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Showing 13301 – 13320 of 15962 publications

Synoptic-scale controls of fog and low-cloud variability in the Namib Desert

Namib Sand Sea — 2020 — WHEF8EF8DEDA2

Synoptic-scale atmospheric disturbances significantly influence fog and low-cloud formation in the Namib Desert, enhancing their occurrence through two primary mechanisms: increased longwave cooling of the marine boundary layer due to a drier free troposphere and onshore advection of marine air masses. A 14-year dataset of satellite observations, combined with reanalysis data, revealed that fog/low-cloud days exhibit distinct large-scale pressure patterns compared to clear days, with advected marine air masses dominating over subsiding continental air masses. These findings, supported by air mass back trajectories and wind pattern analysis, challenge the notion that Namib fog is purely locally generated, instead highlighting its advective nature and maintenance through cloud-top radiative cooling. The study also identified seasonal variations in synoptic-scale influences on fog variability, providing a new conceptual model to guide future research on coastal fog regimes.

Systematic mapping of developmental milestones in wild chimpanzees

Taï National Park — 2020 — WHEDA8F143D25

A systematic mapping of developmental milestones in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) reveals that gross motor skills emerge at around 4 months, followed by communication traits at 12 months, social interaction traits at 14 months, and fine motor traits at 15 months. Later-emerging milestones show greater inter-individual variation in timing, suggesting a prolonged infantile phase with sustained skills development. This pattern mirrors observations in humans, indicating that extended developmental periods have deep evolutionary roots and implications for primate brain evolution. The study analyzed a longitudinal sample of 19 wild chimpanzee infants from Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary drivers of protracted postnatal development.

Systematic Method for Monitoring and Early-Warning of Garden Heritage Ontology Used in the Suzhou Classical Garden Heritage

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2020 — WHEF8D8FEFDA1

A systematic method for monitoring and early-warning of garden heritage ontologies, applied to the Suzhou Classical Gardens, demonstrates how fuzzy cluster analysis can integrate qualitative and quantitative indicators to assess heritage states. This approach enables matching heritage conditions with specific warning grades through data similarity matrices, membership matrices, and fuzzy equivalence matrices. The model, tested on five types of heritage ontologies comprising 27 monitoring indicators, leverages MATLAB for precise early-warning results. Its adaptability allows for expansion or refinement of heritage categories, making it a robust tool for comprehensive heritage assessment.

Systematics of Trace Elements in Sediments from the North-Western Caucasus Mud Volcanoes

Western Caucasus — 2020 — WHECBE7997B37

A study of trace elements in sediments from the North-Western Caucasus mud volcanoes reveals significant geochemical heterogeneity, indicating a diverse composition of their sources. Unlike other regions such as the Junggar Basin and Andaman Islands, these sediments show a wide range of compositions, mixing 'felsic' and 'mafic' components in varying proportions (~100:1 to 50:50). This suggests a complex geological history, with contributions from both felsic (granitic) and mafic (basaltic) rocks. The research compares trace element distributions with global standards like PAAS (average Australian post-Archean shale) and local clays, highlighting unique patterns in elements such as Mo, Sr, Y, Nb, and Ba. Geochemical diagrams further support the presence of both immature and mature components, offering insights into the region's geological evolution.

Taphonomic information from the modern vertebrate death assemblage of Doñana National Park, Spain

Doñana National Park — 2020 — WHEE636085D40

Modern death assemblages in Doñana National Park, Spain, reveal significant insights into the early stages of fossilization and the ecology of vertebrate species. The study found that lake-margin and river-margin habitats offer the highest potential for fossil preservation due to high concentrations of well-preserved bones undergoing burial. Active depositional environments, such as marshlands and beaches, show more bone breakage and scavenging marks, primarily from wild boar and red foxes. Large land mammals, especially wild and feral ungulates, dominate the bone assemblage, with good overall preservation attributed to low predator pressure on large vertebrates. The spatial distribution of species in death assemblages reflects their preferred habitats during life, with meadows being a notable winter habitat for male deer, as indicated by shed antlers. This research underscores the value of taphonomic studies in understanding both modern and past ecosystems.

Taxonomic Analysis of the Hydrophilic Flora of the Samarkand Region (Uzbekistan)

Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures — 2020 — WHE8ADC98E221

A taxonomic analysis of the hydrophilic flora in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, reveals 72 species of aquatic and coastal plants across 51 genera, 32 families, and 5 classes. The study highlights that Potamogetonaceae, Poaceae, Cyperaceae, and Polygonaceae constitute 43% of these species, with perennials dominating at 77.8%. Additionally, seven water moss species were identified in the region's reservoirs. This research underscores the diversity and ecological significance of aquatic plants, which play a crucial role in local food chains by serving as vital resources for various animal groups.

Taxonomic determination of the cryptogenic red alga, Chondria tumulosa sp. nov., (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawai‘i, USA: A new species displaying invasive characteristics

Papahānaumokuākea — 2020 — WHE2015BCB1FD

Researchers have identified and described a new species of red alga, Chondria tumulosa, found in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawai‘i. This discovery stems from NOAA survey cruises in 2016 and 2019 that uncovered an undetermined seaweed rapidly covering benthic areas at Pearl and Hermes Atoll. Through light microscopy and molecular analysis—including mitochondrial COI barcode marker, plastidial rbcL gene, and nuclear SSU gene—the study confirmed the alga's unique genus-level placement within Rhodomelaceae. Chondria tumulosa is distinguished by its large, robust thalli, mat-forming tendency, and distinct morphological traits. While not meeting the criteria for an invasive species, its sudden appearance and rapid proliferation in this pristine, uninhabited island chain raise concerns about potential ecological impacts.

Taxonomic review of the lace bug genus Omoplax ( Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae ) endemic to “ Oriental Galapagos ” (the Ogasawara Islands, Japan ) with the description of its new allied genus and species

Ogasawara Islands — 2020 — WHE6D07EE1E30

A taxonomic review of lace bugs (family Tingidae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan—nicknamed the 'Oriental Galapagos'—identifies three species belonging to two endemic genera: Acanthomoplax tomokunii gen. et sp. nov., Omoplax desecta, and O. majorcarinae. This study represents a significant contribution to the understanding of biodiversity in this isolated archipelago, providing a key for species identification. The research builds on prior work by Horváth (1912) and Guilbert (2001), expanding the taxonomic framework with a newly described genus and species. The Ogasawara Islands' unique ecological setting makes this study particularly valuable for conservation efforts and comparative studies in island biogeography.

Tea drinking and the tastescapes of wellbeing in tourism

Old Town of Lijiang — 2020 — WHE06ED1CB03F

Tea drinking in tourist destinations can significantly contribute to wellbeing by fostering spatial, temporal, and social connections. The concept of 'tastescapes' highlights how tea activities in places like Lijiang Old Town create closeness to nature, slow down life's rhythm, and build social bonds through shared experiences. This study reveals that wellbeing is relational, emerging from interactions between humans, tea, and the environment rather than being an intrinsic quality. The research involved analyzing why guesthouse owners organize tea activities for tourists and how some tourists favor tea drinking for relaxation, using Lijiang Old Town as a case study.

Technical Proposal for Revitalizing the Eastern Buddha Statue in Bamiyan

Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley — 2020 — WHE4C4ED33E98

The Bamiyan Valley, home to two colossal Buddha statues that symbolized the westward spread of Buddhism, faced irreparable loss when both statues were destroyed in 2001. Despite the complete destruction of mural paintings and the eastern statue's body, its back wall remained intact, offering a foundation for potential reconstruction or revitalization. A technical proposal by Maeda et al. (2020) outlines innovative approaches to revitalizing the Eastern Buddha Statue, emphasizing national consensus in Afghanistan and leveraging advanced technologies. This initiative aims not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to boost tourism in Bamiyan Province, underscoring the significance of collaborative efforts involving UNESCO, international experts, and local authorities.

Techniques for Mosaics Documentation through Photogrammetry Data Acquisition. The Byzantine Mosaics of the Nativity Church

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2020 — WHEF99FBD5366

A robust, replicable methodology for high-resolution documentation of Byzantine mosaics using photogrammetry has been established. By systematically testing and comparing survey instruments and acquisition techniques, researchers achieved unprecedented detail in ortho images of the Nativity Church's mosaics—enabling precise digitization of individual tiles. This approach not only advances mosaic preservation but also introduces an automated vectorization system for large-scale data management. The study demonstrates that structured photogrammetric processes can be adapted to other heritage contexts, bridging traditional documentation with modern digital techniques.

Tectonic Implications: Zircon age of Sedimentary Rocks from Khabarovsk, Samarka, and Zhuravlevka-Amur Terranes in the Northern Sikhote-Alin Orogenic Belt

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2020 — WHE57DC26A9DC

A groundbreaking study reveals that sedimentary rocks in the northern Sikhote-Alin Orogenic Belt, part of Russia's UNESCO-listed Central Sikhote-Alin, have significantly younger isotopic ages than previously accepted stratigraphic records. This challenges long-standing geological assumptions about the region's tectonic history. Researchers analyzed detrital zircons from 20 sedimentary rock samples across three terranes—Khabarovsk, Samarka, and Zhuravlevka–Amur—to trace their origins. The findings indicate that rocks in the Khabarovsk Terrane and parts of the Zhuravlevka–Amur Terrane were sourced from the eastern Central Asian Belt, while others originated from the North China Craton. This study provides critical insights into the tectonic evolution of the Sikhote-Alin region, offering a revised framework for understanding its geological development.

Tectonic Record of Deformation in Intraplate Domains: Case Study of Far-Field Deformation in the Grands Causses Area, France

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHE9E82454178

A new tectonic study reveals that the Grands Causses region, an intraplate domain north of the Pyrenean orogeny, has experienced far longer and more complex deformation than previously understood. Contrary to prior assumptions, the so-called 'Pyrenean deformation' began around 100 million years ago (Ma) during the Barremian-Aptian epoch, not during the late Eocene as thought, and persisted for over 60-70 million years. This challenges the conventional view of tectonic plates as rigid blocks, demonstrating that intraplate domains can be highly sensitive to deformation from neighboring plate activities. The research combined tectonic analysis with synkinematic geochronology of fault-related calcites, providing a novel timeline for both Mesozoic extension and subsequent compressional events linked to Pyrenean basin dynamics.

Tel Ḥaẓor – 2018

Biblical Tels - Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba — 2020 — WHE8A9C2591A2

The 2018 excavation at Tel Hazor, led by A. Ben-Tor and S. Bechar, uncovered significant archaeological insights into the site's layered history, spanning multiple periods of human occupation. The expedition, involving over 70 international participants, employed advanced surveying, conservation, and documentation techniques to explore Area M3, supervised by S. Greenberg in Area M4. Key findings included the identification of well-preserved structures and artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age, contributing to our understanding of ancient urban development and trade networks in the region. The excavation, supported by multiple institutions including the Selz Foundation and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was conducted in collaboration with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, ensuring adherence to modern conservation standards.

Temperature impacts community structure and function of phototrophic Chloroflexi and Cyanobacteria in two alkaline hot springs in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2020 — WHE489ABDCFDF

Temperature plays a key role in shaping the distribution and activity of phototrophic Chloroflexi alongside Cyanobacteria in alkaline hot springs, challenging previous assumptions that only temperature constrains these microbial communities. While phototrophic Cyanobacteria richness and oxygenic photosynthesis declined with increasing temperature, Chloroflexi maintained diversity and anoxygenic photosynthetic rates even at near the upper thermal limits (~72-73°C). This suggests niche differentiation among Chloroflexi taxa, potentially influenced by factors beyond temperature such as morphology or metabolic pathways. The study used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and photoassimilation microcosms to analyze samples from 45 to 72°C in two Yellowstone hot springs, revealing distinct temperature-driven distributions for Roseiflexus, Chloroflexus (Chloroflexi), and Leptococcus (Cyanobacteria). Carbon isotopic data further indicated shifting metabolic pathways with temperature. These findings highlight the resilience and adaptability of phototrophic Chloroflexi in extreme environments.

Temple places: Excavating cultural sustainability in prehistoric Malta

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2020 — WHEB4D3681A81

New evidence from the FRAGSUS Project reveals that Neolithic Malta experienced dynamic settlement patterns with periods of depopulation and recolonization, shaped by environmental stress and economic shifts. Excavations at Santa Verna (Gozo) uncovered the earliest known occupation on the islands, dating back to at least 5000 BCE, while studies at Ġgantija and Skorba provided insights into temple chronology and soil management practices. The project integrated environmental, settlement, and population data, demonstrating how Malta's early inhabitants adapted creatively to changing conditions over millennia. Additional findings from Taċ-Ćawla and In-Nuffara shed light on subsistence strategies and the late prehistoric decline of Malta's environment.

Temporal annual and seasonal NDVI variation of Sagarmatha national park, Nepal and its relationship with precipitation and soil moisture

Sagarmatha National Park — 2020 — WHE71CA262386

A study analyzing Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) from 2000 to 2018 found that greenery, including forests, shrubs, grasslands, and agricultural lands, increased over this period. This growth was attributed to the inverse relationship between vegetation changes and both precipitation and soil moisture levels. The research used satellite-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), along with precipitation and soil moisture data, to assess these trends. The findings indicate that the park's greenery has been well-preserved, providing valuable ecological insights for future conservation policies and social planning in the region.

Temporal Changes in Number of Breeding Individuals of the Amami Tip-Nosed Frog

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2020 — WHEB3C6E670F4

A rapid decline in breeding activity was observed among the endangered Amami tip-nosed frog (Odorrana amamiensis) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. The study, conducted over eight days in late 2015, documented a high density of breeding individuals—over 200—with active mating calls around a small stream at night for three consecutive days, followed by a sharp decrease. This is the first quantification of such temporal changes in this species. Notably, while primarily nocturnal, some frogs were observed during daylight, suggesting daytime field research could be safer and more efficient than nighttime surveys, given the presence of venomous snakes like the Habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis). These findings provide critical insights for conservation efforts, highlighting the need to understand breeding ecology to protect this threatened amphibian.

Terahertz time-domain imaging of “The Last Supper”

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2020 — WHE490CAE9AC4

Terahertz time-domain imaging has revealed the internal structure of Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper,' providing new insights into the wall painting's composition. This non-invasive technique confirmed earlier estimates based on fragment samples, offering a deeper understanding of the artwork's layered complexity without requiring physical intervention. The study leveraged terahertz waves to penetrate the painting and map its internal layers, supporting conservation efforts by validating prior hypotheses about its structure.

Terrestrial Vertebrate Biodiversity in Protected Areas and Indigenous Areas of the Amazon Basin

Central Amazon Conservation Complex — 2020 — WHE681E08904D

Protected Areas and Indigenous Territories in the Amazon Basin collectively harbor nearly 95% of terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This study estimates that these conservation units protect 1,188 amphibian species, 947 reptile species, 2,454 bird species, and 860 mammal species—representing 94.67% of Amazonian terrestrial vertebrates, 53.91% of South American species, and 14.92% globally. While National and Subnational Protected Areas alone cover 90.05% of Amazonian vertebrates, Indigenous Territories contribute significantly, housing 85.49%. The research analyzed alpha-diversity at a 1 km² scale and beta-diversity across the basin, revealing high species concentrations in the western Amazon for amphibians (up to 138/km²) and mammals (203/km²), while birds peak at 596/km². Complementarity analysis showed that combining these conservation units effectively protects critical biodiversity hotspots, though individual management categories fall short. Deforestation rates are significantly lower in these areas, underscoring their strategic importance for global biodiversity conservation.