World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 18541 – 18560 of 30345 publications

Influence of Tropical Instability Waves on Phytoplankton Biomass near the Marquesas Islands

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2018 — WHEFFC950CE3E

Strong La Niña events, particularly the intense conditions of 1998 and 2010, trigger significant phytoplankton blooms near the Marquesas Islands by advecting iron-rich waters from the equatorial region via tropical instability waves (TIWs). This finding, derived from an 18-year analysis combining satellite observations, ocean re-analyses, and Lagrangian diagnostics, challenges earlier hypotheses that such advection occurs during all La Niña events. While TIWs primarily disperse and modulate existing phytoplankton plumes, their influence on biomass enhancement is limited to strong La Niña conditions, suggesting that other large-scale forcing mechanisms—such as thermocline uplift or coastal upwelling—play a dominant role in moderate events.

Ingestion of plastic by fish destined for human consumption in remote South Pacific Islands

Lord Howe Island Group — 2018 — WHEA2A6E7342B

A recent study reveals that plastic ingestion is widespread among fish species in remote South Pacific Islands, including Lord Howe Island Group, with microplastics found in 7.9% of individual fish and 25% of species sampled. This is the first report of plastic contamination in this region, highlighting a significant environmental concern due to the transfer of pollutants through seafood consumption. The research examined gastrointestinal tracts of 126 fish from local markets and fisheries across French Polynesia, Lord Howe Island, and Henderson Island (Pitcairn group), finding no significant differences in ingestion based on feeding style, length, region, or species. These findings underscore the pervasive nature of marine plastic pollution, even in remote oceanic areas heavily reliant on seafood.

Ink marks, bronze crossbows and their implications for the Qin Terracotta Army

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor — 2018 — WHE14BCEE69C7

Researchers have uncovered evidence of ink marks on bronze crossbow triggers from the Terracotta Army's Pit 1, revealing a previously unknown system of 'matching' marks used by Qin Dynasty craftsmen. Using advanced techniques like multispectral photography, digital microscopy, and Raman analysis, the study identified soot-based ink as the substance for these marks, providing new insights into Qin bronze-worker practices during the crucial period of Chinese state formation. Spatial analysis of both inked and incised trigger marks suggests a broader pattern of bureaucratic accountancy in tracking objects and people, enhancing our understanding of Qin craft organization and logistics.

Insar Coherence and Polarimetric Parameters Based Characterization of Flooded Area – Case Study of a Natural World Heritage Site Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park — 2018 — WHEC6F42CBA1B

Flooding poses a significant threat to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical habitat for endangered species such as the Indian rhinoceros. This study demonstrates that Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) polarimetry and interferometry can effectively monitor flood extent using L-band dual-polarized data from ALOS PALSAR 2, offering advantages over optical sensors due to their all-weather operability. The research identifies H/A/Alpha decomposition as a robust method for characterizing flooded areas, with separability analysis revealing key parameters that distinguish water and non-water regions. Random forest classification applied to these parameters enables accurate flood mapping, while interferometric coherence images provide time-series insights into flood impacts. These findings highlight the potential of SAR-based techniques for real-time monitoring of flooding in ecologically sensitive heritage sites.

Insights into mountain wetland resilience to climate change: An evaluation of the hydrological processes contributing to the hydrodynamics of alpine wetlands in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2018 — WHE4DF6C4367E

Alpine wetlands in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, particularly peatlands, exhibit greater resilience to climate change than previously assumed. A two-year study in Banff National Park revealed that water table stability—critical for wetland ecosystem services—was maintained despite significant variations in snowmelt timing and hydrological conditions. Groundwater contributions, accounting for up to 53% of the water budget in peatlands, played a pivotal role in this stability, alongside soil conditions. Contrary to expectations, mineral wetlands showed limited adaptive capacity, suggesting that while some alpine wetlands may withstand climate-mediated changes, others remain vulnerable.

Instagram and Auschwitz: a critical assessment of the impact social media has on Holocaust representation

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2018 — WHE0E04EDB7FC

Social media, particularly Instagram, serves as a significant platform for young people to engage with Holocaust remembrance, using the hashtag #Auschwitz. This study reveals that while such digital interactions are not without challenges, they provide a space for important debates on Holocaust representation and ensure the visibility of its horrors for future generations. Unlike more formal contexts, social media empowers young voices in these discussions, offering them an accessible means to participate in historical dialogue.

Instances of pastoral motivation in contemporary landscape analytical practice

Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago — 2018 — WHE294902002A

Landscape perception is shaped by underlying ideals that guide how areas are analyzed and interpreted, influencing planning decisions. This study demonstrates that explicit landscape motifs—such as those aligned with the World Heritage Centre's criteria or rooted in poetic or cultural narratives—can strengthen the legitimacy of landscape analyses. Through three case studies (Vegaøyan, Sarpefossen, Storhei), it shows how analysts construct meaningful landscapes by assembling material memories and intangible experiences into shareable narratives. The research highlights that conventional methods often overlook these motivational frameworks, which are critical for narrative coherence and planning outcomes.

Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian — 2018 — WHEEFE54AA499

Groundbreaking discoveries at the Peking Man Site, led by the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP), have significantly advanced our understanding of vertebrate evolution. The IVPP's research spans from early jawed vertebrates to modern humans, with notable achievements including the discovery of Guiyu oneiros, the oldest near-complete osteichthyan fossil, and the reconstruction of Odontochelys semitestacea, which illuminated the formation of turtle shells. Additionally, the institute has made pioneering contributions to paleoanthropology, such as uncovering 47 modern human teeth in Daoxian Cave, providing the earliest evidence of fully modern humans outside Africa. The IVPP's interdisciplinary approach, combining paleontological, phylogenetic, and molecular studies, has placed it at the forefront of global research in vertebrate evolution and human origins.

Integral Accessibility to Airports in the Colombian Coffee Region. Case Study: Coffee Airport, Colombia

Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia — 2018 — WHE5E92B484C9

A new airport in Colombia's Coffee Region, the International Coffee Airport in Palestina, Caldas, is projected to benefit 528,381 people by significantly reducing travel time and enhancing accessibility. This improvement is expected to bolster tourism within the UNESCO-listed Coffee Cultural Landscape. The study calculates integral accessibility using a geo-statistical model (Kriging Ordinary) to compare current and future scenarios, quantifying time savings across municipalities. Findings highlight the airport's potential to optimize regional connectivity and support sustainable development in the area.

Integrated conservation planning for river-wetland mosaics

Central Amazon Conservation Complex — 2018 — WHE6F33E5251B

A global analysis reveals that only 89% of the world's inland wetlands, covering ~6% of land surface, lack formal protection, with significant regional variability and high human influence even within protected areas. The study introduces an innovative framework for wetland conservation planning that integrates multidimensional connectivity, addressing critical gaps in traditional static mapping and spatial planning. By combining remote sensing tools, statistical modeling, and spatial analysis, the research provides a comprehensive assessment of wetland threats and protection status worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for more effective conservation measures to safeguard these vital ecosystems.

Integrated Investigation of Built Heritage Monuments: The Case Study of Paphos Harbour Castle, Cyprus

Paphos — 2018 — WHE1BF0534B89

A novel approach combining non-destructive image processing with material sampling and laboratory analyses has successfully mapped degradation patterns on the masonry walls of Paphos Harbour Castle, Cyprus, without compromising its preservation. This multi-disciplinary methodology minimized invasive techniques while providing comprehensive insights into the monument's state of preservation across all external façades. The study demonstrated that rectified images, when paired with analytical methods, can offer a semi-automatic evaluation of deterioration on larger scales, enhancing our understanding of built heritage conservation.

Integrating field, textural, and geochemical monitoring to track eruption triggers and dynamics: a case study from Piton de la Fournaise

Pitons Management Area — 2018 — WHE04CE0B6330

A 2014 eruption at Piton de la Fournaise (PdF), La Réunion, revealed that shallow magma pockets can be rapidly reactivated by deep processes without significant mass or energy transfer, producing hazardous eruptions with minimal short-term precursors. The study integrated field observations, textural analyses of pyroclastic material, and geochemical monitoring to track eruption triggers and dynamics. It found that the eruption's small volume and brief duration were linked to a stratified magma storage system, where golden basaltic pumice and fluidal clasts represented hotter, less crystalline magma, while spiny scoria reflected cooler, more crystalline portions. Exponential decay in magma ascent rates indicated progressive reservoir depressurization, with syn-eruptive degassing leading to a shift from fountaining to Strombolian activity. Geochemical data confirmed the absence of new hot magma input, suggesting the 2014 eruption sourced residual magma from a previous 2009 event.

Integrating Sangiran Early Man Site Museum to Project-Based Learning in Science Course: The-Earth Materials

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2018 — WHE4FA9888D62

A study integrating the Sangiran Early Man Site Museum with project-based learning (PBL) in a science course on earth materials demonstrated that PBL effectively enhances research skills, teamwork, and group discussions among junior high school students. However, challenges were noted in independent learning, scientific approach adoption, and project report presentation. The research used mixed methods, including questionnaires and interviews, to assess student responses. Conducted with 28 seventh-grade students in Karanganyar, Central Java, the study also highlighted PBL's potential as a tool for teaching local wisdom, offering insights into educational strategies that balance engagement with skill development.

Integration between GIS and Multi-Criteria Analysis for Ecosystem Services Assessment: A Methodological Proposal for the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni (Italy)

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula — 2018 — WHE4D6971BF8E

A dualistic pattern emerges in the National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni, highlighting complementary yet contrasting ecosystem services between internal and coastal areas. This study quantifies these services using a combination of GIS mapping and multi-criteria analysis, including the TOPSIS method, to assess their spatial distribution and interactions. The findings underscore the need for balanced policies that reconcile conservation with sustainable development, addressing potential conflicts while preserving natural capital essential for societal resilience.

Interaction of verbal and graphic image in decoration of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra old-printed Akaphistus-books of the 17-18th cc.

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2018 — WHE96EE3335C4

A distinctive feature of baroque style in Ukrainian book culture emerged through the artistic decoration of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's 17th–18th century Akaphistus-books, blending verbal and graphic elements to enhance prayer perception. Frontispiece engravings, often accompanied by hymn citations or descriptive poetry in earlier editions (17th c.), directed readers' attention to the glorification of God, angels, or saints. By the 18th century, advancements in xylography improved image quality, while miniatures were replaced by engraved initials and framed pages, maintaining visual enrichment without verbal inscriptions. This interplay of text and imagery, rooted in the first Akaphistus editions (1625–1629), reflects a unique tradition that shaped Ukrainian baroque aesthetics.

Intercolony variations in movement patterns and foraging behaviors among herring gulls ( Larus argentatus ) breeding in the eastern Wadden Sea

Wadden Sea — 2018 — WHE458C95064B

Herring gulls (Larus argentatus) breeding in the eastern Wadden Sea exhibit significant intercolony variations in foraging behavior, with those on islands farther from the mainland relying more on local tidal flats for food, while those closer to the mainland venture farther, including terrestrial habitats. Gulls on distant islands primarily feed on common cockles and shore crabs near their colonies, whereas those nearer to the mainland forage extensively on neobiotic razor clams in intertidal zones and earthworms on the mainland. This shift is driven by reduced prey availability close to breeding sites, forcing gulls to adapt their foraging strategies. The study used GPS data loggers (1,115 trips from 37 individuals) and stable isotope analysis to reveal these patterns, highlighting herring gulls as indicators of intertidal ecosystem health.

Interior Polychromy and Wall Paintings in Khmer Brick Temples of the 9th and 10th Century in Cambodia

Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chok Gargyar — 2018 — WHE90E5E26472

Research on Khmer brick temples from the 9th and 10th centuries, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Koh Ker, reveals that interior walls were originally adorned with decorative paintings or polychromy. A comprehensive study of 19 temples uncovered extensive evidence of ornamental and figurative wall art, particularly in Prasat Thom at Koh Ker, Preah Ko in Rolous, and Prasat Neang Khmau in Takeo Province. The investigation analyzed painting techniques and materials, while some decorative patterns were virtually reconstructed using external stucco and stone ornaments as references. This discovery challenges the perception of these temples' interiors and provides new insights into Khmer artistry during this period.

Interpretation of El Niño–Southern Oscillation‐related precipitation anomalies in north‐western Borneo using isotopic tracers

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2018 — WHE6E216F3AE9

A strong link between El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and precipitation anomalies in north-western Borneo, including Gunung Mulu National Park, has been identified using oxygen isotopic tracers. The study reveals that ENSO modulates the frequency of synoptic-scale wet conditions—such as those driven by the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO), Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), and Borneo vortex (BV)—which in turn influence rainfall patterns over the region. By analyzing a 7-year isotopic dataset from two sites, researchers found significant correlations between seasonal isotopic anomalies and the Southern Oscillation index, as well as between isotopic signals and area-averaged rainfall anomalies (R = −0.65, p < 0.01). This suggests that ENSO-driven changes in atmospheric circulation patterns directly affect precipitation dynamics in Sarawak.

Interrelationship between the History and Archaeology, Islamic City of Qalhāt: Case Study

Ancient City of Qalhat — 2018 — WHE18ECD7574B

Archaeological excavations at the Islamic city of Qalhat, a significant but historically underdocumented port city from the 13th to 17th century, reveal its sophisticated urban organization and international trade networks. Unlike historical records—limited to brief mentions by travelers—archaeology provides a comprehensive narrative, uncovering architectural details, fortified systems, and occupational phases that were previously unknown. This case study demonstrates how collaboration between archaeologists and historians can reconstruct lost histories, particularly in the absence of written sources. The findings challenge traditional narratives by presenting Qalhat as a thriving, well-structured city with advanced urban planning, offering new insights into its role in maritime trade and regional significance.

Intersecting squares: applied geometry in the architecture of Timurid Samarkand

Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures — 2018 — WHEB3F7BA4932

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the intricate Square Kufic inscriptions adorning Timurid architecture, particularly in Samarkand’s Bibi Khanum mosque, can be systematically understood as collections of adjacent and overlapping squares. Among these, the 'Double Square' scheme—where two squares intersect along their diagonal axes—emerges as a novel geometric pattern unique to Timurid designs. This study presents these patterns as an integrated system, demonstrating how they harmonize calligraphy and geometry, offering a rare insight into the fusion of artistic and mathematical principles in Persianate architectural arts.