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Showing 12721 – 12740 of 15962 publications

Mangroves as a Source of Greenhouse Gases to the Atmosphere and Alkalinity and Dissolved Carbon to the Coastal Ocean: A Case Study From the Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park — 2020 — WHE113CA3A98F

Mangroves in the Everglades National Park release significantly more greenhouse gases and dissolved carbon to the atmosphere and coastal ocean than previously estimated. A study found that the Shark River estuary emits substantial amounts of CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) while exporting dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and organic carbon (DOC) at rates several times higher than sediment burial. Notably, most DIC is exported as total alkalinity (TAlk), which persists in the ocean for millennia, acting as a long-term carbon sink. The research used spatial surveys and time-series measurements to quantify these fluxes, linking them to porewater inputs via radon-222 tracking. These findings suggest that future blue carbon budgets must account for both greenhouse gas emissions and alkalinity/dissolved carbon export from mangroves.

Manifiesto "Granada por la guitarra"

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2020 — WHE33AC9A6574

A significant declaration was made on September 7, 2018, during the first 'Granada por la Guitarra' meeting held at the Convento de Santa Inés. This gathering, part of the celebrations for the Day of Solidarity of World Heritage Cities, resulted in a manifesto aimed at defending and promoting the guitar sector within Granada's UNESCO-listed Alhambra, Generalife, and Albayzín sites. The event underscored the cultural importance of the guitar while advocating for its preservation and development, reflecting a broader commitment to safeguarding intangible heritage in World Heritage Cities.

Manipuri Dance in Santiniketan: Shaping the Pedagogy of Rabindranritya

Santiniketan — 2020 — WHE1AC41DA690

Manipuri dance significantly influenced the development of Rabindranritya, a unique dance form shaped by Rabindranath Tagore at Santiniketan. The study reveals that Tagore's exposure to Manipuri dances during Vasantotsava in Tripura (1899) inspired him to integrate its graceful movements and devotion into his own artistic vision. This led to the incorporation of Manipuri dance pedagogy in Santiniketan, where it served as both an aesthetic practice and a physical exercise for boys, reflecting Tagore's innovative approach to blending cultural traditions with educational purposes.

Mantle and Crustal Sources of Magmatic Activity of Klyuchevskoy and Surrounding Volcanoes in Kamchatka Inferred From Earthquake Tomography

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2020 — WHE10191FDCFE

A groundbreaking seismic tomographic model of the Kamchatka region reveals that the magmatic activity beneath Klyuchevskoy and surrounding volcanoes is driven by asthenospheric flow through a slab window at the Kamchatka-Aleutian junction. This study, utilizing unprecedented high-resolution data from local earthquakes recorded during an international experiment (2015–2016), identified high-velocity anomalies in the upper crust linked to ancient basaltic shield volcanoes and a prominent low-velocity anomaly in the uppermost mantle associated with the eastern branch of the Central Kamchatka Depression, interpreted as a recent rift zone. The interaction between hot asthenospheric material and slab-derived fluids is proposed as the key mechanism shaping volcanic activity in this region.

Manuscript illumination in Ottonian and early Salian St Gall: iconography, liturgy and devotion

Abbey of St Gall — 2020 — WHE75C37FAE77

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the Abbey of St Gall, Switzerland, produced some of medieval Europe's most elaborate illuminated manuscripts during the overlooked Ottonian and early Salian periods (c. 975-1075), featuring complex iconographies and innovative liturgical scenes. The study highlights the Hartker Antiphonary as the oldest fully illustrated antiphonary, showcasing intricate devotional inscriptions that offer unprecedented insights into 11th-century perceptions of liturgy. Through meticulous examination of three key manuscripts—the Hartker Antiphonary, the Sigebert Sacramentary, and four Eucharistic texts—researchers uncovered how these works reflected both monastic practices and external patronage, while incorporating exegetical readings from the abbey's library. The findings bridge a historical gap by linking manuscript production to contemporary liturgical symbolism and Carolingian scholarship, providing a nuanced understanding of this period's cultural and religious landscape.

Map and Quantify the Ground Deformation Around Salt Lake in Hoh Xil, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Using Time-Series InSAR From 2006 to 2018

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2020 — WHE8113542576

Significant ground deformation around the Salt Lake in Qinghai Hoh Xil, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was detected using time-series InSAR from 2006 to 2018. Before the 2011 outburst of Zhuonai Lake, deformation rates were minimal (-5 to 5 mm/year). However, post-2014, deformation intensified dramatically, reaching up to -25 mm/year by 2018, correlating with rapid lake expansion and rising water levels. The study employed ENVISAT and Sentinel-1A SAR data, utilizing distributed scatterers and a temperature-related linear deformation model to quantify permafrost instability. Findings underscore the potential hazards of permafrost melting in this region, highlighting time-series InSAR as a critical tool for monitoring environmental changes.

Mapping impact of urbanization in Shahat-Cyrene (Libya) using a big SAR data approach of change detection with COSMO-SkyMed time series

Archaeological Site of Cyrene — 2020 — WHE0631EEC2F7

A novel approach leveraging big Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from the COSMO-SkyMed constellation has demonstrated high accuracy in mapping the spatial and temporal spread of new buildings and road blocks around Shahat, Libya, threatening the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cyrene. The study analyzed over 180 SAR images collected since 2011 at a resolution of 3 meters, revealing finer details and more precise timelines for urban development compared to traditional methods using Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery. This method's higher spatial resolution and frequent observations (every two weeks) provide critical insights into the rapid and unregulated urbanization impacting Cyrene's archaeological landscape.

Mapping Mosques of Old Algiers Before the French Colonial Demolitions: Through Albert Devoulx Manuscript (1870)

Kasbah of Algiers — 2020 — WHE255422BAB7

A precolonial map of Algiers' Casbah, reconstructed from an 1870 manuscript by Albert Devoulx, reveals the extent of French colonial demolition. Of the 167 religious buildings documented before French occupation, only 47 remained by Devoulx's time. This study combines historical manuscripts, military sketches, and literature with modern georeferencing techniques (using ARC-GIS 10.6) to overlay past data on current satellite imagery. The findings shed light on the Casbah's urban transformation, offering insights into colonial historiography while raising awareness about its architectural heritage.

Mapping Nature-based Marine Flooding Risk using VHR Wave, Airborne LiDAR and Satellite Imagery: The Case Study of the Dol Marsh (Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, France)

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2020 — WHEB121FE61CF

A new methodology for mapping marine flooding risk at very high spatial resolution, integrating nature-based solutions, has been developed. This approach combines in situ wave sensors, airborne LiDAR, and satellite imagery to evaluate the wave attenuation capabilities of coastal ecosystems like salt marshes. The study, conducted in the Dol Marsh within the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel (France), introduces an adaptive capacity index that quantifies ecosystem services in risk assessment. By synthesizing exposure, vulnerability, and wave attenuation data into a synthetic risk index (ranging from 0 to 1), the research identifies assets most vulnerable to marine flooding, offering a novel framework for coastal risk management. This method provides valuable insights for balancing nature-based solutions with conventional approaches like hard structures.

Mapping Paleohydrology of the Ephemeral Kuiseb River, Namibia, from Radar Remote Sensing

Namib Sand Sea — 2020 — WHEE76E8BAAC8

Research reveals the hidden paleohydrology of the Kuiseb River, Namibia, using high-resolution radar imaging from the ALOS-2 satellite. The study identified a vast paleochannel system, dubbed the 'Paleo-Kuiseb,' buried beneath aeolian sediments in the southern interdune valleys, confirming its role as a remnant drainage system from the Holocene era. Fieldwork, including ground-penetrating radar and drone-generated digital elevation models, validated these findings, showing how the advancing Namib Sand Sea has pushed the river northward over time. This discovery sheds light on the young age of active linear dunes at the northern edge of the sand sea and their impact on the Kuiseb River's course, offering insights into both past climatic conditions and potential water resources in Western Namibia.

Marie Luise Gotheins "Geschichte der Gartenkunst"

Villa d'Este, Tivoli — 2020 — WHEDE66125EFA

Marie Luise Gothein's seminal work, A History of Garden Art (1914), offers a groundbreaking ecocritical perspective on garden art, particularly through her analysis of sites like Villa d'Este. Her approach, shaped by the reform garden movement and contemporary challenges, reveals how historical narratives are deeply influenced by societal pressures. The study examines Gothein's intellectual and aesthetic frameworks, demonstrating their enduring relevance in understanding gardens as dynamic, evolving artworks. By blending textual and visual descriptions, Gothein’s work provides a foundational lens for interpreting garden art within its historical context.

Markus Borner, a life at the conservation front line

Garamba National Park — 2020 — WHE79B5814C49

Markus Borner, a pioneering conservationist with the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), left an indelible mark on African wildlife protection through his 43-year career. His strategic approach—empowering local rangers and governments while maintaining unwavering focus on conservation priorities—contributed to the establishment of iconic protected areas, including Garamba National Park, Serengeti, and Virunga. Borner’s legacy lies in his ability to foster political commitment for wilderness preservation, often operating in high-risk regions like post-war DRC and Zimbabwe. His work extended beyond species protection (e.g., rhinos, gorillas) to community-based conservation, leaving a lasting impact on Tanzanian scientists and global biodiversity efforts. Recognized with the Blue Planet Prize (2016), Borner’s pragmatic leadership and mentorship shaped modern conservation strategies.

Marshall Islands

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2020 — WHE8523DE33F2

A notable development in the Marshall Islands involved the passing of prominent leaders and figures, including Ruben Zackhras, Bruce Kijiner, Tomaki Juda, and others. Zackhras, a long-serving senator and key figure in the drafting of the Marshall Islands' constitution, left behind a legacy of public service spanning over four decades. Tomaki Juda, one of the last surviving members displaced by U.S. nuclear testing in 1946, played a pivotal role in advocating for radiological studies and securing nearly $200 million in compensation for the people of Bikini Atoll. The period also saw the rise of Kewan Jela, a Facebook group with over 20,000 members, which has significantly influenced political discourse in the Marshall Islands. Additionally, the study highlights ongoing debates around constitutional reforms, nuclear disarmament, and digital currency adoption.

Material study of green stone artifacts from a Teotihuacan complex

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2020 — WHE9F986320B7

A material study of green stone artifacts from the Plaza de las Columnas complex at Teotihuacan reveals significant interregional interactions, particularly with the Maya area. The research, employing advanced imaging techniques and spectroscopies (FTIR, Raman), along with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental analysis via XRF and SEM-EDS, identified a predominance of quartz-carbonate objects alongside rare materials like jadeite, albite, omphacite, and serpentine. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the complex's material sourcing and suggest a sophisticated network of trade or exchange with distant regions, particularly during Teotihuacan's height (100–250 CE). The study underscores the importance of multi-disciplinary approaches in unraveling the cultural and economic dynamics of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.

Material Witnesses: Domestic Architecture and Plantation Landscapes in Early Virginia by Camille Wells

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2020 — WHE4E32CF05C4

Camille Wells' 'Material Witnesses: Domestic Architecture and Plantation Landscapes in Early Virginia' challenges long-held assumptions about colonial-era architecture by analyzing material culture and primary sources. The study reveals that most Virginians lived in small, one- or two-room wooden homes before 1800, with only the top 10% of landholders affording sturdier, expensively finished houses. Wells demonstrates that large brick mansions, often perceived as representative of colonial Virginia, were exceptions, accounting for less than 2% of the population. Through a career-spanning analysis of hundreds of structures, she argues that studying extant landscapes out of context can be misleading but offers new insights when approached with fresh questions. The work also highlights the architectural experiences of marginalized Virginians, providing a more nuanced understanding of early American society.

Materiales arqueológicos de la Colección Schuel de Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina) en el National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian Institution)

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2020 — WHEF802EEA1BA

A significant collection of archaeological materials from the Quebrada de Humahuaca, previously misrecorded as originating from Calilegua, has been identified within the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) at the Smithsonian Institution. This discovery clarifies that the artifacts were excavated by Karl Schuel between 1920 and 1923 in various sites along the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The study leverages an inventory maintained by Schuel, which matches objects from the NMAI collection, thereby correcting their provenance. Researchers also evaluate the potential of these materials to advance understanding of the late pre-Hispanic history (1000–1600 d.C.) of the region.

Mathematical Modeling of the Processes Formations of Stocks in Low Water Period (on the example of the Kitab-Shahrisabz aquifer)

Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz — 2020 — WHE84E763A1A5

Mathematical modeling reveals critical insights into the depletion of groundwater stocks during low-water periods, particularly under intensive extraction conditions. The study focuses on the Kitab-Shahrisabz aquifer in Uzbekistan's Kashkadarya region, where operational water withdrawal exceeds natural replenishment rates, leading to significant depletion of capacitive reserves. By analyzing hydrogeological data and simulating groundwater dynamics, researchers identified key factors influencing groundwater formation, including changes in water intake conditions and surface runoff interconnections. The findings underscore the urgency of implementing automated monitoring systems to sustainably manage groundwater resources in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This approach provides a framework for assessing similar aquifers globally.

Measuring resident place attachment in a World Cultural Heritage tourism context: the case of Hoi An (Vietnam)

Hoi An Ancient Town — 2020 — WHE0286CA7601

Local residents in Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam, exhibit strong and positive place attachment to their World Cultural Heritage site, shaped by dimensions of emotional affinity (place affect), identity (place identity), and reliance on the heritage for well-being (place dependence). This finding highlights how UNESCO designation fosters deep connections between residents and their cultural environment. The study developed a scalable measurement tool using semi-structured interviews with 38 participants followed by a survey of 405 residents, offering insights into the role of heritage status in structuring resident-tourist dynamics.

Mechanical Properties of Weathered Feldspar Sandstone after Experiencing Dry‐Wet Cycles

Yungang Grottoes — 2020 — WHED5090F6576

Salt crystallization significantly accelerates the deterioration of feldspar sandstone, with weathering effects up to 73% more severe than water alone. The study subjected Yungang Grottoes' stone to dry-wet cycles, revealing that salt-weathering (Group B) caused peak strength losses of 72.39%, while water exposure (Group A) resulted in a 48.53% decline. Surface roughness increased by up to 3.34 µm under salt conditions, driven by crystallization stress and chemical reactions with minerals like feldspar and calcite. Water-weathering primarily involved hydrolysis of K-Na feldspar and clay mineral swelling. These findings provide critical data for assessing the stability and guiding conservation efforts at the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes.

Mediating effect on landscape experience in scenic area: a case study in Gulangyu Island, Xiamen City

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2020 — WHE8EFA389B74

Research on Kulangsu (Gulangyu) Island, Xiamen City, reveals significant mediating effects of service provision—particularly catering and recreational facilities—on the relationship between visual and auditory landscape perceptions. Catering experiences notably mediate between sculpture appreciation and auditory comfort (13.87%), while recreational facilities influence natural scenery perception and auditory harmony (15.64%). These findings underscore the integrated nature of sensory and psychological experiences in landsenses ecology, offering critical insights for scenic area planning, design, and management to enhance visitor satisfaction.