence of sophisticated metal processing during the Middle Horizon (c. 500–900 CE). Four metallurgical furnaces, associated with Middle Horizon structures, were identified, three used for smelting and one likely for refining metals in ceramic crucibles. Isotope analysis of slag, metals, and minerals confirms that the ore processed originated from nearby polimetallic deposits (lead, silver, copper, zinc), linking local extraction to advanced metallurgical techniques. This discovery underscores the region's technological sophistication during a pivotal period in Andean prehistory.

Production et reproduction d’un monument: le stupa de Sanchi dans l’Inde coloniale

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi — 2010 — WHEA7CD7A4C09

The Sanchi stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a third-century BCE Buddhist monument, has undergone significant transformations from ruins to a revered heritage site over two centuries. This study reveals how its history intertwines with colonial India's archaeological practices and the evolving narratives of national identity. By analyzing institutional shifts, archaeological techniques, and competing historical interpretations, the research demonstrates that Sanchi’s reconstruction reflects broader struggles for defining India’s past during the 19th century. The findings highlight how heritage preservation became entangled with colonial power dynamics and post-independence nationalism.

Projected Lifetime Cancer Risks from Exposure to Regional Radioactive Fallout in the Marshall Islands

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2010 — WHE0DB44577C7

A comprehensive analysis projects that approximately 1.6% of all cancers among Marshall Islands residents may be attributable to radiation exposure from nuclear tests conducted at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls between 1948-1958, with a 90% uncertainty range of 0.4% to 3.4%. This study represents the first detailed assessment of cancer risks linked to regional radioactive fallout, using advanced dose-response models based on data from the National Research Council and the National Institutes of Health. The research estimates that 55% of cancers in 82 individuals exposed in 1954 on Rongelap and Ailinginae Atolls could be radiation-related, while risks for other populations vary significantly by location and exposure conditions. Notably, thyroid cancer and leukemia show higher attributable risks, with variations ranging from 12% to 95% and 2% to 78%, respectively, depending on the atoll. This analysis provides the most precise dose reconstruction to date, incorporating data from all nuclear tests and populations across the Marshall Islands.

Protecting the Tangible and Intangible Heritage of Rani ki Vav: A Unique Subterranean Step Well in Gujarat

Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat — 2010 — WHE191BE6B6AF

Rani ki Vav, a monumental stepwell in Gujarat, India, exemplifies the architectural and cultural significance of subterranean structures from the 11th century. Constructed between 1063 and 1090 A.D., this brick-and-stone structure measures 64m long, 20m wide, and 27m deep, featuring intricate sculptures and a unique design with bracing structures to counteract lateral thrusts. The stepwell, once filled by floods in the 13th century, was restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) starting in 1960, preserving its authenticity and integrity through meticulous conservation efforts. Weathering tests on the sedimentary sandstone revealed insights into material degradation over centuries. Today, Rani ki Vav stands as a testament to advanced craftsmanship and technology, highlighting the cultural and historical importance of stepwells in arid regions.

PSInSAR as a new tool to monitor pre‐eruptive volcano ground deformation: Validation using GPS measurements on Piton de la Fournaise

Pitons Management Area — 2010 — WHE24C27AED8F

A novel application of Permanent Scatterers Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (PSInSAR™) demonstrates its potential as a highly precise tool for monitoring ground deformation in volcanic areas, particularly at Piton de la Fournaise. The study reveals two distinct zones of deformation: subsidence on the eastern flank due to old lava flows and significant activity at the summit cone, often preceding eruptions. PSInSAR-derived velocities align closely with continuous GPS (cGPS) measurements, capturing both long-term ground displacements (0.05–0.35 m/year) weeks or months before eruptions and rapid, large-scale movements during eruptive events. Despite challenges like signal loss during rapid deformation, the technique offers reliable, large-area monitoring of volcanic activity, as validated by this ESA Globvolcano project research.

PTR-MS measurements of non-methane volatile organic compounds during an intensive field campaign at the summit of Mount Tai, China, in June 2006

Mount Taishan — 2010 — WHE9200F7EDFF

A study conducted at the summit of Mount Tai, China, in June 2006 revealed that oxygenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were predominant among non-methane VOCs (NMVOCs), contributing significantly to tropospheric ozone chemistry. Using proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), researchers detected over thirty types of NMVOCs, including alkenes, aromatics, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones, with notable diurnal variations driven by local photochemistry. An episode of high NMVOC concentrations on the night of June 12 was attributed to agricultural biomass burning. The study compared ΔNMVOCs/ΔCO ratios from this event and a period without biomass burning plume to emission ratios from various sources, providing insights into VOC dynamics in industrialized regions.

Pyrachmonite, (NH4)3Fe(SO4)3, a New Ammonium Iron Sulfate from La Fossa Crater, Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2010 — WHE4DD4F8ED0D

Scientists have identified pyracmonite, (NH4)3Fe(SO4)3, a new ammonium iron sulfate mineral, within the active intracrater fumarole of La Fossa crater on Vulcano Island in Italy's Aeolian Islands. This discovery, occurring at approximately 250°C, reveals its trigonal crystal structure and association with other minerals like salammoniac and kremersite. Pyracmonite exhibits unique properties such as a measured density of 2.22(1) g/cm³, an average refractive index of 1.562(3), and a structure identical to synthetic (NH4)3Fe(SO4)3, indicating its significance in mineralogy. The study utilized single-crystal X-ray diffraction, confirming the mineral's isostructural relationship with high-temperature synthetic compounds, thereby advancing our understanding of volcanic minerals.

Qhapaq Ñan, Sistema Vial Andino: el desafío de su conservación en Chile en el marco de su nominación a la Lista del Patrimonio Mundial

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2010 — WHE5B696069AF

Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean road system, faces significant conservation challenges during its nomination process for UNESCO World Heritage status. A decade-long effort by Chile's National Council for Monuments revealed critical issues in participatory planning and management, highlighting the complexities of preserving such a vast human heritage site. The study underscores the need for effective strategies to address these challenges while ensuring the integrity of this remarkable cultural landscape.

Qhapaq Ñan: el Camino Inca y las Transformaciones Territoriales en los Andes Peruanos

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2010 — WHEFCD9DF3799

Qhapaq Ñan, the primary roadway of the Inca Empire's extensive Andean network, remains functional and culturally significant today despite centuries of historical transformations. This study reveals that its value extends beyond mere archaeological significance, encompassing territorial management, patrimonial governance, and landscape preservation across six modern-day countries. The research emphasizes the road's enduring functionality and the need for transnational conservation efforts that integrate both monument protection and broader territorial stewardship. By analyzing historical and contemporary data, the study underscores Qhapaq Ñan's role in shaping Andean landscapes and its continued relevance in cultural and ecological contexts.

Qualitative modelling of invasive species eradication on subantarctic Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2010 — WHE4BB8F8E385

Simultaneous eradication of rabbits, rats, and mice from Macquarie Island is strongly supported by qualitative modelling due to the high likelihood of continued ecological impacts if only one or two species are targeted. The study predicts positive outcomes for native tall tussock vegetation and burrow- and surface-nesting seabirds but also highlights risks, such as potential failure in eradicating mice and unintended consequences from redpolls and starlings. This approach demonstrates that qualitative modelling can provide consistent insights even with significant ecosystem uncertainty, aiding strategic conservation planning.

Quantification of mining subsidence in the Ruhr District (Germany)

Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen — 2010 — WHE80F46D99A9

Extensive coal mining over the past century in the Ruhr District, Germany, has led to significant ground subsidence, with some areas experiencing drops of more than 25 meters. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex shows the most pronounced subsidence, highlighting the long-term impact of industrial activity on the landscape. Researchers digitized historical elevation data from 1892 and compared it with current Digital Elevation Models to quantify these changes. Their analysis revealed that while depressions are common, mining subsidence also affects elevated terrain features, often invisible without digital comparison. On average, the studied area—covering approximately 2700 km²—has lowered by about 1.6 meters, with regional variations ranging from 0.51 meters in Kamen to 5.16 meters in Gelsenkirchen's Emscher floodplain.

Quantifying Bufo boreas connectivity in Yellowstone National Park with landscape genetics

Yellowstone National Park — 2010 — WHEAA47E61FFA

A novel application of Random Forests to landscape genetic data reveals that habitat permeability, topographic morphology, and temperature–moisture regimes significantly influence the connectivity of Bufo boreas (the Yellowstone toad) in Yellowstone National Park. The study found that growing-season precipitation, fire history (specifically the 1988 Yellowstone fires), cover, temperature, impervious surfaces like roads, and topographic complexity explain 56% of the variation in connectivity. Notably, habitat permeability operates on fine scales, while topographic and climatic factors affect connectivity across multiple scales, emphasizing the need for cross-scale analysis. Hierarchical analysis further showed that within-genetic clusters (identified using Structure), dispersal cover, precipitation, and impervious surfaces explained more variation (74%) than between clusters (45%), highlighting the importance of fine-scale ecological processes in shaping population structure.

Radar Remote Sensing of Wind‐Driven Land Degradation Processes in Northeastern Patagonia

Península Valdés — 2010 — WHE4BE38D3989

Wind-driven land degradation in the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Patagonia, is effectively monitored using radar remote sensing. This study reveals that active microwaves better discriminate aeolian features than visible or infrared sensors, with L-band data providing detailed insights into sand ridges and C-band data detecting larger tracks. The research highlights the utility of specific radar configurations for assessing wind erosion in mid-latitude regions, offering valuable recommendations for future reconnaissance efforts.

Radiation Doses and Cancer Risks in the Marshall Islands Associated with Exposure to Radioactive Fallout from Bikini and Enewetak Nuclear Weapons Tests: Summary

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2010 — WHE1D1D7E9741

Nuclear weapons testing at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls between 1946 and 1958 exposed the Marshall Islands population to radioactive fallout, with 20 of 66 tests resulting in measurable deposition on inhabited atolls. The study estimated radiation doses for 63 radionuclides across 32 atolls, revealing significant geographic variation: southern atolls received the lowest doses (5–12 mGy for adults), while northern atolls, particularly Utrik and Rongelap Island, experienced much higher internal doses due to short-lived radionuclide intake. External exposure was the primary contributor to red bone marrow and stomach wall doses, except in northern regions where internal thyroid doses reached up to 7,600 mGy for adults on Rongelap Island during the Castle Bravo test. The analysis projected about 170 excess radiation-related cancers among over 25,000 Marshallese, with most already expressed, compared to ~10,600 spontaneous cancers.

Radiocarbon Chronology for Early Caves of the Mogao Grottoes at Dunhuang, China

Mogao Caves — 2010 — WHE8787DFD443

Radiocarbon dating of plant remains from four early caves at the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's largest stone cave temples, reveals that these caves were constructed between AD 380–550. The study, using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), analyzed samples from caves 268, 272, 275, and 285—with the latter containing an inscription corroborating its early dating. Two samples from cave 275 yielded a precise calibrated age range of AD 380–430, while other samples spanned AD 400–550. This chronology provides critical insight into the origins and development of this significant Buddhist cultural site during the Northern Wei Dynasty.

Rainfall partitioning and cloud water interception in native forest and invaded forest in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2010 — WHE0D95FE784F

Invasive tree species significantly alter rainfall partitioning and cloud water interception (CWI) in Hawaiian forests, potentially impacting water resources. A study comparing native Metrosideros polymorpha and invasive Psidium cattleianum forests in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park found that while the invaded site had higher stemflow (1091 mm annually), the native forest exhibited greater canopy storage capacity (1.86 mm vs. 0.85 mm) and CWI (1188 mm vs. 734 mm). Despite being located farther from orographic clouds, the native forest intercepted more cloud water, suggesting structural advantages in harvesting droplets. However, invasive species reduced net rainfall reaching the ground (110% of rainfall vs. 123%), posing risks to groundwater recharge and aquatic ecosystems.

Rainfall, fog and throughfall dynamics in a subtropical ridge top cloud forest, National Park of Garajonay (La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain)

Garajonay National Park — 2010 — WHEBFCFA79876

In subtropical ridge-top cloud forests of La Gomera, Canary Islands, fog interception significantly enhances water inputs, contributing up to 6% of wind-corrected fog water as throughfall (TF), while rainfall-only events yield 87% TF. The study reveals that fog screens capture fog water more efficiently than forest canopies, and prior canopy wetting by rain increases TF during mixed precipitation events. Researchers corrected measurements for wind-induced losses and topographic effects, addressing gaps in previous studies. This highlights the critical role of fog in water balance in dry-season environments (5 months) with low annual rainfall (600–700 mm).

Raman spectroscopy in art and archaeology

Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula — 2010 — WHE147C57F42E

Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool for analyzing the environmental impacts on cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study highlights its application in examining the deterioration of rock art, wall paintings, and archaeological objects due to atmospheric stressors like acid gases, organic compounds, and particulate matter. Key findings include the identification of protective oxalate layers in rock art from the Hoz de Vicente shelter (Spain) and the detection of degradation products such as magnetite and coquimbite in Pompeian wall paintings, revealing the role of SOx exposure. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize pigments like aerinite in Romanesque frescoes and copper carboxylates in medieval manuscripts, offering insights into historical material use and preservation challenges. The study also demonstrates the technique's utility in identifying synthetic pigments (e.g., verdigris) and organic varnishes, emphasizing its potential for non-invasive analysis of cultural heritage items.

Rangeomorphs, Thectardis (Porifera?) and dissolved organic carbon in the Ediacaran oceans

Mistaken Point — 2010 — WHE414FAE335D

A groundbreaking analysis of the Mistaken Point biota, a mid-Ediacaran fossil assemblage in Newfoundland, suggests that the enigmatic fossil Thectardis avalonensis is likely a sponge. This interpretation, supported by its body plan and hydrodynamics, provides some of the earliest macroscopic evidence for sponges, a group previously known only through biomarkers and molecular clocks. The study further implies that the Mistaken Point ecosystem was dominated by sponges and rangeomorphs, organisms hypothesized to feed on dissolved organic carbon (DOC). This challenges traditional views of Ediacaran ocean dynamics, proposing that labile DOC was delivered non-uniformly to the seafloor, reshaping our understanding of early marine ecosystems.