• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2023

Alien species are known to threaten regional biodiversity globally, which has increased global interest regarding introduction of alien species. The Ministry of Environment of Korea designated species that have not yet been introduced into the country with potential threat as alert alien species to prevent damage to the ecosystem. In this study, potential habitats of Esox lucius and Maccullochella peelii, which are predatory and designated as alert alien fish, were predicted on a national basis. Habitat suitability was evaluated using EHSM (Ecological Habitat Suitability Model), and water temperature data were input to calculate Physiological Habitat Suitability (PHS). The prediction results have shown that PHS of the two fishes were mainly controlled by heat or cold stress, which resulted in biased habitat distribution. E. lucius was predicted to prefer the basins at high latitudes (Han and Geum River), while M. peelii preferred metropolitan areas. Through these differences, it was expected that the invasion pattern of each alien fish can be different due to thermal preference. Further studies are required to enhance the model's predictive power, and future predictions under climate change scenarios are required to aid establishing sustainable management plans.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.211-224
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• 2023

In this study, a soil moisture estimation was performed using the Water Cloud Model (WCM), a backscatter model that considers vegetation based on SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar). Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 MSI (Multi-Spectral Instrument) images of a 40 × 50 km² area including the Yongdam Dam watershed of the Geum River were collected for this study. As vegetation descriptor of WCM, Sentinel-1 based vegetation index RVI (Radar Vegetation Index), depolarization ratio (DR), and Sentinel-2 based NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) were used, respectively. Forward modeling of WCM was performed by 3 groups, which were divided by the characteristics between backscattering coefficient and soil moisture. The clearer the linear relationship between soil moisture and the backscattering coefficient, the higher the simulation performance. To estimate the soil moisture, the simulated backscattering coefficient was inverted. The simulation performance was proportional to the forward modeling result. The WCM simulation error showed an increasing pattern from about -12dB based on the observed backscattering coefficient.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.208-217
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• 2022

We wanted to develop a real-time PCR assay capable of detecting Liobagrus obesus in environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from freshwater samples using a pair of species-specific primers and probe for the endangered fish, L. obesus. The species-specific primers and probe were designed in consideration of single nucleotide polymorphisms between 65 species of freshwater fish living in the Republic of Korea within the cytochrome b (cytb) gene of mitochondrial DNA. The species-specific primers and probe, in the real-time PCR assay, showed high specificity as only the L. obesus genomic DNA (gDNA) was found to be positive in the specificity verification using 65 species gDNA of freshwater fish in the Republic of Korea. In addition, in the detection limit analysis using the serial dilution concentrations of L. obesus gDNA, it was found that it was possible to detect up to 0.2 pg, showing high sensitivity. Afterwards, using the species-specific primers and probe, real-time PCR assay was performed on freshwater samples obtained from 8 stations in the mid-upper basin of Geum River. As a result, the cytb gene of L. obesus was detected in total 5 stations including all 3 stations where this species was collected at the time of field survey. Therefore, the species-specific primers and probe developed in present study, and the real-time PCR assay using them, can accurately detect the cytb gene of L. obesus from eDNA samples, which can be utilized to monitor the existing habitats of this species and to discover potential new habitats.

• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.17-33
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• 2011

This study summarizes the research history of fluvial terraces in Korea and examines the geomorphic properties of fluvial terraces in Korea based on the previous works. The research history of fluvial terraces in Korea can be divided into the three periods. The theories of fluvial terraces were spread by the early geomorphologists during the period of Japanese colonial era to mid-1980s. The dissertations on the fluvial terraces were intensively published during the late 1980s to 1990s and their discussions were the center of geomorphology researches in Korea. Since 2000s, the discussions have become more mature and researches have been quantitatively increased as the various methodologies have been developed. The fluvial terraces in Korea are mostly developed in the western and eastern parts of the Taebaek Mountains, upper and middle reaches of Han and Nakdong River, and in the western slopes of Sobaek Mountains, middle reaches of Namhan River, upper and middle reaches of Geum and Seomjin River. Along these rivers in actively uplifted areas, fluvial terraces with much higher altitude from riverbed are observable and incision rates are relatively high. In the sense of the formation ages, they have developed in not regular patterns by the climatic changes during the Quaternary, but in more complicated aspects by the environmental conditions such as climate, hydrology, geology and geomorphology in the specific drainage basins.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.139-155
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• 2024

Using the cytb gene region of the mitochondrial DNA of eight populations of Sarcocheilichthys nigripinnis morii and five populations of S. variegatus wakiyae, which belong to the genus Sarcocheilichthys from Korea, the genetic diversity and molecular phylogenetic relationships of each population were examined. As a result of the analysis, it was confirmed that the S. variegatus wakiyae population had higher genetic diversity than the S. nigripinnis morii population. In the phylogenetic tree of genus Sarcocheilichthys fish in Korea based on the cytb gene, the Yeongsan River (YSR) population of S. variegatus wakiyae forms a clade with the Tamjin River (TJR), Yeongsan River (YSR), and Seomjin River (SJR) population of S. nigripinnis morii, and genetic relationships that do not align with the current classification system were observed. Meanwhile, on the nuclear DNA phylogenetic tree, S. variegatus wakiyae and S. nigripinnis morii could be clearly distinguished, showing mitonuclear inconsistency where mitochondrial and nuclear DNA conflicted on the phylogenetic tree. The Seomjin River (SJR) population of S. nigripinnis morii was translocated to the Dongjin River (DJR) population, haplotype from which crossbreeding was presumed to have occurred was confirmed. Among the rivers flowing into the East Sea, the S. nigripinnis morii population is known to have been introduced and inhabit only the Hyeongsan River (HSR), and it is presumed to be a population formed by translocation from the Han River (HR) population, with a haplotype representing a unique genetic group also confirmed. The Han River (HR), Geum River (GR), and Mangyeong River (MGR) populations of S. nigripinnis morii formed a genetically identical population with S. czerskii and S. soldatovi distributed north of the Yalu River, and accordingly, a taxonomic reexamination was required through morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies by securing various specimens.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.515-530
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• 2021

This study is to estimate soil moisture (SM) using Sentinel-1A/B C-band SAR (synthetic aperture radar) images and Multiple Linear Regression Model(MLRM) in the Yongdam-Dam watershed of South Korea. Both the Sentinel-1A and -1B images (6 days interval and 10 m resolution) were collected for 5 years from 2015 to 2019. The geometric, radiometric, and noise corrections were performed using the SNAP (SentiNel Application Platform) software and converted to backscattering coefficient of VV and VH polarization. The in-situ SM data measured at 6 locations using TDR were used to validate the estimated SM results. The 5 days antecedent precipitation data were also collected to overcome the estimation difficulty for the vegetated area not reaching the ground. The MLRM modeling was performed using yearly data and seasonal data set, and correlation analysis was performed according to the number of the independent variable. The estimated SM was verified with observed SM using the coefficient of determination (R²) and the root mean square error (RMSE). As a result of SM modeling using only BSC in the grass area, R² was 0.13 and RMSE was 4.83%. When 5 days of antecedent precipitation data was used, R² was 0.37 and RMSE was 4.11%. With the use of dry days and seasonal regression equation to reflect the decrease pattern and seasonal variability of SM, the correlation increased significantly with R² of 0.69 and RMSE of 2.88%.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.274-283
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• 2023

Buffer zones, an example of nature-based solutions, offer wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits due to their multifunctionality when applied to watershed areas promoting blue-green connectivity. This study evaluated the effects of buffer zone application to the water quality of Yongdam reservoir tributaries. Particularly, the challenges and improvement of the buffer zone design were identified and suggested, respectively. Water and soil samples were collected from a total of six sites in Yongdam reservoir from September 2021 to April 2022. Water quality analyses revealed that among the sites monitored, downstream of Sangjeonmyeon Galhyeonri (SG_W_D2) was found to have the highest concentration for water quality parameters turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN). This finding was attributed to the algal bloom observed during the sampling conducted in September and October 2021. It was found through the soil analyses that high TN and TP concentrations were also observed in all the agricultural land uses implying that nutrient accumulation in agricultural areas are high. Highest TN concentration was found in the agricultural area of Jeongcheonmyeon Wolpyeongri (JW_S_A) followed by Jucheonmyeon Sinyangri (JS_S_A) while the lowest TN concentration was found in the original soil of Sangjeonmyeon Galhyeonri (SG_S_O). Among the types of buffer zones identified in this study, Type II-A, Type II-B and Type III were found to have blue-green connectivity. However, initially, blue-green connectivity in these buffer zone types were not considered leading to poor design and poor performance. As such, improvement in the design considering blue-green network and renovation must be considered to optimize the performance of these buffer zones. The findings in this study is useful for designing buffer zones in the future.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.51 no.spc
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• pp.1091-1103
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• 2018

Having knowledge regarding to which region is prone to drought or flood is a crucial issue in water resources planning and management. This could be more challenging when the occurrence of these hazards affected by climate change. In this study the future streamflow during the wet season (July to September) and dry season (October to March) for the twenty first century of South Korea was investigated. This study used the statistics of precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature of one global climate model (i.e., INMCM4) with 2 RCPs (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) scenarios as inputs for The Precipitation-Runoff Modelling System (PRMS) model. The PRMS model was tested for the historical periods (1966-2016) and then the parameters of model were used to project the future changes of 5 large River basins in Korea for three future periods (2025s, 2055s, and 2085s) compared to the reference period (1976-2005). Then, the different responses in climate and streamflow projection during these two seasons (wet and dry) was investigated. The results showed that under INMCM4 scenario, the occurrence of drought in dry season is projected to be stronger in 2025s than 2055s from decreasing -7.23% (-7.06%) in 2025s to -3.81% (-0.71%) in 2055s for RCP4.5 (RCP8.5). Regarding to the far future (2085s), for RCP 4.5 is projected to increase streamflow in the northern part, and decrease streamflow in the southern part (-3.24%), however under RCP8.5 almost all basins are vulnerable to drought, especially in the southern part (-16.51%). Also, during the wet season both increasing (Almost in northern and western part) and decreasing (almost in the southern part) in streamflow relative to the reference period are projected for all periods and RCPs under INMCM4 scenario.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.68-76
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• 2022

In this study, the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) was calculated in the Miho stream of the Geum river system, and the environmental ecological flow by point was evaluated. Two points (St.3 and St.8) representing the up and downstream of Miho Stream were selected, in order to calculate the Habitat Suitability Index, the depth and velocity at point where each species is appeared were investigated. The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) was calculated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) method using the number collected by water depth and velocity section and the results of the flow rate survey. Two target species were selected in this study; dominant species and swimming species sensitive to flow. In the case of a single species of Zacco platypus, the water depth was 0.1 - 0.5 m and the velocity was 0.2 - 0.5 m/s. For species of swimming fish, the water depth was 0.2 - 0.5 m and the velocity was 0.2 - 0.5 m/s. The discharge-Weighted Useable Area (WUA) relationship curve and habitat suitability distribution were simulated at the Miho Stream points St.3 and St.8. At the upstream St.3 of Miho Stream, the optimal discharge was simulated as 4.0 m³/s for swimming fishes and 2.7 m³/s for Zacco platypus. At the downstream point of St.8, species of swimming fish were simulated as 8.8 m³/s and Zacco platypus was simulated as 7.6 m³/s. In both points, the optimal discharge of swimming fish was over estimated. This is a result that the Habitat Suitability Index for swimming fish requires a faster flow rate than the habitat conditions of the Zacco platypus. In the calculation of the minimum discharge, the discharge of Zacco platypus is smaller and is evaluated to provide more Weighted Useable Area. In the case of swimming fishes, narrow range of depth and velocity increases the required discharge and relatively decreases the Weighted Useable Area. Therefore, when calculating the Habitat Suitability Index for swimming fishes, it is more advantageous to calculate the index including the habitat of all fish species than to narrow the range.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.671-687
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• 2022

It has been reported that about 47% of groundwater wells within 10 km from the coastline in the western/southern coastal areas of Korea were affected by seawater. It has been interpreted that the cause of groundwater salinization is seawater intrusion. The Gilsan stream in the Seocheon area was a tidal stream until the Geumgang estuary dam was constructed and operated. Therefore, it is likely that the Gilsan stream catchment was deposited with sediments containing high-saline formation water prior to the use of landfill farmland at this catchment area. The groundwater in this study area showed EC values ranging from 111 to 21,000 µS/cm, and the water quality types were diverse including Ca(or Na)-HCO₃, Ca(or Na)-HCO₃(Cl), Na-Cl(HCO₃), Na-Cl types. It is believed that this diversity of water quality is due to the mixing of seawater and fresh groundwater generated by infiltration of precipitation and surface water through soil and weathered part. In this study, we discussed whether this water quality diversity and the presence of saline groundwater are due to present seawater intrusion or to remnant high-saline pore water in sediments during flushing out process. For this, rain water, surface water, seawater, and groundwater were compared regarding the water quality characteristics, tritium content, oxygen/hydrogen stable isotopic composition, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio. The oxygen/hydrogen stable isotopic compositions indicated that water composition of saline groundwaters with large EC values are composed of a mixture of those of fresh groundwater and surface water. Also, the young groundwater estimated by tritium content has generally higher NO₃ content. All these characteristics showed that fresh groundwater and surface water have continued to affect the high-saline groundwater quality in the study area. In addition, considering the deviation pattern in the diagrams of Na/Cl ratio versus Cl content and SAR (sodium adsorption ratio) versus Cl content, in which two end members of fresh surface-ground water and seawater are assumed, it is interpreted that the groundwater in the study area is not experiencing present seawater intrusion, but flush out and retreating from ancient saline formation water.