• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.137-150
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• 2021

The rock-carved standing Buddha triad in Seoak-dong is a large stone Buddha statue of the Unified Silla era (AD 676 to 935) in ancient Korea, built near the top of the southeastern side of mountain Seondosan in Gyeongju, is characterized by its locational importance, the powerful Amitabha and the gentle sculptural technique of the Bodhisattva. In particular, Amitabha Buddha in andesite rock slope with biotite granite pedestal and two Bodhisattva parallel made by alkali granites seems to express the dignity through the color and texture of the stones. In the Amitabha Buddha, deterioration characteristics are accelerating due to the combination of various joint systems, instability of the slopes and relaxation by the root pressure of plants occurring at the top. In addition, physical properties have deteriorated owing to the increase of discontinuous surfaces as joints, cracks and scalings, and the coverage of algae and lichen is also high. Therefore, deterioration degree in Buddha triad is accelerated due to the physical weathering characteristics from natural rock mass and various biological invasion.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.565-583
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• 2020

In recent years, various social issues related to the natural radioactive elements detected in household goods and building materials are addressed, and should be solved promptly. In Korea, for more than 20 years, the Ministry of Environment has investigated the natural radioactive materials such as heavy metals, uranium, and radon in soil or groundwater. The origins of natural radioactive materials in them may have a close correlation with the geological factors including classification of rocks, petrogenetic origins, and deformation characteristics, but the exact geological correlations are not clarified because of the absence of the government policy preserved in the basement rocks, soils as well as groundwater in fault-related reservoirs. This study aims to perform a research on the correlation between the petrogeneses of the Phanerozoic plutonic rocks and natural radioactive concentrations in rocks (radon, uranium, thorium, potassium etc.) in Korea. Among the Phanerozoic plutonic rocks, alkaline plutonic rocks (syenite, monzonite and monzodiorite and alkali granite) show high U and Th concentrations by high solubilities of U, Th, Zr, REE, and Nb until the most extreme stages of magmatic fractionation (viz. crystal fractionation) due to high magma temperature and high alkalinity tendency. The highly fractionated high-K calalkaline and peraluminous granitic rocks (leucogranite, two-mica granite and leucocratic pegmatite are also U and Th concentrations compared with other less or medium fractionated granitic rocks (diorite, granodiorite and granite). The alkaline plutonic rocks are associated with intracontinental rifting and extensional environment after crustal thickening by collisional and subductional processes. In contrast, the dominant calc-alkaline granitic rocks in Korea are related to the arc environment of the subduction zone. In summary, the trends of the U, Th and K concentration from the Phanerozoic plutonic rocks in Korea are closely linked to the petrogenesis of the rocks in tectonic environment. The preliminary data for gamma-spectrometric mesurments of natural radionuclide contents (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K) in the Phanerozoic plutonic rocks show high values in the alkaline and highly fractionated granitic rocks.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.16-35
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• 2008

We study metamorphism of metasedimetary rocks and origin and evolution of leucogranite form Samcheok area, northeastern Yeongnam massif, South Korea. Metamorphic rocks in this area are composed of metasedimentary migmatite, biotite granitic gneiss and leucogranite. Metasedimentary rocks, which refer to major element feature of siliclastic sediment, are divided into two metamorphic zones based on mineral assemblages, garnet and sillimanite zones. According to petrogenetic grid of mineral assemblages, metamorhpic P-T conditions are $740{\sim}800^{\circ}C$ at $4.8{\sim}5.8\;kbar$ in the garnet zone and $640-760^{\circ}C$ at 2.5-4.5kbar in sillimanite zone. The leucogranite (Imwon leucogranite) is peraluminous granite which has high alumina index (A/CNK=1.31-1.93) and positive discriminant factor value (DF > 0). Thus, leucogranite is S-type granite generated from metasedimentary rocks. Major and trace element diagram ($R_1-R_2$ diagram and Rb vs. Y+Nb etc.) show collisional environment such as syn-collisional or volcanic arc granite. Because Rb/sr ratio (1.8-22.9) of leucogranites is higher than Sr/Ba ratio (0.21-0.79), leucogranite would be derived from muscovite dehydrate melting in metasedimentary rocks. Leucogranites have lower concentration of LREE and Eu and similar that of HREE relative to metasedimentary rocks. To examine difference of REEs between leucogranites and metasedimentary rocks, we perform modeling using volume percentage of a leucogranite and a metasedimenatry rock from study area and REE data of minerals from rhyolite (Nash and Crecraft, 1985) and melanosome of migmatite (Bea et al., 1994). Resultants of modeling indicate that LREE and HREE are controlled by monazites and garnet, respectively, although zircon is estimated HREE dominant in some leucogranite without garnet. Because there are many inclusions of accessary phases such as monazite and zircon in biotites from metasedimentary rocks. leucogranitic magma was mainly derived from muscovite-breakdown in metasedimenary rocks. Leucogranites can be subdivided into two types in compliance with Eu anomaly of chondrite nomalized REE pattern; the one of negative Eu anomaly is type I and the other is type II. Leucogranites have lower Eu concetnrations than that of metasedimenary rocks and similar that of both type. REE modeling suggest that this difference of Eu value is due to that of components of feldspars in both leucogranite and metasedimentary rock. The tendency of major ($K_2O$ and $Na_2O$) and face elements (Eu, Rb, Sr and Ba) of leucogranites also indicate that source magma of these two types was developed by anatexis experienced strong fractionation of alkali-feldspar. Conclusionally, leucogranites in this area are products of melts which was generated by muscovite-breakdown of metasedimenary rock in environment of continetal collision during high temperature/pressure metamorphism and then was fractionated and crystallized after extraction from source rock.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.249-267
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• 2016

The Hongseong area of the central-western Korean Peninsula is considered to be a part of collision zone that is tectonically correlated to the Qinling-Dabie-Sulu belt of China. The area includes the elliptical-shaped serpentinized ultramafic bodies, together with mafic rocks. The studied bodies are in contact with the surrounded Neoproterozoic alkali granites at the Baekdong and Wonnojeon bodies and the Paleoproterozoic Yugu gneiss at the Bibong body. The Baekdong body contains the blocks of the Neoproterozoic alkali granites and the Late Paleozoic metabasites. The Bibong body also includes the Neoproterozoic alkali granite blocks. The Mesozoic intrusive rocks are also recognized at the Baekdong, Wonnojeon and Bibong bodies. On the other hand, the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks are occurred at the Bibong body. The detrital zircon SHRIMP U-Pb ages of the serpentinites at three bodies range variously from Neoarchean to Middle Paleozoic at the Baekdong body, and from Neoarchean to Early Cretaceous at the Wonnojeon and Bibong bodies. Although serpentinization does not generally produce minerals suitable for direct isotopic dating, the youngest Middle Paleozoic age at the Baekdong body and the Early Cretaceous age at the Wonnojeon and Bibong bodies indicate the possible upper age limit for the (re)serpentinization. Especially, the Early Cretaceous serpentinization ages may be related to the widespread Early Cretaceous igneous activity in the central-southern Korean Peninsula. Age results for the serpentinite bodies and the included blocks of the studied serpentinized ultramafic bodies in the Hongseong area, therefore, provide several possible interpretations for the serpentinization ages of the ultramafic rocks as well as the geotectonic implications of serpentinization, requiring more detailed study including other serpentinized ultramafic bodies in the Hongseong area.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.115-129
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• 2015

The cut-slope of a large-sectional tunnel portal is recognized as a potential area of weakness due to unstable stress distribution and possible permanent displacement. This paper presents a case study of a slope failure and remediation for a large-scale cut-slope at a tunnel portal. Extensive rock-slope brittle failure occurred along discontinuities in the rock mass after 46 mm of rainfall, which caused instability of the upper part of the cut-slope. Based on a geological survey and face mapping, the reason for failure is believed to be the presence of thin clay fill in discontinuities in the weathered rock mass and consequent saturationinduced joint weakening. The granite-gneiss rock mass has a high content of alkali-feldspar, indicating a vulnerability to weathering. Immediately before the slope failure, a sharp increase in displacement rate was indicated by settlement-time histories, and this observation can contribute to the safety management criteria for slope stability. In this case study, emergency remediation was performed to prevent further hazard and to facilitate reconstruction, and counterweight fill and concrete filling of voids were successfully applied. For ultimate remediation, the grid anchor-blocks were used for slope stabilization, and additional rock bolts and grouting were applied inside the tunnel. Limit-equilibrium slope stability analysis and analyses of strereographic projections confirmed the instability of the original slope and the effectiveness of reinforcing methods. After the application of reinforcing measures, instrumental monitoring indicated that the slope and the tunnel remained stable. This case study is expected to serve as a valuable reference for similar engineering cases of large-sectional slope stability.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.18 s.18
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• pp.19-32
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• 2006

The stone pagoda of the Bunhwangsa temple made by piling small brick-shaped stones. The major rock forming stone bricks are andesites with variable genesis. Rock properties of the pagoda roof stone suffer partly including multiple peel-offs, exfoliation, decomposition like onion peels, cracks forming round lines and falling off stone pieces. The stylobates and tabernacles in all the four directions the pagoda are mostly composed of granitic rocks. Those rock properties are heavily contaminated by lichens and mosses with the often marks of inorganic contamination by secondary hydrates that are dark black or yellowish brown. Within the four tabernacles and northern pagoda body situated to relatively high humidity. There are even light gray precipitate looking like stalactites between the northern and western rocks of the body Their major minerals are calcite, gypsum and clays. The stone lion standing in the southeast and northeast side are alkali granite, while that in the southwest and northwest lithic tuff. Total rock properties of the pagoda are 9,708 pieces, among the all properties, fractured blocks are 11.0%, fall out blocks are 6.7% and covered blocks by precipitates are 7.0%, respectively. The pagoda has highly deteriorated the functions of the rock properties due to physical, chemical and biological weathering, therefore, we suggest that this pagoda has need to do long term monitoring and synthetic conservation researches.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.427-438
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• 2014

To measure the depth and extension on the surface cracks of the stone monument, ultrasonic pulse velocity targeted at the Mulgyeseowon Stele in Changnyeong was used in this research. Additionally, to establish a long-term countermeasure of management and conservation for this stele, we have investigated the material properties and damage on it and have conducted a precise diagnosis by a variety of non-destructive techniques. Our research has revealed that stones of the stele are composed mainly of three rock types according to the parts of it, alkali-feldspar granite, gabbro and diorite. The result of the deterioration evaluation has occurred that cracks, which are observed from every direction in the body of the stele, are the significant factors to reduce structural stability. The ultrasonic velocity for an evaluation on the properties of the stele has revealed that the speed was high in the order of body, pedestal and crown. Furthermore, to understand the present condition and occurrences of the cracks which have measured in many different forms on the stele quantitatively, we have estimated from 0.6 to 24.1cm deep of the cracks by To-Tc method using ultrasonic velocity.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.768-774
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• 2008

To evaluate the effect of the solidified/stabilized sewage sludge on landfill sites, lysimeter tests were conducted. Lysimeters (LR1, LR2, and LR3) were filled with the material(Compost : Fodder : Sand = 10 : 10 : 80) and covered with different types of the cover soils, the G solidified sludge produced from the neutral solidifying chemical agent(LR1), the A solidified sludge produced from the alkali solidifying chemical agent(LR2), and the weathered granite soil(LR3). Those lysimeters were kept at the temperature controlled room with 30 $\pm$ 2$^{\circ}C$ for about 450 days. As the results, it was appeared LR2 > LR1 > LR3 that total gas production rate(L), gas production rate(L/VS(kg)) and cumulative gas(CO$_2$ + CH$_4$) production. There were not significant differences at decrease of the COD$_{Cr}$ in the leachate from LR1 and LR3. Thus, it had been shown that the use of the G solidified sludge as cover soil did not affect the COD$_{Cr}$ in the leachate. The COD$_{Cr}$ from LR2 had been increased since around 250 days because solidified/stabilized sewage sludge became re-slurry. T-N and T-P from LR3 also were higher than LR1 and LR2. Also were, the use of the solidified/stabilized sewage sludge as a cover soil, therefore, did not affect the T-N and T-Pconcentrations in the leachate.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.78-92
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• 2005

Petrographical and petrochemical analyses for late Miocene basalts in Goseong-gun area. Gangwon province, were carried out to interpret the characteristics and the origin of magma. The basaltic rocks occurred as plug-dome in the summit of several small mountain and developed columnar jointing with pyroxene-megacryst bearing porphyritic texture. And the basalt contains xenoliths of biotite granite (basement rocks), gabbro (lower crustal origin) and Iherzolite(upper mantle origin). The basalts belong to the alkaline basalt field in TAS diagram and partly belong to picrobasalt and trachybasalt field. On the tectonomagmatic discrimination diagram f3r basalt in the Goseong-gun area. they fall into the fields for the within plate and oceanic island basalt. The characteristics of trace elements and REEs shows that primary magma for the basalt magma would have been derived from partial melting of garnet-peridotite mantle. This late Miocene basalt volcanism is related to the hot spot within the palte.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.545-559
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• 1996

Rare metal (Nb-Zr-REE) ore deposits are located in the Chungju area. Geotectonically, the rare metal ore deposits are situated in the transitional zone between Kyeonggi massif and Okcheon belt. The rare metal deposits are distributed in Kyemyeongsan Formation which consist of schist and alkaline igneous rocks. Alkali granite has suffered extensive post-magmatic metasomatism and hydrothermal processes. The ore contains mainly Ce-La, Ta-Nb, Y, Y-Nd, Nd-Th group minerals. More than 15 RE and REE minerals are found in the ore deposits. Allanite, one of the Ce-La rich REE minerals belonging to the epidote group, is the most common mineral in the studied area. The allanite- bearing rocks may be devided into seven types by features of occurrence and mineral associations; zircon type (ZT), allanite-vein type (AT), feldspar type (KT), fluorite type (FT), quartz-mica type (QT), iron-oxide type (MT), and amphibole type (HT). The allanite veins (AT) and zircon rich rocks (ZT) contain the highest total REE contents. Differences in REE abundance can be interpreted in terms of varying portions of magmatic hydrothermal fluid. Petrographical and chemical data are presented for allanites which were collected from different types. The allanites show wide variations in optical properties, due in part to differences in their chemical composition (depending on the types) and to the degree of crystallinity of the individual specimens. Allanite metamicts in biotite are generally surrounded by well developed pleochroic haloes. Usually, allanite is accompanied by zircon and other REE-bearing minerals. CaO and total REE contents $({\sum}RE_2O_3)$ range from 9.29 to 18.79% and 11.66 to 26.31%, respectively. Also, SiO, (28.87~32.61%), $Al_2O_3$ (8.30~16.88%), and $Fc_2O_3$ (16.74~24.38%) contents show varying contents from type to type. The ${\sum}RE_2O_3$ of allanite has positive relationships with $Fe_2O_3$ and negative relaton with CaO, $SiO_2$, and $Al_2O_3$ Backscattered electron microscope images (BEl) of allanite shows that the its mineral composition and texture is very complex. The allanite-bearing hosts show distinct light REE enrichment with strong negative Eu anomaly except for HI. The HT has an almost flat REE distribution pattern with a small negative Eu anomaly. The chemical variation of the allanites with occurrences and mineral association can be related to condition of temperature and oxidation states in precipitation environment.