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Vulnerability of Venice's coastland to relative sea-level rise

Venice and its Lagoon — 2020 — WHEC41012654A

Venice's coastland, a significant low-lying area in Italy, faces severe threats from relative sea-level rise (RSLR), which combines climate-induced sea-level changes with land subsidence. This study reveals that even minor land subsidence rates of a few millimeters per year can critically impact the region, home to valuable ecosystems, historical heritage, and economic activities. The research employs an index-based model at a regional scale, integrating high-resolution satellite data on land subsidence, ongoing and projected sea-level rise trends, and the morpho-physiographic characteristics of the coastland. This approach highlights the uneven distribution of subsidence across Venice's diverse environments—including farmlands, estuaries, deltas, lagoons, and urban areas—underscoring the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to address RSLR vulnerabilities.

Warmer and less variable temperatures favour an accelerated plant phenology of two invasive weeds across sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2020 — WHE1E2CE53B49

Climate change is enhancing the invasive capabilities of two weed species, Poa annua and Cerastium fontanum, on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. The study found that warmer, less variable temperatures accelerate plant growth and phenological development in P. annua, while temperature variability negatively impacts both species. Despite their distinct reproductive strategies, both species successfully produce seeds across all studied sites, demonstrating remarkable acclimation to extreme conditions. This suggests that climatic warming could significantly boost the invasiveness of alien plants even in remote sub-polar regions, underscoring the urgent need for proactive management to prevent further spread.

Water as an Economic Resource and as an Environmental Challenge Within the Urbanisation Process of the Rhine Valley in the 13th Century

Upper Middle Rhine Valley — 2020 — WHE7925119B23

Medieval urbanization along the Upper and Middle Rhine Valley, particularly in the 13th century, demonstrated the critical role of water as both an economic resource and an environmental challenge. The study reveals that despite the region's humid climate, water management was a complex issue, requiring regulation and political negotiation among town lords, townspeople, and communes. It also highlights how deforestation for urban expansion exacerbated flood risks, posing significant threats to settlements. The research addresses methodological challenges posed by the scarcity of historical sources from this early medieval period, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of water's significance in shaping urban landscapes.

Water collection systems in the prehistory of Menorca: the Circle 6 cistern at Torre d’en Galmés

Talayotic Menorca — 2020 — WHE1A43AE9E9B

A large prehistoric cistern, excavated at the Talayotic settlement of Torre d’en Galmés on Menorca, reveals sophisticated water collection systems used by pre-Talayotic and Talayotic communities (2300–123 BCE). The cistern, which fell into disuse after the 7th and 8th century CE, provides insights into how these societies managed water scarcity, particularly in arid limestone regions. The study links this structure to known architectural features of domestic spaces from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE and compares it with other prehistoric and historic water storage systems on the island. By analyzing the cistern's design and function alongside broader settlement patterns, researchers highlight its significance in understanding ancient water management strategies in Menorca.

Water logging problems in Egypt’s Deserts: Case study Abu Mena archaeological site using geospatial techniques

Abu Mena — 2020 — WHE38E220557F

Rising groundwater levels at Abu Mena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt's desert, pose significant threats to archaeological monuments due to water logging and salt accumulation. The study attributes this phenomenon to hydrological changes, poor drainage systems, and unregulated irrigation practices exacerbated by urban sprawl in the West Al-Nubaria area. Geospatial techniques were employed to analyze these issues, revealing severe land and water resource degradation. The research recommends implementing controlled irrigation, drainage, and sewage management strategies to mitigate these environmental challenges.

Water management problems related major reservoirs and irrigation systems in Polonnaruwa District, Sri lanka

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2020 — WHE460FF45A07

In Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka's dry zone, water scarcity poses significant challenges for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. A study reveals that current irrigation systems fail to meet farmers' demands in terms of adequacy, reliability, and timeliness, despite the region's potential for increased paddy fields through improved water management. The research analyzes monthly reservoir conditions, including rainfall, irrigated area, water yield, and storage levels, focusing on major reservoirs like ParakramaSamudraya, Giritale, Minneriya, and Kaudulla. It highlights the critical need to address water distribution inefficiencies to sustain food production amid growing competition from domestic and industrial sectors. The findings underscore the urgency of optimizing irrigation scheduling to mitigate water scarcity in this vital agricultural region.

Water Quality Index Analysis of Water Pollution of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2020 — WHEFCAAF0F6CF

A comprehensive analysis of water quality in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, reveals significant spatial variations in pollution levels. Using 14 water quality parameters from 41 sampling sites collected in 2019, the study identified four distinct clusters through cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The first principal component indicated that Cluster I and II sites exhibited higher overall pollution levels compared to Cluster III. Notably, the second principal component distinguished between organic and inorganic pollution, with Cluster I and II scoring high for organic pollution while Cluster II also showed elevated inorganic contamination. This suggests localized hotspots of water quality degradation within the bay, warranting targeted conservation efforts.

Water Scarcity and Agricultural and Conservation Policies: Old and New Challenges for Mexican Smallholder Maize Production in the Protected Forests of the Mexico-Guatemala Border

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2020 — WHEAC9FBA34CB

Agricultural and climate policies, not conservation priorities, are the dominant drivers of smallholder maize production changes in Calakmul, Mexico. Despite slightly positive rainfall trends, increased intensity and delayed onset of precipitation events, coupled with shifting agricultural policies, have led to intensified production on smaller areas, shorter fallow periods, and greater reliance on subsidies and inputs. The study, based on 40 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and quantitative precipitation analysis, reveals that successful conservation measures in this UNESCO World Heritage Site must align with agricultural and climate change policies to effectively address water scarcity challenges.

Water Temperature Controls for Regulated Canyon‐Bound Rivers

Grand Canyon National Park — 2020 — WHEC79D3EA349

A study on the Colorado River within Grand Canyon National Park reveals that water temperature dynamics are primarily controlled by shortwave radiation and hydropeaking flow conditions, with significant variability due to topographic shading. The research adapted a dynamic river routing and temperature model to simulate temperatures over 18 years, achieving high accuracy (RMSE of 0.93°C). Findings indicate that reservoir release temperatures dominate upstream thermal regimes, while downstream influences shift toward discharge, shortwave radiation, and air temperature. This underscores the critical role of spatial and temporal shading patterns in predicting water temperatures in canyon-bound rivers.

Water-Risk Management in Tchogha Zanbil World Heritage Site in Iran, with a Focus on the Ancient Management System

Tchogha Zanbil — 2020 — WHED755189B68

Archaeological research at Tchogha Zanbil, Iran, reveals an ancient surface water management system that could be adapted for modern conservation efforts. The site faces significant water-risk challenges due to heavy rainfall and insufficient runoff control strategies, which exacerbate damage to its earthen structures. By analyzing the authenticity values of the site and assessing current water-management issues, this study proposes sustainable approaches inspired by historical techniques. The findings highlight the potential of integrating ancient solutions with contemporary practices to enhance the resilience and preservation of World Heritage Sites.

Waterborne pathogen monitoring in Jaipur, India reveals potential microbial risks of urban groundwater supply

Jaipur City, Rajasthan — 2020 — WHEAE0CEB8F16

A study on waterborne pathogens in Jaipur, India, reveals that conventional 100 mL grab sampling for E. coli may underestimate microbial risks in urban groundwater supplies. Despite the absence of culturable E. coli in 90% of samples (n=20) over a 10-day period, advanced methods like dead-end ultrafiltration (DEUF) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) detected genes associated with protozoan and bacterial pathogens (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and enterotoxigenic E. coli) in three out of nine groundwater samples (volume 59 to 122.4 liters). Two of these positive DEUF samples corresponded to grab samples that tested negative for culturable E. coli, highlighting the limitations of traditional monitoring methods. This research underscores the need for more sensitive techniques to accurately assess and manage pathogen-specific risks in drinking water supplies.

Weakly Supervised Semantic Segmentation For Remote Sensing Hyperspectral Imaging

Teide National Park — 2020 — WHEE837E1CFBD

A novel approach to semantic segmentation using weakly supervised learning significantly outperforms traditional methods, such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), when applied to hyperspectral imaging data from Teide National Park. The proposed Deep Seeded Region Growing system leverages a neural network trained on seeds generated by an SVM, progressively increasing pixel-level supervision through a region-growing algorithm. This method enhances the accuracy and efficiency of vegetation mapping in remote sensing applications, offering a promising alternative for large-scale environmental monitoring.

Web-mapping for ecotourism development: Application in the Ichkeul national park (northern Tunisia)

Ichkeul National Park — 2020 — WHECF266E38F6

A web-based GIS mapping tool, 'Géoweb Ichkeul,' has been developed to promote ecotourism and raise awareness about the ecological significance of Ichkeul National Park in Tunisia. This application offers a cost-effective, user-friendly platform for spatial analysis, benefiting various stakeholders including visitors, managers, and state organizations. The study demonstrates how interactive web mapping can enhance virtual exploration of the park, support sustainable tourism practices, and improve ecosystem conservation efforts. By analyzing the efficiency of web map usage across Tunisian organizations, the research highlights the potential of such tools to streamline ecotourism services and protect biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What Is the Lasting Impact of the Use of Nuclear Weapons During WWII in Japan?

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2020 — WHE2A7E083F4D

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) serves as a focal point for examining the lasting impact of nuclear weapons use during WWII, where conflicting memories converge. This study delves into the complexities of remembering such a history by analyzing primary sources on nuclear weapon proliferation and their consequences in Japan. It culminates in an innovative approach to reimagining the final 10 feet of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, aiming to deepen public understanding through inquiry-based global learning. The research employs a multidisciplinary method, blending historical analysis with educational redesign, offering both academic insight and practical application for remembering and reflecting on nuclear history.

What the COVID-19 lockdown revealed about photochemistry and ozone production in Quito, Ecuador

City of Quito — 2020 — WHEED73D2A90D

The COVID-19 lockdown in Quito, Ecuador, revealed a significant shift in the photochemical regime of ozone production. Despite dramatic drops in primary precursors like NO and CO due to mobility restrictions, ambient ozone levels remained unchanged. Using a chemical box model constrained by observations of ozone, NOx, CO, and meteorology—along with VOC/CO ratios from Mexico City—a study found that reduced NOx during morning rush hours increased ozone production rates by more than 100%, reaching up to 23 ppbv h−1. Further analysis, simulating post-lockdown conditions while maintaining pre-lockdown VOC levels, tripled ozone production in mid-morning and sustained elevated rates throughout the day. These findings highlight the complex interplay between NOx reductions and VOCs in urban photochemistry, offering insights into potential scenarios for ozone accumulation.

When the Rains Stopped: Evapotranspiration and Ontology at Ancient Cahokia

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2020 — WHE4E05791771

Ancient Cahokia's urban development and decline were intricately linked to evapotranspiration, a process central to its culture and spirituality. The research reveals that the city's flourishing during the Medieval Climate Optimum (900–1300 CE) was sustained by the ritualized use of steam baths, which symbolically transferred healing power through water-to-steam transubstantiation. However, drought conditions beginning in the 1100s disrupted this process, contributing to Cahokia's decline. The study combines climate data with archaeological and anthropological evidence to demonstrate how hydrosocial changes—rooted in ontological shifts—shaped the trajectory of Mississippian societies.

Where elephants roam: perceived risk, vulnerability, and adaptation in the Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta — 2020 — WHE12A046BF0B

A study on the Okavango Delta reveals that elephant movements significantly influence human vulnerability and adaptation strategies, particularly in the context of climate change. The research highlights how perceived risks from elephant encounters shape community resilience, with findings suggesting that proactive adaptation measures can mitigate these risks effectively. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis to assess risk perception, vulnerability, and adaptive behaviors among local communities. This work underscores the importance of integrating ecological dynamics into climate change adaptation frameworks in biodiversity hotspots like the Okavango Delta.

Whitebark Pine in the National Parks of the Pacific States: An Assessment of Population Vulnerability

Olympic National Park — 2020 — WHE4187F09B42

A comprehensive assessment of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) populations across seven Pacific State national parks reveals significant vulnerability to non-native white pine blister rust and climate-driven mountain pine beetle outbreaks. The study, conducted by the National Park Service, found that blister rust infected 29 to 54% of trees in most parks, except for Sequoia & Kings Canyon and Yosemite, where infections were minimal (0.3% and 0.2%, respectively). Mortality rates due to beetle outbreaks ranged from 10 to 43% in the affected parks, with projections indicating a potential 25% population decline over the next century under worsening conditions. The research utilized a stochastic, size-structured population model based on Crater Lake data to forecast future trends, highlighting the urgent need for monitoring and conservation efforts to mitigate these threats.

Who Holds the Keys? Identifying Female Administrators at Shahr-i Sokhta

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2020 — WHE65A25930F2

A groundbreaking analysis of seals from Shahr-i Sokhta, Iran, challenges the long-standing assumption that men were primarily responsible for administrative roles in ancient societies. By comparing seals found in necropolises with those used for administrative sealing, researchers identified a striking similarity between seals buried with women and those employed in site administration during the mid-third millennium BC. This suggests that women likely controlled most administrative functions at Shahr-i Sokhta, offering new insights into gender dynamics and economic organization in ancient economies.

Whose right to the city? An analysis of the mediatized politics of place surrounding alojamento local issues in Lisbon and Porto

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2020 — WHE7D256F83D4

A 'rights in the city' approach better captures the complex tensions and conflicts arising from short-term vacation rentals (alojamento local) in Lisbon and Porto, revealing diverse and often conflicting rights claims among stakeholders. The study analyzes interconnected discursive practices—legislation, media coverage, and social media—to demonstrate how regeneration, gentrification, and touristification reshape historic neighborhoods. Unlike Lefebvre’s 'right to the city,' which frames justice and inclusion, this approach highlights overlapping yet contradictory stakeholder interests, offering deeper insight into urban transformations in UNESCO-listed heritage sites.