Sedimentation in the lake catchments in South Korea

This study discusses the soil erosion on hillslopes and sediment deposition in lakes within catchments in South Korea. In order to determine seasonal variations of sedimentation in Yeongcheon and Seondong lakes, the sediment traps were set in the deep part of both lakes and lake sediments have been sampledmonthly from July 2004 to August 2005. Some properties such as highmineral content, fine particle size and high particle density in the Yeongcheon Lake indicate intensive soil erosion, sediment transportation and deposition throughout the catchment for a long time. The high sediment yield in the Seondong Lake is related with higher weathering intensity and extreme soil erosion by running water due to higher seasonal rainfall amount. Rates of erosion and sedimentation in the Seondong Lake are estimated to be higher than those of the Yeongcheon Lake, suggesting that the Seondong Lake is associated with higher precipitation, smaller catchment area, and extreme soil vulnerability to ephemeral erosion by overland flow during the heavy rainfall event. Consequently, both catchments are characterized by different erosion and sedimentation processes, as well as different geomorphic factors (bedrock, soil structure, rainfall intensity and catchment area).