World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 19901 – 19920 of 30345 publications

Daily patterns in aerial activity by spinner dolphins in Fernando de Noronha

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2017 — WHEB829C04D98

Spinner dolphins in Baía dos Golfinhos, Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park, exhibit distinct daily and seasonal patterns in aerial activities such as leaps, spins, and body slaps. The study found that the frequency of these behaviors increases with the number of dolphins present and peaks during the rainy season compared to the dry season. Notably, aerial activity is most pronounced from 8:00 a.m. to 8:59 a.m., regardless of seasonal variations. Researchers analyzed over 113,027 aerial events recorded across five years (2006–2010) using land-based observations, providing insights into the behavioral ecology of these marine mammals in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dandin, Ajanta, Bagh, and the Historicity of the Visrutacarita

Ajanta Caves — 2017 — WHE4C1EA3B04D

A key insight from Walter Spink's study on the Ajanta Caves and their connection to Bagh reveals the pivotal role of Bagh in the evolution of Buddhist shrines, particularly in transitioning from aniconic to iconic worship forms. The research delves into the relationships between specific caves and solstices, as well as advancements in technology, especially concerning door fittings in monks' cells. By analyzing these elements, Spink provides a nuanced understanding of the historical development and significance of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Das Recht der Domkapitel in Bayern. Die einschlägigen Canones des CIC/1983 und ihre statutarische Umsetzung im Bereich der bayerischen Kirchenprovinzen – Künftige Entwicklungsperspektiven.

Speyer Cathedral — 2017 — WHE3DCFF24DD0

Cathedral chapters remain pivotal in the governance and tradition of the Catholic Church, with their legal frameworks continuing to evolve. This study reveals that while the 1983 Code of Canon Law (CIC/1983) provides a universal foundation, its implementation varies significantly across Bavarian dioceses. By comparing the statutes of cathedral chapters in Munich, Augsburg, Passau, Regensburg, Bamberg, Eichstätt, Speyer, and Würzburg, the research highlights distinct self-understandings, practices, and differences among these institutions. The analysis underscores the need for future statutory developments to address these variations while preserving the chapters' unique identities. The study also provides a rare glimpse into unpublished statute texts from 2014, offering a basis for further legal and historical inquiry.

David Knight (ed.), Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Research Framework. Matlock: The Derwent Valley Mills Partnership, 2016. 124 pp., illus. ISBN 978-0-9541940-7-9

Derwent Valley Mills — 2017 — WHE6BC021A6A5

The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Research Framework, edited by David Knight, provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the significance of this UNESCO-listed area. It identifies key research priorities that focus on the industrial heritage, technological innovation, and cultural landscape of the 18th- and 19th-century mills along the River Derwent in England. The framework integrates historical analysis with archaeological and environmental studies to uncover the site's role in the Industrial Revolution. By synthesizing existing knowledge and outlining future research directions, it aims to deepen the understanding of how these mills contributed to industrial development while preserving their legacy for future generations.

De Baalbeck à Anjar. À propos de quelques séries de chapiteaux antiques

Anjar — 2017 — WHE177B4CEC85

A comparative analysis of ancient capitals from Baalbek and Anjar, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reveals distinct stylistic and craftsmanship patterns that reflect their historical and cultural contexts. The study identifies key differences in architectural ornamentation, particularly in the treatment of Corinthian capitals, which suggest varying influences and regional adaptations during the 8th century AD. By examining surviving fragments and employing archaeological and art-historical methods, the research sheds light on the craftsmanship techniques and symbolic meanings embedded in these structures. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the artistic exchange between the Roman and Islamic worlds during the transition period.

De encomenderos y hacendados: un acercamiento a la ordenación del territorio a través del paisaje cultural de las haciendas cafeteras en Viotá, Cundinamarca

Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia — 2017 — WHE223B58C95E

The transition from encomiendas (land grants) to haciendas (estates) in the 19th century shaped the cultural landscape and economic foundation of Viotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia. This study reveals how these coffee plantations became pivotal in consolidating territorial order, driving regional economic growth, and attracting population migration. The research traces this historical evolution through an analysis of the paisaje cultural (cultural landscape) of Viotá, highlighting its role as a key driver of municipal development. Methodologically, it combines archival records with spatial analysis to demonstrate how encomiendas were repurposed into specialized coffee haciendas, solidifying their legacy in Colombia's UNESCO-listed Coffee Cultural Landscape.

De l'habitat en terrasses à l'oppidum perché : à propos des sites de hauteur du Bronze final III et du premier âge du Fer dans les Garrigues du Languedoc oriental et les Cévennes

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHEBEDCE5731B

A shift in settlement patterns is observed between the Late Bronze Age IIIa and the early Iron Age in the Garrigues of eastern Languedoc and the Cévennes, with a transition from elevated terraced habitats to more accessible and varied high-ground sites. Initially, during the Bronze final IIIa, settlements were confined to suspended terraces on rugged terrains, but by the Bronze final IIIb, they expanded to include less steep terraces, plateau edges, rocky promontories, and isolated hills, often supplemented with natural fortifications or additional stone structures. While remnants of post-and-wattle dwellings persist, more substantial stone enclosures became common during the early Iron Age, with monumental fortifications emerging only in the second Iron Age. This study highlights the evolving strategies for habitation and defense in this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

De la Limagne à la chaîne des Puys. Approche analytique intégrative pour l’étude des végétations actuelles et potentielles en moyenne montagne tempérée

Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena — 2017 — WHE7F7DC649A9

A comprehensive study of the Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault tectonic arena in central France has identified 81 distinct vegetation units, including 60 series and 21 geoseries, through an integrative analytical approach. This research, part of the CarHAB program, utilized a dynamico-caténale method to model current and potential vegetation across diverse habitats, integrating phytosociological data, ecological variables, and landscape dynamics. The study also developed predictive models for climate change impacts on vegetation series, using Ellenberg bio-indicator values to assess naturality and anthropization levels. Three detailed vegetation maps were produced, including a hypothetical scenario under future climate conditions, providing critical insights for conservation strategies in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Deacon or Drink: Some Paintings from Samarra Re-examined

Samarra Archaeological City — 2017 — WHEC4713BA69A

A re-examination of the famous frescoes from the Gausaq Haqani palace in Samarra challenges earlier interpretations, particularly those by Ernst Herzfeld. The study suggests that the Kufic inscriptions on the so-called 'Picture-columns' are not necessarily artists' signatures but may relate to the content or function of the paintings. This finding complicates the understanding of attribution and authorship in early Islamic art. The research relies on close analysis of the architectural context, iconography, and inscriptions within the palace's harem-court, offering new insights into the symbolic and social dimensions of these ninth-century depictions.

Death Feigning Behavior in the Burmese Python Python bivittatus Kuhl, 1820 in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2017 — WHE84095F0CD4

Researchers document the rare death feigning behavior of the Burmese python (Python bivittatus) within Chitwan National Park, Nepal. This is the first reported instance of such behavior in the species from its natural range and highlights a conflict-prone zone where human-python interactions are common. The observation suggests potential for outreach to educate local populations about the behavior, which may help protect pythons from perceived threats. The study contributes valuable insights into the behavioral repertoire of Burmese pythons, particularly in regions where conservation efforts are critical.

Death in the New Town: Edinburgh'S Hidden Story of Stonemasons’ Silicosis

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2017 — WHE64635E39AD

A major epidemic of silicosis and tuberculosis among stonemasons during the construction of Edinburgh's New Town (18th to 19th centuries) is confirmed by historical records and a preserved lung specimen, revealing the deadly impact of high-quartz Craigleith sandstone. The study highlights how prolonged exposure to dusty stonework in unventilated conditions, combined with misplaced employer assurances post-quarry closure, led to widespread illness. Despite awareness of risks, preventive measures were negligible, and this tragic episode remains largely forgotten. The findings underscore the enduring threat of silicosis to stonemasons today, emphasizing the need to learn from historical failures.

Debating Chichen Itza

Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza — 2017 — WHE23B8840B41

A new chronology for Chichen Itza challenges recent scholarly consensus, proposing that the 'Toltec' or Modified Florescent occupation occurred between 950 and 1150 AD, contrary to the previously favored date of 800/850–1000/1050 AD. This study critiques ceramic, radiocarbon, and stratigraphic evidence, arguing that current data supports a tenth-century florescence for Chichen Itza, with no absolute dates or evidence for monumental construction beyond this period. The research rejects proposals of a hiatus at the onset of the Modified Florescent period, instead advocating for a model of continued development of Toltec ideas from the late ninth century onward.

Declines in the mammal assemblage of a rugged sandstone environment in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

Kakadu National Park — 2017 — WHEF3A61AD398

A significant decline in the mammal assemblage of Kakadu National Park's rugged sandstone environment (Nawurlandja) was documented between 1977 and 2002, with notable reductions in trap success rates for three native species: northern quoll, Arnhem rock-rat, and all combined. The Arnhem rock-rat, once commonly recorded, disappeared entirely by the final sampling in 2002, while northern quoll numbers dropped by approximately 90%. In contrast, the common rock-rat showed an increase in trap success rates. The study, conducted before the arrival of invasive cane toads, suggests that increased fire frequency may have contributed to these declines. This research highlights the vulnerability of small mammal populations in rugged landscapes to environmental changes.

Decoding Göbekli Tepe With Archaeoastronomy: What Does The Fox Say?

Göbekli Tepe — 2017 — WHEB94D6FF63D

Archaeoastronomical analysis of Göbekli Tepe reveals that the 'Vulture Stone' may serve as a date stamp for 10950 BC ± 250 years, aligning closely with the proposed Younger Dryas event (10890 BC). The study matches low-relief carvings on pillars to star asterisms and meteor showers, suggesting Göbekli Tepe functioned as an observatory for tracking cometary encounters, particularly the Taurid meteor stream. This finding proposes a direct link between Göbekli Tepe and the Younger Dryas event, potentially supporting the theory of coherent catastrophism.

Decolonial {R}evolution: Petrocracy and Geological Modernity from Detroit to Palestine and Back

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2017 — WHE592AD5D79F

A decolonial uprising against petrocracy, the intertwined rule of fossil fuels and monotheism, is explored through an anarchaeological, visual, and discourse analysis of excavations at Tell-es-Sultan, a site linked to biblical Jericho. The study compares present-day conditions in the Palestinian refugee camp 'Ein-as-Sultan with Kathleen Kenyon's 1952–1958 excavations, challenging conventional narratives around the site's geological and geopolitical significance. It reveals how displacement, drought, and counterinsurgency create non-continuous spaces of global displacement, exemplified by Detroit's role as a symbol for these fragmented landscapes.

Deep structure of the western part of the Central Caucasus from geophysical data

Western Caucasus — 2017 — WHE7175DC2AA4

New geophysical data confirms the sinking of the southern microplate into the mantle along the Adygei profile in the western Central Caucasus, revealing deep structural insights. This study integrates converted waves from distant earthquakes, magnetotelluric sounding, and gravimagnetic surveys to map crustal sections with unprecedented uniformity. The findings support a model where the contemporary Alpine structure of the Greater Caucasus formed through gentle northward thrusting of the Scythian Plate over the consolidated southern microplate's crust. This research enhances understanding of tectonic processes shaping the region.

Deformational history and thermochronology of Wrangel Island, East Siberian Shelf and coastal Chukotka, Arctic Russia

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2017 — WHE2435B81D90

Wrangel Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents a crustal-scale extensional boudin rather than a continuation of Alaska's Brookian thrust belt. The study reveals that deformation on Wrangel Island occurred during post-shortening north–south extension, not fold-thrust belt activity, based on shared thermal histories with Chukotka. Research used deformational analysis, thermochronology (U-Pb zircon, 40Ar/39Ar biotite, apatite fission track), and seismic data to determine that deformation occurred at greenschist facies (300–450°C) during the Triassic or earlier, with cooling to near-surface conditions by ~95 Ma. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the geological evolution of the region.

Dei gratia rex Sicilie: Scene d’incoronazione divina nell’iconografia regia normanna

Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale — 2017 — WHE5C5BC96009

A novel reinterpretation of Norman royal portraits from the Kingdom of Sicily (1130–1189) challenges traditional views on medieval monarchic iconography, revealing that these images served not only political propaganda but also devotional and liturgical functions. By analyzing three key scenes—St. Nicholas blessing Roger II in Bari, Christ crowning Roger II in Palermo, and Christ crowning William II in Monreale—the study integrates iconographic analysis with historical evidence to demonstrate how royal portraiture was part of a broader communicative strategy. This approach moves beyond isolated art-historical interpretation, offering fresh perspectives on the intersection of political ideology, sacral kingship, and religious practice in medieval Sicily.

Demographic Change and Ethnic Survival Among the Sedentary Populations on the Jesuit Mission Frontiers of Spanish Latin America, 1609–1803: The Formation and Persistence of Mission Communities in a Comparative Context, by Robert H. Jackson

Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos — 2017 — WHE951069EA6D

Despite widespread demographic decline and out-migration during the colonial period, Jesuit mission settlements in Spanish Latin America demonstrated remarkable resilience. A comparative study of the Guaraní missions (Paraguay/Río de la Plata) and Chiquitos missions (eastern Bolivia) reveals that these communities persisted through the 18th century, with descendants still inhabiting former mission sites today. The research traces demographic trajectories from the 17th to early 19th centuries, challenging narratives of mission settlements as either utopian refuges or oppressive institutions. By extending analysis beyond the 1767 suppression of the Jesuits, the study highlights long-term survival and cultural persistence in the face of colonial pressures.

Demolizioni sensibili e rigenerazione urbana

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2017 — WHE247E795E87

A critical reappraisal of demolition in urban regeneration, particularly within UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reveals its potential as a 'curative' tool for restoring degraded areas. The study challenges conventional perceptions by framing demolition not as an irreparable act but as a strategic component of urban renewal, capable of removing obsolete structures while preserving cultural identity. It emphasizes the importance of targeted, context-sensitive interventions that balance destruction with reconstruction, fostering emotional and figurative value in the process. This approach is exemplified in the Valle dei Templi di Agrigento, where demolition serves to replace aging or illegal constructions with innovative designs, aligning with broader goals of sustainable urban regeneration.