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The exhumation of the western Greater Caucasus: a thermochronometric study

Western Caucasus — 2010 — WHEFA9613A3AF

A thermochronometric study of the western Greater Caucasus reveals that the region has experienced two significant orogenic erosional events: one during the Triassic to Middle Jurassic (Cimmerian) period and another in the Oligo-Miocene (Alpine) era. The research, which includes 39 new thermochronometric analyses, suggests that while the core of the range west of Mt Elbrus has undergone approximately 5 km of Permo-Triassic exhumation, Cenozoic exhumation is limited to about 2.5 km. Current exhumation rates are generally low, with no evidence supporting a Plio-Pleistocene increase in climate-driven denudation. However, high exhumation rates (~1 km Ma−1) are observed on the southern flank of the range in northwest Georgia, coinciding with the largest recorded earthquake (Ms = 7.0) in the Caucasus. This localized rapid exhumation may be linked to tectonic activity, such as the decoupling of sedimentary successions from crystalline basement and the inversion of the Jurassic fill of the Greater Caucasus basin. The study highlights the need for further sampling and analysis to better understand the drivers of Alpine exhumation and Palaeogene cooling and uplift.

The extended continental shelves of sub-Antarctic Islands: implications for Antarctic governance

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2010 — WHE073068FCA2

A significant shift in Antarctic governance is underway, as coastal states assert rights to extended continental shelves (ECS) beyond 200 nautical miles from sub-Antarctic islands, including Australia's Heard and McDonald Islands. Despite the Antarctic Treaty System's (ATS) prohibition on sovereignty claims within the Antarctic Treaty Area (ATA), these submissions—endorsed by the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS)—now grant individual states exclusive rights to seabed areas penetrating the ATA, potentially undermining the collective responsibility principle established 50 years ago. While mineral exploitation remains prohibited under the 1991 Protocol, bioprospecting and other resource activities could proceed with coastal state approval, raising geopolitical challenges. The study highlights a growing discrepancy between rights derived from external territories (sub-Antarctic islands) and those within the ATA, with implications for strategic resource access in the region.

The family Graphidaceae (Ostropales, Lecanoromycetes) in the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2010 — WHE4D19BE0108

A comprehensive inventory of the Galápagos lichen flora reveals that the family Graphidaceae comprises 42 species, including two newly described species: Graphis pedunculata and Phaeographis striata. Additionally, three new combinations are established for existing taxa. Four previously reported species were found to be misidentifications and are excluded from the checklist. The study provides detailed descriptions, diagnostic characteristics, and an identification key for all Galapagos Graphidaceae species, along with a preliminary assessment of their distribution and ecology. Principal components analysis was employed to assess ecological patterns in 39 species, contributing significantly to the understanding of lichen biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The First Arab Impact Cratering and Astrogeology Conference, Amman, Jordan, 9–11 November 2009—An appreciation

Petra — 2010 — WHE4F58B7C57F

The discovery of the Jebel Waqf as Suwwan impact crater, a 6.5 km diameter structure in eastern Jordan, marked a significant milestone in Arab impact cratering research. This finding filled a notable gap, as the region between the Mediterranean and India had previously been devoid of known sizable impact structures beyond the small Wabar craters on the Arabian Peninsula. The First Arab Impact Cratering and Astrogeology Conference (AICAC), held in Amman from 9–11 November 2009, aimed to promote impact cratering studies in the Arab world and foster collaboration between established researchers and newcomers. With 48 participants from 22 countries, including six Arab nations, the conference featured keynote addresses on global impact cratering, case studies, and discussions on heritage conservation and meteorite preservation. Recommendations included organizing future AICAC conferences, integrating impact cratering into educational curricula, and encouraging systematic searches for new craters and meteorites in the region. The event also highlighted the importance of protecting geological heritage sites like Jebel Waqf as Suwwan while ensuring access for scientific research.

The First Prehispanic Chile (Capsicum) from the U.S. Southwest/Northwest Mexico and its Changing Use

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2010 — WHE8DDC50446B

Researchers have identified the first prehispanic cultivated chile (Capsicum annuum) seed from the U.S. Southwest and northwest Mexico, dating to the Medio period (A.D. 1200–1450). The carbonized seed, recovered near Casas Grandes in Chihuahua, challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of chile cultivation in the region. This discovery sheds light on its role among indigenous communities before Spanish contact and highlights a distinct prehispanic context for crop introductions compared to postcontact transformations. The study combines archaeological evidence with historical analysis to trace chile's evolving significance, offering new insights into its cultural and dietary impact.

The Five Stages of Original Korean Philosophy(4) - From the Mutual Respects of Joseon-Heaven to the Rights for Life-Living of Nation Federation

Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom — 2010 — WHE191C241838

This study identifies five distinct stages in the evolution of original Korean philosophy, rooted in ancient Koguryo Kingdom traditions. The research reveals that these stages transition from a divine governance model under Heaven Emperors and Prince Kings to a fusion of original and traditional philosophies (Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism). A key finding is the symbolic role of the three-legged raven (Samjokoh) in Koguryo tomb murals, representing harmony between the heavens and earth—a core doctrine of mutual respect. The study also explores how this symbol, historically significant from Gojoseon to Goguryeo, reappears in modern Korean nationalism, symbolizing a peaceful, unified Korea. Methodologically, the research draws on historical texts like Samguk-sagi and Samguk-yusa, analyzing philosophical and symbolic elements across dynasties.

The Foundation of Cuzco, the Imperial City

City of Cuzco — 2010 — WHE0D3401BB44

A significant archaeological and historical insight emerges from the 'First Part of the Royal Commentaries of the Yncas,' which details the origins of Cuzco. The text reveals that the first settlement in the valley was established on Huanacauti Hill, where a golden sceptre symbolically sank into the ground, marking it as a sacred site dedicated to the worship of the Sun. This narrative, attributed to an unnamed Ynca (Inca ruler), describes how the first rulers, guided by divine mandate, spread from this hill to unite scattered communities, teaching them civilization and agriculture. The account provides a rare glimpse into Inca cosmology and governance, blending myth with historical foundation narratives. While not a traditional scientific study, its cultural and historical significance offers valuable context for understanding the socio-political structure of the Inca Empire.

The Fourth Bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice: From Idea to Analysis and Construction

The Grand Canal — 2010 — WHE435B3AB3AA

A novel approach to bridge design and construction was successfully implemented for the Fourth Bridge over Venice's Grand Canal, showcasing innovative solutions that address the challenges posed by the city's unique soil conditions. The bridge, featuring a single 80-meter span 'Vierendeel' arch with a span/rise ratio of 1/16, required modifications to its design to enhance structural stiffness without altering its external appearance. Pre-assembly and loading simulations, along with extensive monitoring, were employed to ensure the structure's stability during erection. Full-scale static tests conducted before and after construction validated the bridge's performance under real-world conditions, demonstrating a successful integration of advanced engineering techniques in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Fragmented Politics of Urban Preservation

Paris, Banks of the Seine — 2010 — WHE4561B63103

Urban preservation policies are shaped by political fragmentation, which acts as a filter constraining their implementation. This study identifies three types of political fragmentation—functional, intergovernmental, and territorial—that predictably influence the policy process in cities like Beijing, Paris, and Chicago. By combining political science theory with urban preservation studies, it reveals how these fragmented power structures serve as strategic tools for political actors to frame and promote their agendas. The research employs extensive fieldwork and archival data to compare cross-national patterns, offering a nuanced understanding of spatial and social governance in urban contexts.

The Glaciers of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region: A summary of the science regarding glacier melt/retreat in the Himalayan, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Pamir, and Tien Shan mountain ranges

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2010 — WHE9047D5AF9A

Data on glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region, including Tajik National Park's Pamir Mountains, is sparse and inconsistent, lacking multi-temporal recording, field-validation, and peer review. This Technical Paper, originally prepared by Dr Richard L Armstrong for a USAID report and updated by ICIMOD, aims to critically assess the status of the cryosphere in high-altitude regions through an extensive literature survey, comparative analysis, and analytical discussion. It serves as a resource to establish the actual condition of glaciers across the Himalayan, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Pamir, and Tien Shan ranges, addressing gaps in knowledge with rigorous scientific scrutiny.

The Great Ocean of Truth: Memories of "Hudson-70," the First Circumnavigation of the Americas, by Peter Wadhams

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — 2010 — WHE8B1E17BA82

A groundbreaking circumnavigation of the Americas in 1970, documented by Peter Wadhams, sheds light on the historical significance of L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. The expedition, 'Hudson-70,' mapped 365 rivers and portage routes, contributing to our understanding of transcontinental travel. The book also delves into the life of Helge Ingstad, a Norwegian-Canadian explorer who transitioned from being a barrenland trapper in the 1920s to discovering the Viking Age site at L'Anse aux Meadows. Additionally, it critically examines the legacy of Warburton Pike, an English adventurer whose racist attitudes and misinformation about his Aboriginal guides remain controversial. The book is enriched with period photographs and detailed maps, offering a compelling narrative about the people who have inhabited or passed through this storied place.

The Ground-Dwelling Arthropod Community of Península Valdés in Patagonia, Argentina

Península Valdés — 2010 — WHE36EF22F366

Predation emerges as a key factor shaping the composition and abundance of ground-dwelling arthropods in Península Valdés, Argentina. This study, the first to employ intensive, planned sampling over three summers (2005–2007), revealed that predators dominate the community, with ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) leading in abundance, followed by beetles (Coleoptera) and spiders (Araneae). Two new species were identified from this data. The logarithmic distribution of abundances suggests limited controlling factors, while the predominance of predators highlights their critical role in structuring arid Patagonian ecosystems. These insights offer valuable guidance for conservation efforts in UNESCO-listed Península Valdés.

The Gwangdae , and: Hahoe Talchum (review)

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2010 — WHE7E865E0DB0

Hahoe Talchum, a traditional Korean masked dance-drama once believed lost, has been revived and recognized as one of the most iconic forms of Talchum due to its realistic masks and cultural significance. The study compares two approaches to preserving this art: the Hahoe Mask Dance Drama Preservation Society's historically accurate performances and Gwangdae's improvisational, audience-engaging style. Findings suggest that embracing the spirit of improvisation and satire in performances strengthens preservation efforts more effectively than rigid, scripted presentations. This approach fosters a sense of community and accessibility, making it a more dynamic method for perpetuating traditional Korean arts.

The Hadeninae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2010 — WHE012F65EA4F

A comprehensive survey of the Hadeninae moth subfamily (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA, reveals 52 species across five tribes, with significant diversity hotspots identified. Purchase Knob, Big Cove Road, and Foothills Parkway emerged as the most species-rich localities, hosting 44, 32, and 24 species respectively. Pseudorthodes vecors was the most widespread, recorded from 59 sites, while Polia detracta dominated in abundance with 210 specimens collected. The study provides detailed accounts of adult morphology, flight periods, elevational ranges, larval hosts, and distribution patterns for each species, offering critical insights into the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of this understudied moth group within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The hyporheic assemblage of a recently formed stream following deglaciation in Glacier Bay, Alaska, USA

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2010 — WHE1C8D2D94D5

A diverse hyporheic assemblage of 19 taxa, including copepods, ostracods, cladocerans, tardigrades, and macroinvertebrates, was identified in a recently deglaciated stream in Glacier Bay, Alaska. The study found significant variation in community composition between sites and years, with abundance and diversity being higher where salmon redd-digging disturbance was minimal. This research provides insights into the development of hyporheic communities during primary succession, relevant to both natural and engineered river systems. The investigation used modified PVC wells at four contrasting sites over two years, collecting data on stream temperature, discharge, and suspended solids.

The Identification of Abbots in the Necrologies of Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2010 — WHEE7887BF6A1

A re-evaluation of the identifications of abbots listed in the necrologies of Mont-Saint-Michel, initially proposed by Dom Jean Laporte in 1966, reveals surprising and illuminating hypotheses. This study challenges previous assumptions, offering new insights into the historical records of the site. The research serves as a precursor to a broader work that will delve deeper into the cult of memoria at Mont-Saint-Michel. By critically examining the necrologies, the study employs a methodical approach to refine our understanding of medieval ecclesiastical history.

The identity of Porphyra columbina (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) originally described from the New Zealand subantarctic islands

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2010 — WHEAE26C37038

A re-evaluation of Porphyra columbina, a red algae species originally described from the New Zealand subantarctic islands, reveals its primary distribution in cold temperate regions. This study combines morphological, anatomical, and genetic analyses (nSSU and rbcL sequence data) to clarify the species' identity, distinguishing it from similar forms found elsewhere in the southern hemisphere. Findings indicate that P. columbina is predominantly located in subantarctic islands such as Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, Chatham, and Falkland Islands, with rare occurrences on mainland New Zealand. The species exhibits a rosette to ovate growth form, typically under 5 cm in size, and distinct purple-red phyllospores and golden marginal areas of spermatangia. Five unique rbcL haplotypes were identified, with the most common haplotype shared across multiple subantarctic islands.

The impact of the Krakatoa eruption in 1883 on the population of Rhinoceros sondaicus in Ujung Kulon, with details of rhino observations from 1857 to 1949

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2010 — WHE0E2CB8A0DA

A recent claim that the Krakatoa eruption in 1883 wiped out the entire Javan Rhinoceros population in Ujung Kulon National Park is debunked. Analysis of historical reports reveals that humans and rhinos survived the eruption, with human settlement lasting until 1906 due to tiger predation. Rhino sightings began in 1857, with estimates suggesting a stable population of around 40–50 individuals from 1857 to 1949. The study concludes that Ujung Kulon’s rhino population was not a post-eruption founder group, challenging the narrative of complete devastation.

The importance of beta diversity in local gall-inducing arthropod distribution

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2010 — WHEBC66B6CB92

Research on gall-inducing arthropods in Coiba National Park, Panama, reveals that these species exhibit strong beta diversity, meaning their distribution is highly variable across different sites rather than being uniformly spread. This finding challenges the assumption that geographic distance correlates with similarity in species composition, which has implications for estimating global galling species richness and testing hypotheses about their distribution patterns. The study used field observations to document local arthropod galling species richness and analyzed their spatial distribution, highlighting the importance of beta diversity in understanding biodiversity dynamics in tropical ecosystems.

The Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia

Brasilia — 2010 — WHE62BF59933F

A groundbreaking architectural analysis reveals the Itamaraty Palace, a masterpiece by Oscar Niemeyer in Brasilia, through its intricate spatial organization and innovative design. The study highlights the palace's terrace, or 'varanda,' as its defining feature, showcasing Niemeyer's ability to blend constructive complexity with spatial correlations. By dissecting the building's design, the research underscores its significance within the broader context of modernist architecture in Brazil. This approach combines architectural theory with practical analysis, offering insights into Niemeyer's method and its enduring influence on global design.