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Showing 17761 – 17780 of 30345 publications

Using Continuous Change Detection and Classification of Landsat Data to Investigate Long-Term Mangrove Dynamics in the Sundarbans Region

The Sundarbans — 2019 — WHEAA7E38BC2F

A third of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, the world’s largest contiguous mangrove, shows long-term degradation despite overall stability in its extent. Using a novel Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) method on 30 years of Landsat data, researchers found that 25% of the area experienced negative greening trends—likely due to die-back in Heritiera fomes—and that 47.6% of areas damaged by Cyclone Sidr in 2007 had not recovered by mid-2018. While the Sundarbans demonstrates resilience to cyclones, climate-driven degradation may erode this over time. The CCDC method, though computationally intensive, offers a powerful tool for global mangrove monitoring by leveraging every available satellite observation, bypassing cloud cover limitations.

Using Geographical Information System and Multi-Criteria Analysis for Travelling Routing Design from Phayao Province to Luang Prabang

Town of Luang Prabang — 2019 — WHEF1C9B56641

A novel approach combining Geographical Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Analysis successfully identified optimal travel routes from Phayao Province, Thailand, to Luang Prabang, Laos. This method leveraged expert input from Thai government agencies and private tourism businesses, alongside survey data, to construct a robust traveling database. The integration of GIS functionality with multi-criteria evaluation provided a data-driven solution that surpassed traditional routing methods, offering significant potential for enhancing tourism planning in the region. The findings underscore the effectiveness of this hybrid approach in addressing complex travel logistics while balancing multiple stakeholders' interests.

Using geotagged photographs and GPS tracks from social networks to analyse visitor behaviour in national parks

Teide National Park — 2019 — WHE4CE42FDC7B

Geotagged data from social networks, including photographs and GPS tracks, can effectively analyze visitor behavior in national parks. A study on Teide National Park, the most visited in Spain, demonstrated that such data provides valuable insights into spatial distribution, points of interest, itinerary networks, temporal patterns, and visitors' origins. Additionally, this approach offers practical applications for determining optimal locations for new facilities like information stands. The research highlights the potential of social media-derived data as a tool for understanding and managing visitor behavior in protected areas.

Using ground penetrating radar to understand the failure of the Koh Ker Reservoir, Northern Cambodia

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2019 — WHEC7931846AD

New evidence from ground penetrating radar and excavation reveals that the Koh Ker Reservoir, built during the Angkorian period in Cambodia, suffered from a critical design flaw. The spillway's laterite pavement was even less effective at managing water flow than previously estimated, likely contributing to the reservoir's dike failure during its first rainy season after construction. This structural failure may have played a pivotal role in Koh Ker's brief tenure as the political center of the Khmer Empire, highlighting the vulnerability of ancient hydraulic engineering to environmental stresses.

Using small drones to photo-identify Antillean manatees: a novel method for monitoring an endangered marine mammal in the Caribbean Sea

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2019 — WHE69701A8752

A novel method using small drones to photo-identify Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) has been successfully demonstrated, offering a promising tool for monitoring endangered marine mammals. The study, conducted between 2016 and 2017 in Belize's St. George’s Caye near the Belize Barrier Reef, captured high-resolution images of 17 identifiable individuals from 279 manatee sightings (245 adults, 34 calves). By analyzing distinct scars and markings acquired from watercraft injuries or other incidents, researchers created a catalog that enabled tracking over time, with 21% of adult manatees at the site proving photo-identifiable. This approach addresses long-standing challenges in monitoring underwater species in remote areas, providing insights into individual site fidelity, habitat use, and behavior. The method's applicability extends to clear, shallow waters globally, enhancing long-term conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.

Using Statistical Models and Machine Learning Techniques to Process Big Data from the Forth Road Bridge

The Forth Bridge — 2019 — WHEB87EADBE87

A comparative analysis of machine learning techniques revealed that Random Forest outperforms traditional Artificial Neural Networks in predicting strain data from the Forth Road Bridge's Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system. This study leveraged Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce dataset dimensionality, thereby optimizing computational efficiency, and employed Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models for traffic volume predictions. The findings underscore the potential of Random Forest in damage detection and structural response prediction, offering a robust framework for assessing bridge integrity using big data from SHM systems.

Validation of an integrated satellite-data-driven response to an effusive crisis: the April–May 2018 eruption of Piton de la Fournaise

Pitons Management Area — 2019 — WHE35587D432A

An integrated satellite-data-driven approach effectively tracked lava flow projections during the April–May 2018 eruption of Piton de la Fournaise, demonstrating its potential for real-time volcanic crisis response. The study validated a protocol combining MIROVA for discharge rate (TADR), ASTER urgent response data delivery, DOWNFLOW for flow path projections, and PyFLOWGO for run-out estimates. Using 2018 eruption data, the system delivered accurate flow predictions with minimal latency, matching ground observations from InSAR and ASTER mapping. The protocol processed 35 TADRs and four InSAR image pairs over 35 days, proving its reliability in high-stakes volcanic monitoring scenarios.

Valletta, Malta

City of Valletta — 2019 — WHE4AD8B38DF8

Valletta, Malta's capital and chief port, stands as a significant cultural and historical center on the island's north coast. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, Valletta reflects its strategic importance, having once served as a pivotal British naval base before transitioning to commercial use. The city's dual harbor on the Sceberras Peninsula underscores its maritime heritage, while its role as an administrative and cultural hub highlights its enduring significance. This designation recognizes not only its architectural and historical value but also its contribution to global cultural preservation.

Variation in chewing efficiency of Yakushima Japanese macaque ( Macaca fuscata yakui )

Yakushima — 2019 — WHE7D17DB3996

Seasonal and regional variations in chewing efficiency were observed among Yakushima Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui), with significant differences in fecal particle size and the proportion of finest particles. While seasonal changes in diet composition influenced chewing efficiency, this effect was mitigated by selective feeding behaviors. Regional variations, particularly in the summit zone, were attributed to bamboo consumption. The study used sieving analysis on fecal samples collected from lowland, highland, and summit areas between 2015 and 2016 to assess these patterns.

Variation in Plant Functional Traits along Altitudinal Gradient and Land Use Types in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2019 — WHE6490C591CD

Plant functional traits in Sagarmatha National Park and its buffer zone vary significantly with altitude and land-use disturbance, revealing strong adaptations to environmental stresses. Research found that clonal species dominate disturbed areas like exploited forests and meadows, while non-clonal species thrive at higher altitudes. Herbs and shrubs were most prevalent in higher elevations and disturbed zones, with notable trait variations due to grazing, fire, litter collection, and trampling. The study, conducted across 2,200–3,800 meters above sea level, examined eight traits in 60 plant species from 40 plots, highlighting how altitude, climate, and human disturbance shape plant functional diversity.

Variation in the structure of the deep-sea fish assemblages on Necker Island, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Papahānaumokuākea — 2019 — WHE6375F828E8

Deep-sea fish assemblages on Necker Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, exhibit significant variability in abundance, diversity, and structure across different depths (200–700 m) and study sites. Research using 51,988 AUV photos identified 92 species, with notable peaks in richness at 350 m and 500 m, while dominance was highest at 250 m and 700 m. The NE slope showed the lowest abundance and richness. Assemblage structure correlated with environmental parameters like dissolved oxygen, salinity, and substrate type, highlighting natural variability independent of human impacts. These findings underscore the need to account for such variability in seamount ecological studies and conservation efforts.

Vascular flora of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão State, Brazil: checklist, floristic affinities and phytophysiognomies of restingas in the municipality of Barreirinhas

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2019 — WHE5516F89F39

A floristic survey of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil, identified 289 vascular plant species across 73 families, with notable richness in Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Eriocaulaceae, and Myrtaceae. The study recorded 56 new occurrences for the state of Maranhão and revealed low floristic similarity among restinga areas in North and Northeastern Brazil, suggesting high endemism or potential collection bias. The research combined herbarium data with field collections (2015–2017) and applied UPGMA clustering using Jaccard index to analyze affinities.

Vascular plant diversity as a valuable tool for the ecological and cultural projection of the National Parks in Greece

Archaeological Site of Delphi — 2019 — WHEA7441186FA

A comprehensive vascular plant database for the National Parks of Oiti and Parnassos, Greece, has been developed as part of the AdVENt project. This database, now accessible to both scientific communities and the public, highlights the region's remarkable plant species diversity and endemism, particularly in Mount Parnassos, a recognized hotspot for flora. The project also introduces an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) mobile application designed to enhance visitors' experiences by providing rich multimedia content that showcases the natural wealth of these protected areas. Additionally, cutting-edge technology for visual plant species identification has been implemented, aiming to promote research in botany and ecology while offering a unique touristic product that combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, such as the nearby Archaeological Site of Delphi.

Vegetable Farming and Farmers’ Livelihood: Insights from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley — 2019 — WHED7F726FA97

Vegetable farming significantly boosts the livelihood of peri-urban farmers in Kathmandu Valley (KV), Nepal, by generating cash and providing employment opportunities. A study involving 140 farm households found that most farmers are migrants cultivating an average area of 2551.5 m² for vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and green leafy vegetables. Binary logistic regression revealed a strong positive relationship between vegetable farming and livelihood outcomes. However, challenges such as poor market management, lack of irrigation facilities, haphazard urban growth, price fluctuations, and vegetable diseases hinder sustainability. The research suggests that targeted interventions are needed to strengthen the vegetable sector and sustain this critical source of livelihood for peri-urban farmers.

Vegetation Conditions in Sacred Compounds at Myanmar’s Bagan Cultural Heritage Site

Bagan — 2019 — WHEE853CB3C04

At Myanmar’s Bagan Cultural Heritage Site, scrub vegetation occupies over a quarter of the sacred compounds surrounding religious monuments, posing risks to the integrity of the cultural landscape. This study quantifies canopy coverage and land use within these compounds, revealing that shrub-hosting areas dominate (nearly 50%), while farmland, monastic residences, and accessways occupy less than one-fifth each. The presence of scrub vegetation suggests invasion by alien species from drier hinterlands, highlighting urgent management needs. Conversely, cultivated farmland appears to suppress weedy growth, offering a potential solution for safeguarding monuments. This research underscores the importance of strategic land use—particularly cultivation—to preserve Bagan’s cultural landscape and protect its heritage.

Vegetation cover dynamics mapping of the Curonian Spit National Park usingsatellite imagery Alos and Sentinel-2

Curonian Spit — 2019 — WHE663CC085DA

A decade-long increase in vegetation cover and stabilization of dunes along the Curonian Spit National Park's shore adjacent to the Kurish Lagoon, alongside a decline in forest density and expansion of mobile sands on its seaward side, has been quantified using high-resolution satellite data from ALOS and Sentinel-2. This shift reflects successful afforestation efforts near the lagoon but highlights coastal erosion driven by wind-wave action and recreational pressure near the sea. Researchers employed automated classification algorithms—Random Forest and Maximum Likelihood Estimation—to map ecosystem metrics such as forest cover, coniferous tree proportions, and sand dynamics from 2007 to 2017. The study underscores the potential of remote sensing for monitoring complex vegetation structures and guiding conservation strategies in UNESCO-listed landscapes.

Vegetation of Andean wetlands (bofedales) in Huascarán National Park, Peru

Huascarán National Park — 2019 — WHEC654FB7DB5

Andean wetlands, or bofedales, exhibit significant valley-to-valley variation in species composition and vegetation assemblages, influenced by factors such as elevation, soil properties, and glacier recession. This study, the first exploratory analysis of its kind in Huascarán National Park, Peru, identified 112 plant species across five distinct vegetation groups, highlighting the unique biodiversity and spatial patterns of these high-altitude ecosystems. The research suggests that abiotic factors like bulk density, organic matter content, and cation exchange capacity play crucial roles in shaping floristic composition. These findings provide critical insights for land managers facing environmental transformations due to glacier retreat and underscore the need for further comprehensive studies on tropical Andean ecosystems.

Venice: an analysis of tourism excesses in an overtourism icon.

Venice and its Lagoon — 2019 — WHEBD3A18E127

Venice's tourism has reached unsustainable levels, with the number of tourist beds now matching its resident population. This study reveals how overtourism transcends local quality-of-life issues, reshaping Venice's economic landscape and physical geography irreversibly. The analysis combines a broad overview with detailed spatial impacts over the past decade, exposing systemic transformations driven by tourism excesses. Proposed overtourism indicators aim to deepen understanding of anti-tourist sentiments and guide future research on this global phenomenon.

Verona: la città oltre le mura

City of Verona — 2019 — WHE84EA17523B

Verona's origins trace back to the 5th century BCE on Castel San Pietro Hill, where an indigenous settlement thrived near the Adige River. A pivotal moment in its development occurred with the construction of the Via Postumia in 148 BCE, a Roman road linking Aquileia to Genoa, which significantly boosted the city's strategic and economic importance. This study reconstructs Verona's early urban evolution, emphasizing its transformation from a modest indigenous settlement into a key node along one of Rome's most vital trade routes.

Village-scale reserves in the forest frontier regions of Chenes and Calakmul, Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2019 — WHE131CDA4E58

A study of 23 villages in the Chenes and Calakmul regions of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula reveals that 9% of these communities have established deliberate, autochthonous reserves. These reserves represent local efforts to conserve land, often supported by external programs like Payments for Environmental Services (PES). The research used sketch-map-facilitated interviews to document the frequency and typology of these reserves, while also critiquing traditional static polygon reserve mapping methods as inadequate for capturing the dynamic cultural ecologies of forest frontier regions. Geographers' approaches are highlighted as more suitable for understanding these evolving landscapes.