World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 17341 – 17360 of 30345 publications

Seasonal Groundwater Quality Status and Nitrogen Contamination in the Shallow Aquifer System of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2019 — WHE4198ED6C2F

Groundwater nitrogen contamination in the Kathmandu Valley exhibits significant seasonal and sediment-type variability. Research reveals that ammonium (NH4-N) concentrations decrease during the wet season in gravel-dominated areas, while nitrate (NO3-N) levels rise in both clay and gravel regions, with greater fluctuation observed in gravel-bearing zones over two years of monitoring. Iron (Fe2+) concentrations also drop during the wet season across sediment types. The study analyzed spatially distributed shallow dug well samples from 2016's dry and wet seasons, alongside long-term monitoring of two shallow dug wells and one deep tube well, providing critical insights into subsurface nitrogen dynamics affecting groundwater quality in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seasonal influence of physicochemical parameters on phytoplankton diversity and assemblage pattern in Kailash Khal, a tropical wetland, Sundarbans, India

The Sundarbans — 2019 — WHEA96F79ACB0

A year-long study in Kailash Khal, Sundarbans, revealed that phytoplankton diversity and abundance are significantly influenced by seasonal variations in physicochemical parameters. The research identified 36 genera of phytoplankton, with Bacillariophyceae being the most abundant, particularly during the pre-monsoon season (4.32 × 10³ cells l⁻¹). Statistical analysis showed significant seasonal differences in temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and other water quality parameters (p < 0.05), which correlated with phytoplankton distribution patterns. Margalef richness and Shannon–Wiener diversity indices indicated a moderately rich phytoplankton community, underscoring the wetland's ecological resilience.

Seasonal variation in movements and survival of invasive Pacific rats on sub-tropical Henderson Island: implications for eradication

Henderson Island — 2019 — WHE9DDE11D299

A study on Henderson Island revealed that Pacific rats exhibit significant seasonal variation in survival, with the highest monthly survival probability (0.950) observed in late August and the lowest (0.352) in late July. This temporal pattern suggests resource limitations that could influence the success of eradication efforts. The research used a spatially-explicit Cormack-Jolly-Seber model to estimate movement distances, home range sizes, and survival rates over five months. Rats displayed varied movement behaviors, with some exhibiting 'territorial' (median radius: 134 m) and others 'roaming' (median radius: 778 m) patterns. The proportion of roaming rats fluctuated seasonally, peaking at 23% in October. These findings imply that timing eradication efforts to align with periods of lower survival probability could enhance success.

Seaward migration and larval release of the land hermit crab Coenobita brevimanus Dana, 1852 (Anomura: Coenobitidae) on Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHE6226BCDDFF

Research on Iriomote Island, Japan, reveals that the land hermit crab Coenobita brevimanus exhibits distinct seaward migration and larval release patterns tied to lunar cycles. Peak activity occurs around new moons (particularly 0.82 days post-new moon) and spring tides (1.34 days after full moon), with migrations primarily happening between June and November, especially during warmer months (July–September). Crabs appear on beaches between 19:00 and 23:10, entering seawater approximately two hours after nighttime high tide. Nearly half of the crabs that emerge release larvae or display swimming behavior. This study highlights the species' semi-lunar rhythms and seasonal adaptation, aligning with broader observations of coenobitid crabs in the Ryukyu Islands.

Seaweed-eating sheep and the adaptation of husbandry in Neolithic Orkney: new insights from Skara Brae

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2019 — WHE49E027E5D1

Sheep introduced to the Orkney archipelago around 3500 cal BC were found to consume moderate amounts of seaweed from their arrival, a practice that facilitated the spread of farming lifestyles across remote European regions. This discovery, derived from stable isotope analysis of faunal remains at Skara Brae, clarifies the chronology and significance of seaweed consumption in Neolithic husbandry adaptations. The study sheds light on how socio-economic and biological adjustments to new environments played a pivotal role in the Neolithisation of Europe.

Sébastien Gondet, Kourosh Mohammadkhani, Morteza Djamali, Mahdokht Farjamirad, Hilary Gopnik, Nabil Ibnoerrida, Damien Laisney, Françoise Notter-Truxa, Jean-Baptiste Rigot, Yves Ubelmann. “Field Report on the 2016 Archaeological Project of the Joint Iran-France Project on Pasargadae and its Surrounding Territory”

Pasargadae — 2019 — WHE6302939CBF

A significant expansion of geophysical surveys at Pasargadae, Iran, has revealed new insights into the ancient Achaemenid Empire's urban planning and territorial control. The 2016 archaeological project, a collaboration between Iranian and French researchers, extended previous studies with more comprehensive prospections, uncovering previously unknown structures and patterns of land use. This approach, building on earlier work, sheds light on the site's strategic importance during the reign of Cyrus the Great (c. 550–530 BCE). The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Pasargadae's role as a political and administrative center, enhancing its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Secular deformations of the sand ground of Golgotha Mount on the Anzer Island of the Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2019 — WHEAF96153E93

Research on the Golgotha Mount on Anzer Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Solovetsky Islands, reveals that very slow horizontal ground movement—often neglected in construction—can cause significant structural damage over time. By analyzing tensile fractures in a 19th-century brick building (constructed without steel ties), scientists determined the rate of sand ground dislocation near an ultimately steep slope. The absence of proper reinforcement transformed the building into an unintended tool for measuring this movement, highlighting how long-term neglect of such deformations can lead to structural failures, even in stable-appearing environments.

Sedentism among the Archaic fisher-folk of northern Chile: A malacological perspective

Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region — 2019 — WHE702FC06C8D

Research on the Chinchorro Culture in northern Chile reveals that shellfish were not collected year-round, challenging assumptions about sedentary lifestyles. Oxygen isotope analysis of shells from Camarones West Shell Midden and Quiani, combined with radiocarbon dating spanning 5590 to 3830 B.P., indicates seasonal resource use during the Classic and Transitional Chinchorro epochs. Shell demographics further support this finding, showing consistency in shellfish types harvested from Chinchorro times to the present. This study marks the first application of oxygen isotope analysis with shell middens in the Camarones River Delta, offering new insights into the seasonality of resources and its implications for sedentism.

Sediment Supply and Hydrogeological Hazard in the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Province of Jujuy, Northwestern Argentina)—Rio Huasamayo and Tilcara Area

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2019 — WHE7F1345662E

Excessive sediment supply from the slopes of the Rio Huasamayo basin is identified as the primary cause of riverbed aggradation, posing significant hydrogeological hazards to the village of Tilcara in Argentina's Quebrada de Humahuaca—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike traditional models reliant on hydrometeorological data, this study applied the Gavrilovic method (EPM) alongside CORINE Project data to estimate sediment volume and pinpoint critical sub-basins contributing to erosion. These findings highlight vulnerable areas where targeted interventions could mitigate aggradation risks, offering a novel approach for managing sediment-related hazards in data-scarce regions.

Sedimentary fabric characterized by X‐ray tomography: A case‐study from tsunami deposits on the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2019 — WHE73F62C9005

Researchers have identified distinct sedimentary fabric patterns in tsunami deposits from the Marquesas Islands, revealing critical insights into past tsunami dynamics. Using X-ray tomography, they analyzed two deposits on Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa islands, distinguishing four fabric types—moderate to high-angle, bimodal low-angle, multi-oriented, and dispersed—which correlate with flow characteristics, sediment concentration, and grain-size distribution. Notably, unimodal high-angle fabrics align with finely-skewed grain sizes, providing a new method to reconstruct tsunami events from sediment records. This approach offers a powerful tool for studying other sedimentary deposits, advancing our understanding of coastal hazards.

Sedimentology, carbon isotope stratigraphy and micropalaeontology of the Rhaetian Zlambach Formation– Implications for the Dachstein carbonate platform development (Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria)

Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHE3D4E513AFA

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Dachstein carbonate platform in Austria's Northern Calcareous Alps experienced continuous growth and progradation until the late Rhaetian period, contradicting earlier assumptions. The research, utilizing high-resolution stable isotope measurements, X-ray fluorescence, microfacies analysis, and micropalaeontology, identified significant environmental perturbations during the late C. marshi ammonoid zone, marked by notable carbon isotope excursions and fluctuations in benthic microfossil abundance and diversity. These findings suggest that the termination of the Dachstein platform margin growth was more complex than previously understood, with potential implications for understanding regional ecological changes during this period.

Seismic Analysis by Macroelements of Fujian Hakka Tulous, Chinese Circular Earth Constructions Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List

Fujian Tulou — 2019 — WHEA22C31D45C

A pioneering seismic analysis of Fujian Hakka Tulous, UNESCO-listed circular earth structures, reveals critical insights into their failure modes and seismic response. Unlike conventional masonry buildings, these massive constructions—reinforced by wooden frames—pose significant modeling challenges due to their complexity and size. To address this, researchers employed the equivalent frame approach, a method that simplifies non-linear static analysis (pushover) while maintaining accuracy. This study marks the first comprehensive examination of the seismic behavior of Tulous, offering valuable data on their structural resilience. However, it also highlights the need for further research to fully understand these unique earth constructions' dynamics.

Seismic effect assessment of the southern slope of Greater Caucasus (Azerbaijan) based on the earthquake scenarios: ground parameters and acceleration models

Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace — 2019 — WHE1EBC34D85F

A recent study reveals that the southern slope of Greater Caucasus, including Azerbaijan's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace, experiences significant seismic activity. The research demonstrates that softer soils, such as sand-clayey mixtures, amplify seismic waves due to resonance processes caused by impedance differences between layers, leading to increased ground displacements and peak ground accelerations. This amplification is particularly notable in areas with soft-cemented soils, sands-tones, limestone, and sandy marlstone of varying thicknesses. The study also highlights the necessity for continued seismic hazard assessment in light of recent earthquake swarms, including those in Balakan, Zagatala, Sheki, and other regions, which have shown a rising trend in seismic activity. To achieve these findings, researchers analyzed average response spectra, peak ground acceleration models, and MSK-64 intensity distributions based on various earthquake scenarios.

Seismic Performance of Ancient Masonry Structures in Korea Rediscovered in 2016 M 5.8 Gyeongju Earthquake

Gyeongju Historic Areas — 2019 — WHE78A1410772

Ancient masonry structures in Gyeongju, Korea, demonstrate remarkable seismic resilience, surviving numerous earthquakes for over 1300 years. A study analyzing the 2016 M 5.8 Gyeongju earthquake reveals that Cheomseongdae, an astronomical observatory, exhibits exceptional seismic performance due to its unique structural characteristics—such as well-compacted filler materials, rough interior walls, intersecting stone beams, and interlocking headstones. Dynamic centrifuge model tests confirmed these features contribute significantly to its stability, suggesting advanced seismic design technology in ancient Korean architecture. The research also systematically reviews seismic risk assessments of the Gyeongju Historic Areas, employing methodologies like GIS-based microzonation and subsoil engineering evaluations.

Senses of the City: Perceptions of Hangzhou and Southern Song China 1127–1279

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2019 — WHE4A5F848009

A multidisciplinary analysis of Southern Song dynasty Hangzhou reveals deep ambivalence towards the city's sensuous experience, shaped by cultural biases and historiographic erasures. The study, drawing on essays from art history, musicology, literary criticism, and social history, demonstrates how later accounts often suppressed evidence of performance, luxury, and urban complexity in favor of a Confucian ideal. Key findings include the deliberate exclusion of entertainment quarters from literati narratives (Bossler), the contrast between Jiang Kui's poetic reflections on adversity and Hangzhou's luxurious lifestyle (Zhang Hongsheng), and the overwhelming sensory richness captured in texts like Ducheng jisheng (de Pee). The research employs close textual analysis, comparative historical frameworks, and interdisciplinary synthesis to challenge conventional narratives of Song dynasty culture.

Sensitivities of Geodetic Source Analyses to Elastic Crust Heterogeneity Constrained by Seismic Tomography for the 2017 Mw 6.5 Jiuzhaigou, China, Earthquake

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2019 — WHEE2C5BD9EF1

A study of the 2017 Mw 6.5 Jiuzhaigou earthquake reveals that accounting for elastic crust heterogeneity significantly improves seismic source characterization and aftershock hazard assessments. Using finite-element models (FEMs) and Sentinel-1 Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar observations, researchers found that heterogeneous (HET) crustal models yield more accurate slip and stress estimations compared to homogeneous (HOM) half-space models. The HET solutions show two major slip asperities with magnitudes up to 0.83 meters, consistent with aftershock distribution, while the HOM model fails to capture these features. Additionally, the study identifies a low-velocity layer at ~18 km depth, which may influence seismicity and earthquake slip, providing critical insights for assessing seismic hazards in the eastern Tibetan margin.

Serum Biochemical Analytes and Trace Elements in Juvenile Whooping Cranes (Grus americana)

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2019 — WHE6F3484DF9B

A comparative analysis of serum biochemical analytes and trace elements in juvenile Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) from Wood Buffalo National Park revealed significant differences between wild and captive populations, likely due to dietary variations. The study, conducted by Ratliff and Hartup (2019), sampled 31 wild juveniles aged 49–70 days during midsummer from 2010 to 2012, alongside archived serum and whole blood samples from captive cranes serving as age-matched controls. Reference values for serum biochemical analytes and trace elements were established in captive cranes reared under controlled conditions with known health histories. Statistical differences in blood biochemical profiles and trace element concentrations between wild and captive juveniles were identified, suggesting that dietary factors play a crucial role in the health of this endangered species. This research provides valuable insights into the nutritional and biochemical health of the only self-sustaining migratory population of Whooping Cranes in North America.

Settler Colonialism and Empire in Early America

Australian Convict Sites — 2019 — WHE877D1E9194

Settler colonialism, characterized by the elimination of Indigenous peoples to replace them with settler societies, emerged as a dominant form of colonization in early America and Australia. Allan Greer's analysis highlights that unlike exploitative colonialism, which relied on native labor, settler colonialism targeted land acquisition without dependence on Indigenous work. This logic of elimination, rooted in Marxist and postcolonial theories, was exemplified in Australia due to its lack of pre-colonial territorial complexities and the military weakness of its Indigenous population. Greer contrasts this with North and South America, where Indigenous resistance prolonged colonization. The study draws on Patrick Wolfe's theory, emphasizing material considerations over ideological ones, and examines historical narratives that deny violence while advancing settler control through massacres, forced migrations, and assimilation.

Seven Decades of Spontaneous Forest Regeneration after Large-Scale Clear-Cutting in Białowieża Forest do not Ensure the Complete Recovery of Collembolan Assemblages

Białowieża Forest — 2019 — WHEB826FE2B81

Despite seven decades of spontaneous forest regeneration following large-scale clear-cutting, collembolan assemblages in Białowieża Forest do not fully recover to resemble those in old-growth forests. This study reveals that naturally regenerated stands exhibit significantly lower species diversity and a distinct life-form structure compared to undisturbed reference forests. The functional group shifts suggest that while litter decomposition processes are partially restored, deeper soil layer activities remain impaired. Researchers analyzed 18 plots across mixed broad-leaved forests using taxonomic and life-form approaches to assess the long-term impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on these critical soil microarthropods.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth (Directed by Damian Cruden for Lunchbox Theatrical Productions) at Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, 13 July 2019

Blenheim Palace — 2019 — WHEABE83317BC

A performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, directed by Damian Cruden for Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, was staged at Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre, Blenheim Palace, on July 13, 2019. This production offered a unique perspective on the play's complex textual state in the First Folio, inviting critical analysis of its interpretation and execution. The performance highlighted the challenges posed by Macbeth's intricate manuscript history while delivering a compelling theatrical experience. The review assesses how Cruden’s direction navigated these complexities, providing insights into the interplay between textual fidelity and dramatic effectiveness.