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Acoustic Surveys for Bats are Improved by Taking Habitat Type into Account

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2019 — WHE1C3963CB6C

Taking habitat type into account significantly improves the accuracy of bat species identification using acoustic surveys. A study at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada, found that echolocation calls recorded near cluttered habitats (e.g., tree edges) were more accurate for distinguishing between Myotis evotis, M. lucifugus, and M. ciliolabrum compared to those recorded in open spaces (coulees). The researchers created a local call library by recording bats in both habitat types and found that models trained on calls from cluttered environments performed better. This highlights the importance of incorporating local habitat context when developing acoustic monitoring tools for bat species, enhancing identification accuracy and model reliability.

Acoustics of Margravial Opera House Bayreuth

Margravial Opera House Bayreuth — 2019 — WHE6268420549

The Margravial Opera House Bayreuth, a well-preserved 18th-century Baroque court theatre, offers unique acoustic insights into historical opera house design. Recent measurements reveal its reverberation time (RT), early decay time (EDT), and clarity factor, providing a benchmark for comparison with contemporary Italian theatres of similar age. Using balloons and hand-claps as sound sources, researchers characterized the auditorium's impulse response post-renovation, highlighting its intact bell-shaped design and decoratively painted canvas. This study contributes to understanding the acoustic evolution of opera houses, bridging historical preservation and modern acoustical analysis.

Additions to the aphid fauna of Wrangel Island due to climate change with redescription of the oviparous female of Pterocomma groenlandicum Hille Ris Lambers, 1952 (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea)

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2019 — WHE63579D44C0

Climate warming in the Russian High Arctic is linked to an increase in aphid species diversity on Wrangel Island, as evidenced by new data collected in 2015. Researchers identified three additional aphid species—Brachycaudus rumexicolens, Cavariella aegopodii, and Pemphigus saliciradicis—bringing the total to seven. Notably, P. saliciradicis represents the first record for Russia, while C. aegopodii was previously unknown in tundra landscapes. A significant rise in the abundance of Metopolophium sabihae was also documented. The study suggests that these changes are driven by climate change, with detailed redescriptions provided for one species, Pterocomma groenlandicum.

Adsorption of Crude Oil Polar Components onto Silica-Rich Chalk and its Impact on Wetting

Stevns Klint — 2019 — WHE3F2DECF6DB

A comparative study of silica-rich Aalborg chalk and pure Stevns Klint chalk reveals that silica content significantly influences the adsorption of polar crude oil components, particularly basic compounds. While acidic component adsorption was less pronounced than in pure chalk, basic component adsorption was notably higher due to negatively charged silicate surfaces. This process instantaneously alters the water-wetness of Aalborg chalk, reducing its initial wettability after crude oil exposure. The findings provide critical insights for modeling initial reservoir wetting and understanding oil production dynamics in chalk reservoirs under normal water injection or Smart Water wettability alteration techniques.

Aegicetus gehennae, a new late Eocene protocetid (Cetacea, Archaeoceti) from Wadi Al Hitan, Egypt, and the transition to tail-powered swimming in whales

Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) — 2019 — WHED6E6B3A0E9

Aegicetus gehennae, a new protocetid whale species from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) in Egypt, represents a significant step in the evolution of whales towards tail-powered swimming. This late Eocene fossil, dating back to the early-Priabonian age, exhibits distinctive cranial and postcranial features, including ventrally-deflected exoccipitals and an exceptionally broad sternum. The specimen's vertebral column formula (7:15:4:4:9+) and reduced hind limbs suggest a more fully aquatic lifestyle compared to earlier protocetids. Unlike later whales, Aegicetus likely lacked a tail fluke, indicating that the transition to tail-powered swimming involved mid-body-and-tail undulation rather than a fully developed fluke. This discovery sheds light on the morphological changes accompanying the shift from foot-powered to tail-powered locomotion in early whales.

Aging-Suitability of Urban Waterfront Open Spaces in Gongchen Bridge Section of the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal — 2019 — WHE226502B001

Urban waterfront open spaces, particularly along the Grand Canal—a global heritage site—can significantly enhance the quality of life for elderly populations. A study focusing on the Gongchen Bridge section identified five key factors influencing elderly satisfaction: environment, function, transportation, social culture, and vision. Environmental and functional aspects emerged as the most critical, guiding design recommendations to improve accessibility, comfort, and social engagement. This research provides actionable insights for creating aging-friendly urban spaces, promoting social participation, and addressing the challenges of an aging society.

Aglaonema costatum f. concolor Nicolson (Araceae): a new record for the flora of Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2019 — WHEA730F13A06

A new botanical record for Vietnam's flora, Aglaonema costatum f. concolor (Araceae), has been documented in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province. This discovery expands the known diversity of Aglaonema species in the region and contributes to the understanding of its morphological variation. The study provides detailed field photographs highlighting key morphological traits and offers an updated identification key for all recognized Aglaonema taxa in Vietnam, aiding both taxonomic research and conservation efforts.

Agricultura a pequeña escala en tierras altas y tierras bajas. Estudio comparativo entre la Quebrada de Humahuaca y el partido de Florencio Varela

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2019 — WHE64888A39C3

Families migrating from the high-altitude Quebrada de Humahuaca to the periurban region of Florencio Varela, Argentina, retain and adapt agricultural knowledge, demonstrating a form of food sovereignty through small-scale production. The study, comparing these regions, highlights how migrant families integrate local practices with new socio-environmental conditions, ensuring food security despite migration. Methodologically, it combines census data analysis with ethnographic fieldwork to characterize producers and their productive-food systems. This research underscores the resilience of small-scale agriculture in mobile populations and its role in sustaining food autonomy.

Agricultural Expansion in the Brazilian Cerrado: Increased Soil and Nutrient Losses and Decreased Agricultural Productivity

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2019 — WHEC5859DBF1A

Agricultural expansion in the Brazilian Cerrado, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks, is significantly increasing soil loss, nutrient depletion, and reducing agricultural productivity. Research using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and GIS analysis found that annual soil loss rose from 10.4 to 12.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1 between 2000 and 2012, while severely eroded areas lost 13.1 to 25.9 times more nutrients than less affected regions. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable soil management policies in this critical agricultural region.

Agriculture changes soil properties on the Galápagos Islands – two case studies

Galápagos Islands — 2019 — WHEA7C681734F

Agricultural expansion on the Galápagos Islands significantly alters soil properties, threatening sustainability. A study comparing arable and forest soils on Santa Cruz (El Cascajo) and San Cristóbal (Cerro Verde) found that intensive farming reduces organic carbon stocks by 25% at Cerro Verde—though not significantly at El Cascajo—and decreases microbial biomass carbon and dissolved organic carbon. Nutrient imbalances, such as increased nitrate-N and decreased ammonium-N, along with pesticide residues, suggest agrochemical impacts. These findings highlight the need for sustainable agricultural practices to preserve soil health in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Agroforestry Systems of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: Land Use for Biocultural Diversity Conservation

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2019 — WHE61DA599AC2

A recent study reveals that the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico—a semiarid region and UNESCO World Heritage Site—has seen a 9% increase in agroforestry systems (AFS) over conventional agricultural systems (CAS), alongside natural ecosystem regeneration due to agricultural land abandonment. Despite concerns about decline, AFS, which preserve biocultural diversity, now cover 51% of agricultural land. The research used high-resolution imagery and fieldwork to track land-use changes from 1995–2003 to 2012 across five communities, finding that gentle slopes and road proximity influenced agricultural persistence. While natural ecosystems dominate (over 85%), traditional AFS practices are being revived for conservation, aligning with the region's preservation goals.

Aïn Bou Rkhiss and Aïn Kibrit, two springs from the Merguellil basin (Kairouan, central Tunisia): diatom assemblages, biological polluosensitivity indices hydrogeology and societal aspects

Kairouan — 2019 — WHEB296E89291

A new variety of the diatom genus Luticola was identified from springs in the Merguellil basin, Kairouan, Tunisia. The study revealed that these springs, despite their proximity and shared geological context, exhibit distinct bio-geochemical characteristics and uses—one supplying drinking water for domestic use, the other sulfur-rich water. Biological pollution sensitivity indices (BDI and SPI) indicated lower water quality than perceived by local users, suggesting a potential gap in knowledge about alternative high-quality water sources or limitations of European-derived assessment methods when applied to southern diatoms. The research combined diatom assemblage surveys with physical-chemical measurements to evaluate ecological status and societal perceptions of groundwater circulation.

Air quality trends of the Kathmandu Valley: A satellite, observation and modeling perspective

Kathmandu Valley — 2019 — WHEA93FF39F66

Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, has increased by approximately 50–60% over the past two decades (2000–2015), with background pollution contributing an additional 20–25%. This finding was derived from satellite data (MODIS AOD) and supported by in-situ measurements and modeling. The study highlights the significant impact of background aerosol loading on local air quality, particularly during the dry season (November–June). Despite using advanced models like WRF-STEM and WRF-Chem, pollution levels were underestimated, suggesting gaps in current modeling approaches. Reduced visibility in Kathmandu is linked to this background pollution, emphasizing its role in urban air degradation.

Air temperature trends, variability and extremes across the Solomon Islands: 1951-2011s

Henderson Island — 2019 — WHE557CD17DB3

A significant warming trend has been observed across the Solomon Islands from 1951 to 2011, with mean annual temperatures rising by 0.14 to 0.39 °C per decade at seven weather stations. This shift is marked by an increase in warm days (2.2 days/decade) and warm nights (0.8 nights/decade), alongside a decrease in cool days (0.4 days/decade) and cool nights (1.4 nights/decade). The study, utilizing daily minimum and maximum temperature data from all operational stations, reveals that Taro has the highest mean temperature due to its equatorial proximity, while Henderson Island, part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recorded the lowest average at 26.9°C. Honiara's elevation contributes to its warmest temperatures during June through October. Overall, the Solomon Islands' climate has warmed significantly, with implications for regional ecosystems and heritage sites.

Air-Sea Heat Flux Variability in the Southeast Indian Ocean and Its Relation With Ningaloo Niño

Ningaloo Coast — 2019 — WHE33454E13A5

This study reveals that latent heat flux anomalies play a dominant role in modulating sea surface temperature (SST) variability during the Ningaloo Niño, particularly during its recovery phase. Large negative latent heat flux anomalies contribute significantly to SST cooling, driven by high SST and strong winds. However, uncertainties in latent heat flux estimates vary depending on the phase of the Ningaloo Niño, with discrepancies arising from differences in bulk flux algorithms and atmospheric variables like wind speed and air specific humidity. The research used multiple datasets to investigate air-sea heat flux variability, highlighting the importance of high-resolution SST data to reduce errors during onset and peak phases.

Airborne LiDAR Reveals a Vast Archaeological Landscape at the Nan Madol World Heritage Site

Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia — 2019 — WHED6E2AB9B6C

Airborne LiDAR survey at the Nan Madol World Heritage Site and adjacent Temwen Island revealed a sophisticated, irrigated cultivation system—the first of its kind documented in the Central and Eastern Caroline Islands. This system, characterized by wet, cultivable areas connected by water channels or separated by earthen berms (which may also have been cultivated), demonstrates remarkable complexity in labor investment and organization, comparable to Nan Madol itself. The site, constructed over a millennium as the seat of the Saudeleur Dynasty (1200–1600 CE), is the largest archaeological site in Micronesia. If the cultivation system dates to this period, it could provide critical insights into the economic foundations of Nan Madol's regional dominance and its role in Pacific island trade networks.

Al-Ain’s Cultural Landscape: Identity, Innovation and Sustainability in a Challenging Economy

Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas) — 2019 — WHE7EF3B753F4

Al-Ain, the second-largest city in Abu Dhabi Emirate, faces systemic fragility as its traditional urban fabric and cultural identity grapple with rapid expansion and economic pressures. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 for its archaeological sites and oases, Al-Ain's growth has accelerated post-oil discovery, replacing traditional typologies with new constructions inspired by diverse models. This study examines the conflict between identity preservation and innovation, highlighting how urban transformation and regenerative processes are reshaping the city's landscape while challenging its sustainability. The research focuses on the interaction between place-specific history and modern development, revealing a delicate balance between heritage conservation and economic adaptation.

Algiers (Al-Jaza’ir), Algeria

Kasbah of Algiers — 2019 — WHE76F07EA3EB

The Kasbah of Algiers stands as a testament to the city's layered history and architectural evolution. Situated above the modern French section along the Bay of Algiers, it features a labyrinthine layout with whitewashed structures that reflect its rich past. This site offers a unique blend of Mediterranean coastal charm and the cultural depth of North Africa, serving as a living example of urban development and preservation. The Kasbah's significance lies in its ability to encapsulate the transition from ancient to contemporary, providing insights into the city's enduring legacy.

Alteration of groundwater recharge areas due to land use/cover change in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2019 — WHE777F922454

A significant alteration of groundwater recharge areas is projected in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, due to rapid urbanization. Between 2020 and 2050, built-up areas are expected to increase by 21.4%, while agricultural land and forest areas will decrease by 20.5% and 0.9%, respectively. This shift is projected to reduce open land available for groundwater recharge by 6% per decade, potentially leading to a decline in groundwater levels and affecting urban water environments, including river base flows. The study utilized the CLUE-S model for future land use/cover (LULC) projections, GIS for spatial analysis, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for weighting recharge-influencing factors, and field tests for infiltration rate analysis to assess these changes.

Amazigh language use, perceptions and revitalisation in Morocco: the case of Rabat-Sale region

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage — 2019 — WHE3534F06DED

A study on the Rabat-Sale region reveals that despite efforts to revitalize the Amazigh language, its use remains unstable across various domains due to a lack of genuine political commitment. The research, which employed methodological triangulation involving both quantitative and qualitative data collection from 151 informants, highlights the need for democratic implementation of Amazigh's official status to enhance its social visibility, fulfill its role as an official language, and ensure its perpetuation. This study underscores the disconnect between constitutional provisions and practical application, calling for stronger political will to support linguistic revitalization.