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Showing 18741 – 18760 of 30345 publications

Morphometric terrain analysis to explore present day geohazards and paleolandscape forms and features in the surroundings of the Melka Kunture prehistoric site, Upper Awash Valley, Central Ethiopia

Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia — 2018 — WHEE16ECC64F3

A detailed topographic analysis and hydrological modeling of the Melka Kunture archaeological site in Ethiopia's Upper Awash Valley reveals significant geohazards and paleo-landscape features. The study identifies active flooding, erosion, and sedimentation processes threatening the site, while also uncovering evidence of past tectonic activity and a shifted drainage pattern. Notably, it suggests the presence of an ancient lake or palustrine environment upstream, with water likely draining via the Atabella tributary—a theory supported by the valley's unusually large cross sections. This research demonstrates how morphometric terrain analysis can provide critical insights for archaeological and environmental studies, bridging gaps between disciplines.

Morphotaxonomy, distribution and abundance ofSpirogyra(Zygnematophyceae, Charophyta) in Lake Baikal, East Siberia

Lake Baikal — 2018 — WHE9E591313A4

A recent study reveals that Spirogyra, typically absent from Lake Baikal's open nearshore waters, has undergone mass development in shallow zones, extending its vertical distribution to depths above 0.5 meters. This phenomenon was observed during 2012–2016, with the highest biomass recorded near human settlements and tourist sites, reaching up to 125 ± 59 g/m² in the southern basin and 70.5 ± 39 g/m² in the northern basin. The study identified 15 Spirogyra taxa from 37 lake sites and five streams, including eight species new to Lake Baikal and nine previously unknown in the region. Eight morphological species were reported for East Siberia for the first time. Species richness was notably higher in shallow bays with sandy bottoms, likely influenced by organic pollution. The most widespread species, S. cf. fluviatilis, thrived year-round across rocky littoral zones (0.5–17 m depth) and tributaries, including the Angara River. This research provides the first detailed account of Spirogyra's mass development in Lake Baikal amid ecological changes and offers baseline data on its species richness and distribution.

Mosaic and Trencadís in the Palau De La Música Catalana

Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona — 2018 — WHE02FDB0B338

A key insight into the artistic and structural innovation of Modernist architecture is revealed through the study of the Palau de la Música Catalana, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The research highlights how ceramic mosaic techniques, particularly trencadís—an abstract method using irregular tile fragments—were integrated to both decorate and protect the building's metallic structure. This approach demonstrates a seamless fusion of artistry and craftsmanship, setting a precedent for Modernisme in Catalonia. The study examines the building's ornamentation, emphasizing the dual functionality of ceramic elements while exploring their aesthetic and technical significance.

Moti Masjid: Pearl of Lahore Fort Complex, Lahore

Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore — 2018 — WHE9ED9D424A8

Moti Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque within Lahore Fort, stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance and decorative artistry of the Mughal dynasty. This structure, adorned with white marble, delicate colored friezes, and intricate carvings, showcases the refined taste and meticulous craftsmanship of its creators. Despite environmental degradation and structural damage over time, the mosque retains its historical significance, though it faces ongoing threats from neglect and harsh weather conditions. The study emphasizes the urgent need for documentation and conservation to prevent irreversible loss, highlighting the fragility of this Mughal architectural treasure.

Movement patterns and athletic performance of leopards in the Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta — 2018 — WHE940EF82177

Leopards in the Okavango Delta exhibit distinct movement patterns and athletic performance, with activity peaking during twilight hours. Using high-resolution GPS/IMU collars, researchers recorded short, slow runs (maximum speed 5.3 m/s) and daily travel distances averaging 11 km, with no correlation to temperature or season. The study provides novel insights into the locomotor energetics of leopards, demonstrating their adaptability in diverse habitats while avoiding methodological biases of previous studies.

Moving beyond the hard boundary

Wadden Sea — 2018 — WHEA311BD6463

A nature-culture divide in spatial policy negatively impacts the landscape of the Dutch Wadden Sea, a UNESCO-protected site renowned for its ecological assets. This study reveals that approaching the region as an agricultural-maritime landscape could mitigate the rigid boundary between nature and culture, particularly concerning the sea dikes. By reconsidering the trilateral Wadden Sea as a mixed World Heritage Site, policymakers could adopt a more integrated perspective, balancing ecological and cultural-historical interests. The research analyzes international and national policy frameworks alongside regional examples to demonstrate these effects. These findings offer valuable insights for managing landscape and heritage in this region and serve as a model for other European coastal areas facing similar conflicts.

Multibeam Bathymetric Investigations of the Morphology and Associated Bedforms, Sulina Channel, Danube Delta

Danube Delta — 2018 — WHE2D06CF11B4

Research on the Sulina Channel of the Danube Delta reveals that dune bedforms, primarily composed of fine sand (D50 between 0.06 and 0.35 mm), follow a distinct geometric relationship where height (H) correlates with length (L) through the formula H = 0.093L^0.5268. The study, conducted using multibeam bathymetry, flow velocity measurements, suspended-load concentration data, and discharge records, identified shear stresses ranging from 2.86 to 8.62 N·m^-2 across the dune field formation. Water velocities during the February 2007 field campaign varied between 0.22–1.13 m·s^-1, providing insights into sediment dynamics and hydraulic conditions influencing dune growth and degeneration.

Multiple climate impacts on seagrass dynamics: Amphibolis antarctica patches at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2018 — WHEF1E78A4BA8

A 9.5-hectare patch of the seagrass species Amphibolis antarctica at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, was completely lost due to a combination of tropical cyclone-induced burial and marine heatwave impacts. The study highlights the devastating effects of compounded climate events on seagrass communities, with no observed recruitment of new seedlings since the loss, suggesting potential hindrance by local ocean circulation patterns. This research underscores the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to simultaneous extreme weather events.

Multiple indicators of rice remains and the process of rice domestication: A case study in the lower Yangtze River region, China

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2018 — WHE34C3A038F3

Research at the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City reveals that rice domestication in the lower Yangtze River region spanned approximately 6,000 years during the Neolithic period. The study identified three distinct stages in this process, marked by turning points around 6,500-5,800 and 4,600-4,300 years BP. It established that an assemblage of rice remains can be classified as domesticated if it meets two criteria simultaneously: a proportion of domesticated-type bulliform phytoliths exceeding 73% and a proportion of domesticated-type rice spikelet bases higher than 75%. The study analyzed multiple indicators, including macroremains like charred seeds and microremains such as phytoliths, from 38 archaeological samples collected across eight Neolithic sites. This comprehensive approach provides a more accurate understanding of the gradual and successive development of domesticated rice characteristics over time.

Murujuga desert, tide, and dreaming: Understanding early rock art production and lifeways in northwest Australia

Murujuga Cultural Landscape — 2018 — WHE87447D678E

A robust corpus of late Pleistocene and early Holocene rock art has been identified on Murujuga (Dampier Archipelago), revealing how early cultural practices were adapted to extreme environmental pressures. Stylistic, spatial, and archaeological analyses demonstrate that rock art production was strategically mobilized within the natural and social landscape, serving as a means to map and mitigate shifting geographies during periods of significant environmental change. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the resilience and adaptability of early human societies in northwest Australia.

N’Koué Bantée, Kpakou

Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba — 2018 — WHECAE0F103A2

A collaborative effort between two Togolais and a French ethnologist reveals the sacred landscapes of Koutammakou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Togo. The research uncovers the deep cultural significance of these sites, rooted in the Batammariba people's history, origins, beliefs, and their profound connection to ancestral land. Through extensive fieldwork, one author mapped out the sacred places, while another provided insightful interpretations and stunning photography, enriching the narrative with visual and textual depth. The study offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual and social fabric of this unique region, blending historical context with ethnographic detail.

Namib Desert primary productivity is driven by cryptic microbial community N-fixation

Namib Sand Sea — 2018 — WHE544F73ABD7

A critical discovery in the Namib Sand Sea reveals that cryptic microbial communities, particularly hypolithic photoautotrophs, drive nitrogen fixation to support rapid primary productivity during rare rainfall events. Unlike C4 grasses, which cannot fix nitrogen, these microbial mats provide the necessary nitrogen input to sustain plant growth after wet anomalies. Researchers analyzed stable nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values over three years across dune and gravel plain biotopes, finding that hypolithic biomass exhibited significantly lower δ15N values than soil organic matter, approaching theoretical levels for nitrogen fixation. This suggests hypolithic communities are the foundation of productivity in this arid ecosystem, with potential implications for other dryland environments.

Nancy 1913, un rêve de cité moderne : l'esquisse d'un plan d'extension aux premiers temps de l'urbanisme

Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance in Nancy — 2018 — WHE422BCD0384

A pioneering urban plan for Nancy, France, emerged from the first-ever French urbanism exhibition held in 1913, showcasing a visionary approach to city expansion. This plan, characterized by a grand circumscription boulevard, reflected the ambitions of a regional renaissance fueled by proximity to Germany and the growth of the Briey coal basin. Unlike previous initiatives, it was driven by local ironmasters and architects associated with the École de Nancy, blending international research with local expertise. The exhibition's significance extends beyond its immediate context, offering insights into early urbanism debates, particularly regarding the treatment of city boundaries, between beltways and garden cities. Published in prominent architectural journals and displayed across Europe, this plan stands as a testament to the evolving discourse on urban morphology during the early 20th century.

Napoleon, Białowieża Forest and the Last Bison from Transylvania

Białowieża Forest — 2018 — WHE1FB9EED7CE

By the end of the 18th century, the European bison's range had been reduced to a single location: Białowieża Forest. This study highlights the historical significance of the forest as the last known habitat for free-living bison herds in Europe, challenging earlier beliefs that dismissed their existence beyond the Caucasus and Romania. The research delves into the fascination of 19th-century naturalists with the species, driven partly by scientific excursions to Białowieża Forest, then part of the Russian Empire. It also notes the competitive nature of museum collections during this period, where possessing bison exhibits—whether skeletons or furs—was a mark of prestige. The study draws on archaeological data and historical accounts to reconstruct the bison's declining range and its cultural importance.

Nationalizing Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2018 — WHE780F7B63DC

Efforts by the Hashemite Kingdom to nationalize Jerusalem during its 19-year rule over East Jerusalem (1948–1967) revealed a strategic use of state institutions and symbols, such as postage stamps and banknotes, to assert political control over the city's deep religious and cultural significance. This approach paralleled earlier 19th-century attempts to nationalize Jerusalem, highlighting its enduring importance in the struggle for political dominance. The study also notes that Jordan’s territorial changes during this period included the annexation of additional land, later known as the West Bank. While limited in scope, the research contributes to a broader understanding of Jerusalem’s complex history and the interplay between religion, politics, and statecraft.

Negotiating absence: Bernard Tschumi’s new Acropolis Museum in Athens

Acropolis, Athens — 2018 — WHEF54F30CE1F

Bernard Tschumi's Acropolis Museum in Athens serves as a striking architectural manifestation of the complex and ongoing debate surrounding the decontextualization and potential re-contextualization of the Elgin Marbles. The museum, designed to house these ancient fragments, highlights the ideological and political challenges associated with their repatriation from London, where they have been housed for nearly two centuries. Tschumi's design not only addresses the physical absence of the marbles but also engages with the broader discourse on museum ethics, historical significance, and cultural heritage. The study explores how architectural structures can both reflect and influence these debates, offering a new perspective on the implications of decontextualization in the context of modern museology.

Neolithic Britain

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2018 — WHECA83D560DD

Recent advancements in archaeological research have significantly transformed our understanding of Neolithic Britain (c. 4000–2200 BCE), revealing a complex society with deep-rooted social practices centered on descent, continuity, and inheritance. Highly focused studies on site chronologies now provide precise time narratives, offering new insights into the fabric of Neolithic society, including kinship structures and cultural traditions. This updated perspective, informed by discoveries across Britain—from Stonehenge to Orkney—challenges traditional narratives and underscores the pivotal role of material objects and architecture in shaping social transformations. The study synthesizes recent findings to present an academically rigorous yet accessible overview, bridging nearly two millennia of Neolithic history.

Neolithic Kritou Marottou-Ais Giorkis, Cyprus—Living in the Uplands

Choirokoitia — 2018 — WHE2F2E6CDFC5

Recent research has significantly altered our understanding of Neolithic colonization in Cyprus, revealing that the island was inhabited as early as 12,000 years ago and challenging long-held assumptions about its late arrival. Excavations at Ais Giorkis, a foothill site near Choirokoitia, have uncovered evidence of Pre-Pottery Neolithic A and B phases (Cypro-PPNB), predating the Khirokitia Culture and paralleling mainland developments. This site stands out for its early directly dated domesticates, unique architecture, and indications of trade and feasting, providing insights into early seafaring, domestication processes, and social changes in the Near East. Interdisciplinary methods were employed to analyze these findings, contributing to a broader reorientation in our understanding of island colonization and the spread of Neolithic cultures.

Neopterygian phylogeny: the merger assay

Monte San Giorgio — 2018 — WHEC7407C861B

A groundbreaking phylogenetic analysis of neopterygian fish reveals the evolutionary relationships within the Ginglymodi clade, with Ticinolepis identified as its most basal member. The study, conducted on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio, utilized the largest morphological dataset for fossil actinopterygians to date, merging previously published characters with new ones. It confirms the monophyly of Teleostei and Holostei, while also challenging established classifications such as the non-monophyly of ionoscopiforms and the distinctness of caturids from amiiforms. The research highlights rapid radiations during the Early to Late Triassic and a second wave in the Early Jurassic, providing insights into the diversification patterns of these clades.

Nepal: A Guide to the Art and Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley — 2018 — WHE6B4B6B40A6

Kathmandu Valley's art and architecture, as explored by Michael Hutt, reveal a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the valley's artistic traditions, architectural styles, and historical significance, offering insights into the intricate details that define its UNESCO World Heritage status. Hutt's work combines meticulous documentation with narrative depth, capturing the essence of Nepalese craftsmanship from ancient temples to modern interpretations. The approach involves thorough field research, archival analysis, and comparative study of architectural elements, making it a foundational resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.