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Gemstones in the Era of the Taj Mahal and the Mughals

Taj Mahal — 2019 — WHE6E4A6AF5BD

The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, features intricate gemstone inlay work known as 'pietra dura' or 'parchin kari.' This study examines the historical significance and architectural details of these decorative elements, which were crafted by 20,000 artisans from across Asia using materials sourced during the Mughal era (1632-1653). The research highlights the meticulous craftsmanship involved in adorning the mausoleum with ornamental gemstones, contributing to its status as a masterpiece of global architectural heritage. The study also contextualizes the Taj Mahal within the bustling city of Agra, challenging the perception of its serene isolation.

Generic Energy Efficiency Assessment for heritage buildings; Wekalat El-Ghouri as a case study, Cairo, Egypt

Historic Cairo — 2019 — WHE52A1E5C6CB

A study on Wekalat El-Ghouri, a historic building in UNESCO-listed Islamic Cairo, reveals that its original 40 cm brick walls offer superior energy efficiency compared to modern alternatives like 12 cm and 25 cm envelopes. Using eQuest simulations and a generic sustainability rating criterion, researchers found that the traditional design earned the highest green ratings, highlighting the enduring effectiveness of passive design strategies in heritage conservation. This case study underscores the potential for integrating historic architectural principles into sustainable building practices.

Genetic Characterization of Melipona subnitida Stingless Bee in Brazilian Northeast

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2019 — WHE5AAA43DB04

A unique mitochondrial haplotype of the stingless bee Melipona subnitida was identified exclusively in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, differing from known haplotypes in the Caatinga biome. This suggests distinct evolutionary processes at play in contrasting environments like arid regions and sandbanks. The study highlights M. subnitida's remarkable resilience to extreme conditions, including prolonged droughts, where colonies shrink to essential tasks during resource scarcity. Given climate change predictions for Northeastern Brazil—anticipating significant precipitation declines—the species' adaptive mechanisms are crucial. Researchers compared samples from diverse environments using genetic analysis to assess adaptation and survival strategies in varying climates.

Genetic Structure of the Ryukyu Wild Boar Population on Tokunoshima Island (Japan) Based on Modern and Ancient DNA Analyses: Evidence of Recent Gene Flow from Pigs to Wild Boars

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHE4C15B13198

A recent study on Tokunoshima Island, part of the Ryukyu Archipelago, reveals evidence of gene flow from domestic pigs to wild boars (Sus scrofa riukiuanus) through genetic analysis of both modern and ancient DNA samples. The research identified four unique mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes in modern wild boar populations that were also present in archaeological samples dating back over 1000 years, indicating a stable genetic structure over centuries. However, three distinct individuals exhibited genetic signatures inconsistent with the Ryukyu wild boar lineage, suggesting hybridization with domestic pigs. This finding underscores the dynamic genetic interactions between wild and domesticated suids in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geo-environmental Quality Evaluation Based on GIS in Shiyan-Wudang Mountain Area

Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains — 2019 — WHEEB06FE95A3

A study evaluating the geo-environmental quality of the Shiyan-Wudang Mountain area, located in China's Danjiangkou Reservoir region, reveals that 56.8% of the area maintains optimal geological conditions, while smaller portions are classified as good (22.8%), poor (16.47%), or worst (3.92%). The research leveraged GIS technology to analyze factors such as slope, fault proximity, rainfall, and human activity, integrating these into a spatial database for hierarchical assessment. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the study weighted evaluation indicators before applying MapGIS platform tools to generate an environmental quality map. Validation against known geological disaster points confirmed the model's accuracy, offering actionable insights for regional management, planning, and disaster mitigation in this UNESCO-recognized heritage area.

Geoarchaeological Evidence for the Decline of the Medieval City of Qalhat, Oman

Ancient City of Qalhat — 2019 — WHE99DEF55741

A study provides geoarchaeological evidence suggesting that earthquake activity along the Qalhat Fault likely contributed to the decline of the medieval city of Qalhat, Oman. The research analyzed geological field data and a digital elevation model to test the hypothesis that seismic events were responsible for the city's downfall. The study identified signs of recent lithosphere deformation, such as faulted terrace fill deposits and deviating fluvial streams, along the passive continental margin of the Arabian Plate. Potential causes of this deformation include subduction-related forebulge uplift, serpentinite diapirism, and isostatic response to karstification. These findings offer a plausible explanation for the city's historical decline, which had previously remained unclear due to inconclusive archaeological evidence.

Geoarchaeological evidence from Angkor, Cambodia, reveals a gradual decline rather than a catastrophic 15th-century collapse

Angkor — 2019 — WHE553FE163CF

A gradual decline, not a catastrophic collapse, characterized the abandonment of Angkor, Cambodia, according to new geoarchaeological evidence. Analysis of paleobotanical and stratigraphic data from radiometrically dated sediment cores in Angkor Thom's 12th-century walled city reveals that land use intensity, burning, forest disturbance, and soil erosion began decreasing as early as the first decades of the 14th century—long before the Ayutthayan invasion conventionally marking the end of the Angkor Period. The study also shows that maintenance of Angkor Thom's moat ceased by the late 14th century, indicating a protracted shift in power away from the capital to other urban centers during this period.

Geodetic evidence for shallow creep along the Quito fault, Ecuador

City of Quito — 2019 — WHE0230402FE0

Research reveals that the Quito fault, located beneath Ecuador's capital city of Quito, exhibits shallow creep, particularly along its central 20-kilometer segment. This finding, derived from GPS data and PS-InSAR analysis, indicates that horizontal shortening across the fault system is accommodating strain at a rate of 3–5 millimeters per year. The study also identifies a transient deformation event on a secondary thrust east of the main fault between 1995 and 1997. By analyzing interseismic moment deficit buildup and seismicity rates, the researchers estimate that the recurrence time for magnitude 6.5+ earthquakes in this region ranges from 200 to 1200 years. This study underscores the significant seismic hazard posed by the Quito fault, particularly due to its proximity to a densely populated urban area with poor building construction quality.

Geographic distribution of Phalloceros Eigenmann, 1907 (Cyprinodontiformes, Poeciliidae) in the Ilha Grande Bay Hydrographic Region, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2019 — WHE10B1ADDC19

A new study identifies five species of Phalloceros fish within the Ilha Grande Bay Hydrographic Region, Brazil—Phalloceros anisophallos, P. aspilos, P. enneaktinos, P. harpagos, and P. tupinamba—with two (P. harpagos and P. tupinamba) recorded for the first time in the area. The research expands the known geographic ranges of P. anisophallos and P. enneaktinos while revealing distinct morphological lineages based on female urogenital papilla structures, which influence species distribution patterns: sympatric occurrence is possible across different lineages, but allopatry is observed within the same lineage. The study analyzed 81 samples and provides a key for species identification, contributing to biodiversity documentation in this UNESCO-listed region.

Geoheritage value and utilization plan of the Hanon volcanic crater, Jeju Island

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2019 — WHEA7AB155F32

Hanon volcanic crater on Jeju Island stands out as the only maar-type volcanic crater in South Korea, offering unique geological significance. It extends the spectrum of volcanic landforms on Jeju—from tuff rings to maars—and provides critical insights into past vegetation and climate change in East Asia through its sediment layers. Despite its scientific value, Hanon has suffered from human-induced damage, altering its landscape and ecosystems. To preserve its geoheritage while enabling sustainable use, the study proposes a detailed conservation and utilization plan. This includes designating protected zones based on heritage value, promoting eco-friendly tourism, educational activities like geology and ecology experiences, and developing cultural-ecological tourism. Integrating Hanon with nearby geological sites and infrastructure could further boost its potential as a geo-tourism cluster, enhancing both conservation efforts and regional economic benefits.

Geolocation of electric bikes recharging stations: City of Quito study case

City of Quito — 2019 — WHE119CDE96F1

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods prove effective for identifying optimal locations for electric bike recharging stations, as demonstrated in Quito. The study applied similarity preference ranking and weighted overlay techniques, both yielding consistent results with a Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The analytic hierarchy process determined criterion weights, while standardization established an overall performance index. This approach highlights MCDM's utility in urban planning, offering data-driven solutions for sustainable mobility infrastructure.

Geological collaboration at paleoanthropological sites in Ethiopia's lower Awash Valley

Lower Valley of the Awash — 2019 — WHEEDFDDA4968

A collaborative geological approach has significantly advanced the understanding of paleoanthropological sites in Ethiopia's Lower Valley of the Awash. This method integrates sedimentary, stratigraphic, and structural analyses to reconstruct the complex depositional history of these critical fossil-bearing regions. By focusing on key geological features such as unconformities and sedimentary structures, researchers have been able to refine chronological frameworks and environmental reconstructions, providing a more precise context for interpreting human evolutionary records. The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in unraveling the intricate relationships between geological processes and paleoanthropological evidence.

Geology and volcanic activities of Biyangdo volcano, the northwestern part of Jeju Island, Korea

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2019 — WHE8058CB90FB

Biyangdo volcano, located in the northwestern part of Jeju Island, Korea, provides a unique example of monogenetic volcanic activity that occurred during a period of lower sea levels. The study reveals that the volcano's geological structure, composed of spatter layers, pyroclastic deposits, and pāhoehoe lava flows, formed approximately 26,000 years ago in a terrestrial environment. This volcanic activity resulted in the creation of a spatter cone, which was later eroded by wave action, leaving behind iconic landforms such as 'elephant rocks' and sea stacks. The research utilizes absolute dating techniques to estimate the age of the lava flows and examines the volcanic processes that led to the formation of these distinctive features. Biyangdo's geological history is notable for its textbook example of monogenetic volcano formation and subsequent erosion, making it a significant site within Jeju Island's UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Geology of the Susa Shear Zone (Susa Valley, Western Alps)

Susa — 2019 — WHEBDFC97B61B

A detailed geological map of the Susa Shear Zone (SSZ) in the Western Alps reveals its role as a first-order tectonic feature that drove the exhumation and juxtaposition of distinct oceanic and continental margin units. The SSZ, characterized by a block-in-matrix structure with mylonitic calcschists embedding various rock blocks, evolved through two major tectonic events: an initial phase featuring apparent reverse top-to-E shear planes, followed by extensional top-to-W structures. This study combines geological mapping and structural analysis to elucidate the overprinting relationships among shear planes, providing critical insights into the SSZ's complex tectonic evolution. The findings contribute significantly to understanding the dynamic processes shaping the inner sector of the Western Alps.

Geometric Survey Data and Historical Sources Interpretation for HBIM Process: the Case of Mantua Cathedral Façade

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2019 — WHE340FF78033

A comprehensive Historic Building Information Model (HBIM) of Mantua Cathedral's façade demonstrates that effective conservation planning requires deep, interdisciplinary knowledge. The study reveals that HBIM development cannot be automated; it demands thorough understanding of a building's geometric survey data, historical phases, material properties, and construction techniques to create a coherent model. This integrated approach enhances the effectiveness of planned conservation efforts by serving as an organized archive for all relevant data, ensuring long-term management of cultural heritage assets.

Geomorphological processes, forms and features in the surroundings of the Melka Kunture Palaeolithic site, Ethiopia

Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia — 2019 — WHE2051FBC6F1

A comprehensive geomorphological map of the Melka Kunture Palaeolithic site, Ethiopia, reveals significant water-related degradation processes and structural landforms in the Upper Awash Basin. This is the first detailed study to integrate high-resolution airborne and satellite data with extensive fieldwork, identifying and visualizing key geomorphological features. The research also highlights areas affected by intensive erosion and anthropic activities using multispectral satellite imagery. The resulting 1:15,000 scale map, available as an interactive WebGIS application (www.roceeh.net/ethiopia_geomorphological_map/), provides a valuable resource for understanding the landscape dynamics of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geomorphology and event-stratigraphy of recent mass-movement processes in Lake Hallstatt (UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape, Austria)

Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHEAD65D5FD73

Lake Hallstatt, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape of Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut, serves as a natural laboratory for studying subaquatic landslides. The study reveals that larger mass-transport deposits (MTDs) in the lake are likely triggered by earthquakes, with sediment cores documenting distinct event deposits linked to historically recorded floods and moderate seismic activity. High-resolution bathymetry, reflection seismic data, and sediment core analyses were used to characterize recent (<200 years) landslides, including rock falls, subaqueous slope failures, and shore collapses. The lake's high sedimentation rate (c. 0.5 cm per year) provides a detailed record of these events, suggesting deeper subsurface evidence of even larger mass-movement processes that warrant further investigation with longer cores.

Geopedological processes in Doñana National Park (Spain)

Doñana National Park — 2019 — WHEEA7E3F18FA

Research in Doñana National Park reveals advanced geopedological processes on its dunes, marked by the presence of dark-colored Arenosoles with clay and iron/manganese enrichments at 60 cm depth. These soils exhibit higher magnetic susceptibility, vermiculite biogenic clays, and incipient luvic and chromic properties, indicating intense pedogenesis—likely driven by Juniperus turbinata savin forest's phytostability. The study employed standard physicochemical and mineralogical characterization methods to analyze soil profile SOJ-2, uncovering patterns of sand washing that suggest differentiation between environmental conditions. This finding challenges the typical aeolian characteristics of Doñana's littoral sheet, offering insights into its complex pedological dynamics.

Geophysical characterization of the Daskop granophyre dyke and surrounding host rocks, Vredefort impact structure, South Africa

Vredefort Dome — 2019 — WHED87AC0436A

A geophysical study of the Daskop granophyre dyke (DGD) at the Vredefort impact structure reveals that it is currently at its lowest termination depth, either due to erosion or a fundamental process in impact cratering. Magnetic and resistivity surveys showed limited subsurface volume and shallow penetration (<3 m), suggesting the DGD's current position may not be an erosional coincidence but could reflect broader structural dynamics within large impact craters. This finding challenges assumptions about the emplacement history of granophyre dykes, which are remnants of impact melt sheets, and underscores the need for further investigation to determine if other similar dykes share this characteristic.

Geophysical Survey of the Grand Place in Brussels - An Example of Prospection in an Urban Context

La Grand-Place, Brussels — 2019 — WHEDEDB0F819C

A geophysical survey of Brussels' Grand Place revealed subsurface features predating the 17th century, overcoming urban challenges like limited space and electromagnetic noise. Researchers combined Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) with capacitively coupled resistivity surveys using three offset arrays to probe depths of 1, 1.5, and 2 meters, compensating for the shallow penetration of GPR in clay-rich substrata. This method successfully identified buried structures, demonstrating an effective approach for urban archaeological prospection despite environmental constraints.