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Space-Temporal Study in the Protected Natural Area of Xochimilco Lake with Remote Sensing in the Period 1987-2016

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2019 — WHE155C1C5AA0

A 30-year remote sensing study of Xochimilco Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland, reveals significant changes in vegetation cover and water extent between 1987 and 2016. Using normalized indices (NDVI, NDWI, MNDWI) derived from Landsat satellite data, researchers classified five land-cover types—water, water with vegetation, dry vegetation, watered vegetation, and other materials—with 89% reliability. The findings highlight the environmental challenges facing this internationally recognized conservation area, despite its protected status.

Spatial and Temporal Controls on the Distribution of Indium in Xenothermal Vein-Deposits: The Huari Huari District, Potosí, Bolivia

City of Potosí — 2019 — WHE68447DDCD3

Research reveals that indium (In) in the Huari Huari district of Potosí, Bolivia, is primarily concentrated in iron-rich sphalerite and stannite, with its distribution strongly influenced by copper activity. The study found that In incorporation into sphalerite occurs via a coupled substitution mechanism involving Cu+ and In3+, while in stannite, it follows an In3+ ↔ (Cu+ + ½ Sn4+) substitution. Coexisting sphalerite and stannite yielded the highest In concentrations at temperatures between 350–250 °C. The research used paragenetic sequence analysis, compositional studies of sphalerite, and district-scale spatial distribution to constrain these findings. This insight sheds light on the controls governing critical metal accumulation in xenothermal vein deposits.

Spatial and temporal distribution of mercury in the recent sediments of the Adriatic Sea

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2019 — WHE0FF39ACAD0

Recent sediments in the Adriatic Sea reveal significant mercury (Hg) contamination, with coastal areas near the Gulf of Trieste showing particularly high levels due to prolonged mining activities and industrial discharges. The study integrated two datasets—surface sediment samples and short cores—to map Hg distribution across the basin, identifying multiple anthropogenic sources dating back to the sixteenth century. While Hg concentrations have declined in recent decades, indicating a recovery phase, some areas like Otranto Strait show delayed contamination signals from northern sources. This research highlights the long-lasting impacts of historical mercury emissions and the complex dynamics of sedimentary Hg transport.

Spatial and temporal patterns of ozone at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and implications for plant responses

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2019 — WHE29FB310521

Ozone levels at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) have significantly decreased since the early 2000s, correlating with reduced nitrogen oxide emissions from regional power plants. This study analyzed ozone trends from 1989 to 2016 across six monitoring sites, revealing that while exposure increased with elevation up to 823 meters, it plateaued afterward. Ozone episodes (consecutive hours with concentrations ≥ 60 ppb) have declined in frequency and duration, with the highest recorded concentration of 135 ppb occurring in 1998. The shift from mid-summer to spring for maximum ozone exposures suggests seasonal changes influenced by regional emissions controls. These reductions, linked to the Clean Air Act Amendments, appear to benefit park vegetation, marking a period of the cleanest air in GRSM's recorded history.

Spatial distribution and period of activity of the forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) at Taï National Park, south western Côte d'Ivoire

Taï National Park — 2019 — WHEFA5BBDB37F

A high concentration of forest elephant activity was observed in the southern regions of Taï National Park (TNP), Côte d'Ivoire, with distinct diurnal and nocturnal patterns. Using 87 camera traps deployed systematically over 120 days, researchers documented that solitary elephants were more active during daylight hours, while group activities peaked at night. This spatial distribution may be influenced by the proximity of small, remote settlements, offering insights for park surveillance and conservation strategies. The study highlights the utility of camera traps in monitoring elephant behavior and underscores the need for further research to elucidate the underlying factors driving these patterns.

Spatial Dynamics of Invasive Para Grass on a Monsoonal Floodplain, Kakadu National Park, Northern Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2019 — WHE6C1166C68D

Invasive African para grass (Urochloa mutica) significantly displaces ecologically and culturally significant native species, such as wild rice, in Kakadu National Park's monsoonal floodplains. A multi-scale analysis revealed that while para grass frequently invades wild rice communities, its establishment and persistence vary greatly with depth-habitat conditions and recent fire histories. This dynamic pattern, previously undocumented, offers opportunities for targeted management to preserve high-value conservation areas. The study used high-resolution satellite imagery, historical aerial-photo mapping, and machine-learning techniques to track inter-annual changes from 1986 to 2010.

Spatial ecology of Paraguay’s last remaining Atlantic forest Jaguars ( Panthera onca ): implications for their long-term survival

Iguaçu National Park — 2019 — WHE5673D758E9

Jaguars (Panthera onca) in Paraguay's last remaining Atlantic forest exhibit extreme isolation, with 75% of their locations within protected areas. The study, using GPS telemetry, found that their mean home range size was approximately 160 km², comparable to Brazilian populations but smaller than those in Argentina and other regions. Surprisingly, human population density or the Human Footprint Index did not influence home range size or movements, underscoring the critical role of protected areas for these endangered big cats. This research highlights the precarious survival of Paraguay's Atlantic forest jaguars, emphasizing their dependence on conservation efforts within isolated remnants.

Spatial Macrobenthos Habitat on Ganghwa Tidal Flat, Korea: Part I - Spatial Relationship between Potamocorbula laevis and Spatial Variables

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats — 2019 — WHE34F516D7C2

Potamocorbula laevis, the dominant macrobenthic species on Ganghwa tidal flat—the largest intertidal flat on South Korea's west coast—prefers specific spatial conditions. It thrives in areas with elevations of 407–498 meters, gentle slopes (<14 degrees), northern aspects, proximity to channels (within 30 meters), and high channel density. This species also favors substrates rich in silt and clay but low in sand. Researchers used a frequency ratio (FR) analysis via GIS to quantify these relationships, providing critical insights into intertidal estuarine ecosystems. The findings serve as a baseline for future spatiotemporal comparisons of macrobenthos distributions.

Spatial Patterns and Short-term Changes of Coral Assemblages Along a Cross-shelf Gradient in the Southwestern Lagoon of New Caledonia

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2019 — WHE4ECF809842

A significant correlation between juvenile and adult coral distributions suggests that adult assemblages are partly shaped by short-term recruitment patterns. This finding highlights the dynamic nature of coral reef ecosystems, where past recruitment events can influence current assemblage structures. The study investigated spatial distribution and interannual variability (2006–2008) of coral assemblages across 10 stations in New Caledonia's southwestern lagoon, evaluating cross-shelf gradients. Coral cover, generic richness, and abundance varied among fringing, mid-shelf, and barrier reefs, with abundance increasing with distance from shore. While assemblage composition was generally habitat-related, some overlap existed between mid-shelf and fringing reefs. Interannual changes were minimal but detected in specific genera at mid-shelf and barrier reefs, indicating localized high turnover rates.

Spatial predation risk for elk (Cervus elaphus) in a multi-predator community on the Rocky Mountain East Slopes, Alberta

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2019 — WHEDAE29D3B97

Elk migrating westward into Banff National Park face significantly lower predation risk from wolves, cougars, and bears compared to resident elk and eastern migrants. This study employed a novel, non-invasive method using predator scats to assess summer predation risk in Ya Ha Tinda, Alberta, Canada. By combining scat-based resource selection functions with DNA analysis, researchers identified that elk were more frequently preyed upon by wolves and bears in areas with high herbaceous forage biomass and open habitat, while cougars targeted eastern migrants in regions with dense forest edges. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional predation risk assessment methods, providing valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of multi-predator communities and their impact on elk behavior.

Spatial resilience of the Great Barrier Reef under cumulative disturbance impacts

Great Barrier Reef — 2019 — WHE66C17B3170

A high-resolution, spatially explicit model of coral dynamics on the Great Barrier Reef reveals that coral resilience is negatively impacted by river plume conditions and reef accessibility, with outer shelf communities exhibiting the highest growth rates due to favorable environmental conditions. Despite being in no-take marine protected areas, inner-shelf reefs showed lower resilience primarily due to poor water quality. The model projects a mean annual coral loss of −0.67%/year from 1996 to 2017, driven mainly by cyclones, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, and bleaching. This validated platform identifies reefs at risk of biodiversity loss and those with potential to persist under increasing disturbance regimes.

Spatial variation of pine tree-ring growth in the Solovetsky Islands

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2019 — WHE74267E62DB

Research on the Solovetsky Islands reveals distinct spatial variation in pine tree-ring growth, with synchronous growth patterns observed across different habitats during specific historical periods. The study analyzed 14 dendrochronological sites, identifying clusters of chronologies that reflect habitat-specific growth characteristics. Notably, pines in mixed forests and green-moss pine forests showed growth linked to July temperatures and September precipitation, while those on sandy substrates responded uniquely to August temperatures. This spatial variability provides insights into the ecological and climatic dynamics influencing pine growth in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spatial variation of soil properties in paddy fields of Polonnaruwa district

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa — 2019 — WHED975A10877

A significant portion of paddy fields in the Polonnaruwa district exhibits critical deficiencies in soil health, with 98% of the area showing low exchangeable potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) levels, alongside very low organic matter content (<3%) across 98% of the land. While 58% of the fields have excess phosphorus (P), soil salinity is not a major concern in 98% of the district's paddy fields. These findings were derived from a systematic study using a grid-based sampling approach, where soil samples were collected at 2.5 km intervals and analyzed for key chemical properties. Thematic maps generated via ArcGIS 10.5 revealed spatial variations, enabling precise identification of areas requiring remedial measures to optimize crop yield while conserving environmental health.

Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Monarch Butterflies Along Their Migratory Route

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2019 — WHEBB2A1430B7

A first predictive model of monarch butterfly distributions along their migratory route reveals critical seasonal patterns and habitat suitability, offering new insights for conservation efforts. The study found that suitable habitats expand significantly during North American reproduction months (June to September) but shrink dramatically during overwintering (December to February). Edaphic variables, such as vegetation and floral resources, emerged as key factors in 11 of 12 months, underscoring the importance of nectar-rich plants. The research compiled georeferenced records from Mexico, USA, and Canada, using habitat suitability models (HSM) with abiotic, edaphic, and topographic data to identify high-priority areas for conservation actions like pesticide reduction and road safety measures.

Spatio-temporal structure and reproductive success in a Rook (Corvus frugilegus) colony

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2019 — WHE47A87D3B91

A study on rook colonies in Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, revealed that while early nesters laid larger clutches and showed breeding synchrony, their reproductive success did not differ from late nesters. However, hatchling survival and offspring number increased with local nest density, suggesting that late nesters benefit from clustering in densely populated areas. The research used spatio-temporal tracking of a 1999 rook colony to analyze nest location choices and breeding timing, showing that rooks exhibit non-random settlement patterns. These findings hint at adaptive strategies in colonial breeding, with potential insights from game theory to further explore the evolutionary significance.

Spatio-Temporal Variability in Remotely Sensed Vegetation Greenness Across Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2019 — WHE86557D1665

A pronounced climate change signal in Yellowstone National Park, marked by substantial warming, declining snowpack, and increased drought frequency, significantly impacts vegetation greenness and productivity. The study reveals that green-up is highly sensitive to elevation and climate, with La Niña-induced conditions or deep snowpack delaying this phenological stage. Drought patterns also play a crucial role, enhancing greening during winter-spring droughts but reducing it in spring-summer droughts. While the park shows overall positive productivity trends due to post-fire lodgepole pine recovery, undisturbed areas exhibit no warming-induced greening. The research leverages remotely sensed data from AVHRR and MODIS, along with Daymet climate data, to analyze spatio-temporal variability in vegetation indices over 1982–2015, providing insights for ecological vulnerability assessments and climate adaptation strategies.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of fog and low clouds in the Namib unveiled with ground- and space-based observations

Namib Sand Sea — 2019 — WHE707E498A05

A new conceptual model of the spatiotemporal dynamics of fog and low clouds (FLCs) in the Namib Sand Sea has been unveiled, revealing significant seasonal and diurnal variations. Satellite and ground-based observations show that FLC patterns differ between coastal and inland regions, with coastal areas experiencing earlier onset times due to advective processes. The study also highlights a strong correlation between FLC timing and distance from the coastline, suggesting dominant advective influences. This research advances our understanding of Namib-region fog dynamics by integrating coherent spatial and temporal data, addressing previous gaps in knowledge.

Spatiotemporal railway use by grizzly bears in Canada's Rocky Mountains

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2019 — WHE1CFF48263C

Grizzly bears in Canada's Rocky Mountains, including Banff and Yoho National Parks, are more likely to use railway networks near railroad sidings, at intermediate distances from human-use features, and close to rugged terrain or wet areas. Research using GPS collar data from 27 bears between 2000 and 2016 revealed that bears predominantly cross railways rather than continue along them, with such crossings occurring more frequently in spring and fall. Surprisingly, bear-train collisions were negatively correlated with locations where bears continued along the railway, contrary to initial predictions. This suggests that while railways may offer easier travel or better forage, the mechanisms behind collisions remain unclear. Mitigation efforts could focus on areas with concentrated past strikes to protect grizzly bears and other sensitive populations.

Special issue of MAPS in honor of Wolf Uwe Reimold on occasion of his 65th birthday

Vredefort Dome — 2019 — WHEDA2A2963D5

A special issue of Meteoritics & Planetary Science honors Wolf Uwe Reimold, a pioneering expert in shock metamorphism and impact cratering research. Reimold's career spans over four decades, marked by groundbreaking contributions to the study of terrestrial and extraterrestrial impact structures, including seminal work on the Vredefort Dome (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and discoveries such as the Tswaing, Roter Kamm, Kalkkop, and Kgagodi craters in southern Africa. His research encompasses petrography, geochemistry, and age dating of impact melt bodies, pseudotachylitic breccias, and lunar rocks, advancing understanding of crater formation processes. The issue features 25 manuscripts by collaborators, students, and peers, reflecting his influence on the field. Reimold's leadership in organizing conferences and his editorial roles further solidify his legacy.

Specialization in plant–pollinator networks: insights from local-scale interactions in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park in Alberta, Canada

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2019 — WHE383596AB9B

Plant-pollinator interactions in the grasslands of Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, Alberta, exhibit high levels of reciprocal specialization driven by biological constraints such as floral symmetry and pollinator traits. These interactions are not randomly distributed but are shaped by morphological or phenological mismatches between species. Landscape degradation alters network topology, shifting from specialized, symmetrical connections in less disturbed sites to generalized hub-and-connector patterns in disturbed areas. While evidence for strong evolutionary dependence among related species was weak, keystone species appear to anchor local specialization. The study integrates network structure, habitat disturbance, and phylogenetic information to provide insights into the resilience of plant-pollinator networks under environmental stress.