• Title/Summary/Keyword: Coral reefs

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A Novel Chlorophyll d-containing Organism: Discovery and its Significance

  • Murakami, Akio;Kawai, Hiroshi;Adachi, Kyoko;Sakawa, Takahiro;Miyashita, Hideaki;Mimuro, Mamoru
    • Journal of Photoscience
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.74-77
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    • 2002
  • Chlorophyll (Chi) d was assigned to an antenna pigment of red algae in 1943, but its presence and function in red algae have not been necessarily clear for a long time. In 1996, it was shown that Chi d functioned as a major antenna pigment in a peculiar oxygenic photosynthetic prokaryote, Acaryochloris marina, isolated as a symbiont of a colonial ascidian from coral reefs. This finding evoked the necessity for reexamination of the presence and function of Chi d in red algae. We found Chi d in methanol-extract from several marine red algae, and the relative content was high in one species, Ahnfeltiopsis flabelliformis. Absorption and fluorescence spectra, HPLC analysis, and NMR and mass spectroscopy characterized Chi d extracted from the red algal thalli, and those were essentially identical to those of Chi d isolated from A. marina. However, micro-spectrophotometric analysis suggested that Chi d was not an actual constituent of the red algae but came from epiphyte(s) attached to surface of red algal thalli.

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An Analysis of Pre-service Elementary Teachers' Oceanographic Literacy and Opinions on Teaching Strategies for Ocean-related Topics (초등 예비교사들의 해양학적 소양과 해양 관련 주제의 교수 전략에 대한 의견 분석)

  • KIM, Dong-Ryeul
    • Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.396-408
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    • 2017
  • This study aims to analyze pre-service elementary teachers' oceanographic literacy, understanding of ocean environmental problems and opinions on teaching strategies for ocean topics. As survey participants, this study selected 126 pre-service elementary teachers. Firstly, as a result of testing their oceanographic literacy, this study found out that out of all the basic principles, 'Oceans Largely Unexplored' was highest in the mean score, followed by 'Human Connections', 'Ocean & Its Life Shape Earth', 'Habitability', 'Biodiversity', 'Weather & Climate' and 'Size of Ocean'. Besides, regarding environmental problems affecting all the aspects of ocean, they mentioned oil spills caused by vessel accidents, so called 'Oil Pollution', as the most serious marine environmental problem. Regarding environmental problems affecting coral reefs, they considered over-fishing as the most serious problem. Secondly, as a result of analyzing their opinions on effective teaching strategies for ocean-related topics in elementary science textbooks, this study found out that regarding topics about understanding the undersea topography in the chapter of the earth and moon, they proposed 'Making an Undersea Topographic Model with Sand' most as an effective teaching strategy. As an effective teaching strategy for the chapter of animals' lives, they proposed 'Classifying Animals with Marine Animal Cards' most. As an effective teaching strategy for the chapter of ground surface changes, they proposed 'Making and Simulating Seashore Topography' most.

A Study on Nobel SUNBLOCK Materials Containing an Active Ingredient Extracted from Symbiodinium (심바이오디니움으로부터 추출된 유효성분을 함유하는 신규 SUN BLOCK 물질에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Dong-Myong;Jung, Ju-Yeong;Lee, Hyung-Kon;Park, Sang-Keun;Kwon, Yong-Sung;Yang, Seung-Koo;Han, In-Suk
    • Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
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    • v.12 no.1
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    • pp.20-28
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    • 2020
  • Symbiodinium is a dinoflagellate genus that coexists with coral reefs and is known to provide ultraviolet (UV) protection in nature through the synthesis of mycosporin-like amino acids (MAA). In order to develop a natural and ecofriendly sunblock for use in summer resorts, the possibility of using a Symbiodinium microbiome extract or an MAA was investigated. Two sunblocks, one containing 7% Symbiodinium extract and the other containing MAA were prepared to be tested on hairless mice and human skin. In this clinical study, the sun protection factor (SPF) and Protection factor of UV A (PFA) values of the sunblock containing either Symbiodinium extract or MAA were determined. The SPF values of the sunblock containing Symbiodinium extract and MAA were 10.43 and 10.83, respectively, and the PFA values were 3.42 and 3.39, respectively. Based on their PFA values of ≥2, the UV A protection can be graded as PA+ (low) for both the sunblocks. In addition, the UV-blocking extract of Symbiodinium has a low phototoxicity and cytotoxicity, reducing the possibility of a heavy feeling to the skin or a foreign-body sensation caused by residue build-up. The low toxicity feature of the major sunblock component will also prevent side effects, such as allergic reactions. Although Symbiodinium extract or MAA alone do not provide effectiveprotection against UV irradiation, their protection capacity can be complemented by the addition of inorganic UV-protecting compounds.

Charles Darwin's 'The Voyage of the Beagle (찰스 다윈의 '비글호 항해기'와 지구과학)

  • Chang, Soon-Keun
    • Journal of the Korean earth science society
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    • v.21 no.4
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    • pp.488-501
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    • 2000
  • 'The Voyage of the Beagle' , one of the best record of scientific travels ever made, written by Charles Darwin (1809-82), the greatest naturalist ever born, is reviewed in the viewpoint of the Earth Sciences. Various observations and interpretations on the Earth Sciences are told in the Voyage. First of all, Darwin understood the geological time much more longer than accepted then as well as the geological phenomena and processes such as orogeny, uplifting, subsidence, erosion, and deposition. And he also provided a perfect interpretation on the formation of coral reefs and a good theory on the evolution of organisms. Reasonable paleoenvironmental reconstructions and interpretations based on the fossils were given in the Voyage. His observations on meteorological phenomena were from the dust composed of organisms collected on the 'Beagle' in the Atlantic Ocean, to the movement of air and extreme clear dry condition experienced on the crest of the Andes, and etc. He made several observations on the general oceanography such as the discoloration of the sea, the lights on the sea surface, conchoidal provinces noted on the Galapagos Archipelago, the trees and plants found in the remotely separated islands, and etc. However relatively scarce observation was carried out on astronomy probably due to his relatively much land travelling. Most of his interpretations and suggestions are accepted in this time.

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Influence of the Increase of Dissolved $CO_2$ Concentration on the Marine Organisms and Ecosystems (해수중 용존 $CO_2$ 농도 증가가 해양생물 및 해양생태계에 미치는 영향: 국내외 사례 연구)

  • Lee, Jung-Suk;Lee, Kyu-Tae;Kim, Chan-Kook;Park, Gun-Ho;Lee, Jong-Hyeon;Park, Young-Gyu;Gang, Seong-Gil
    • Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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    • v.9 no.4
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    • pp.243-252
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    • 2006
  • Influence of the increasing carbon dioxide concentration in seawater on various marine organisms is assessed in this article with regard to the impacts of anthropogenic $CO_2$ introduced into surface or deep oceans. Recent proposals to sequester $CO_2$ in deep oceans arouse the concerns of adverse effects of increased $CO_2$ concentration on deep-sea organisms. Atmospheric introduction of $CO_2$ into the ocean can also acidify the surface water, thereby the population of some sensitive organisms including coral reefs, cocolithophorids and sea urchins will be reduced considerably in near future (e.g. in 2100 unless the increasing trend of $CO_2$ emission is actively regulated). We exposed bioluminescent bacteria and benthic amphipods to varying concentrations of $CO_2$ and also pH for a short period. The ${\sim}l.5$ unit decrease of pH adversely affected test organisms. However, amphipods were not influenced by decreasing pH when HCl was used for the seawater acidification. In this article, we reviewed the biological adverse effects of $CO_2$ on various marine organisms studied so for. Theses results will be useful to predict the potential risks of the increase of $CO_2$ concentrations in seawater due to the increase of atmospheric $CO_2$ emission and/or sequestration of $CO_2$ in deep oceans.

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Blue Carbon Resources in the East Sea of Korea and Their Values and Potential Applications (동해안 블루카본 자원의 가치와 활용방안)

  • Yoon, Ho-Sung;Do, Jeong-Mi;Jeon, Byung Hee;Yeo, Hee-Tae;Jang, Hyeong Seok;Yang, Hee Wook;Suh, Ho Seong;Hong, Ji Won
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.32 no.7
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    • pp.578-587
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    • 2022
  • Korea, as the world's 7th largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has raised the national greenhouse gas reduction target as international regulations have been strengthened. As it is possible to utilize coastal and marine ecosystems as important nature-based solutions (NbS) for implementing climate change mitigation or adaptation plans, the blue carbon ecosystem is now receiving attention. Blue carbon refers to carbon that is deposited and stored for a long period after carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed as biomass by coastal ecosystems or oceanic ecosystems through photosynthesis. Currently, there are only three blue carbon ecosystems officially recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses. However, the results of new research on the high CO2 sequestration and storage capacity of various new blue carbon sinks, such as seaweeds, microalgae, coral reefs, and non-vegetated tidal flats, have been continuously reported to the academic community recently. The possibility of IPCC international accreditation is gradually increasing through scientific verification related to calculations. In this review, the current status and potential value of seaweeds, seagrass fields, and non-vegetated tidal flats, which are sources of blue carbon on the east coast, are discussed. This paper confirms that seaweed resources are the most effective NbS in the East Sea of Korea. In addition, we would like to suggest the direction of research and development (R&D) and utilization so that new blue carbon sinks can obtain international IPCC certification in the near future.

Natural Monument Cretaceous Stromatolite at the Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan: Occurrences, Natural Heritage Values, and Plan for Preservation and Utilization (천연기념물 경산 대구가톨릭대학교 백악기 스트로마톨라이트: 산상, 자연유산적 가치 및 보존·활용 방안)

  • KONG Dal-Yong;LEE Seong-Joo
    • Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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    • v.56 no.3
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    • pp.214-232
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    • 2023
  • Stromatolite at the Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan was designated as a natural monument in December 2009 because it was very excellent in terms of rarity, accessibility, preservation and scale. From the time of designation, the necessity of confirming the lateral extension of the stromatolite beds with the excavation of the surrounding area, and preparing a preservation plan was raised. Accordingly, the Cultural Heritage Administration conducted an investigation of the scale, production pattern, and weathering state of stromatolites with an excavation from April to December 2022, and based on this, suggested natural heritage values and conservation and use plans. The excavation was carried out in a 1,186m2 area surrounding the exposed hemispherical stromatolite (approximately 30m2). Stromatolites are continuously distributed over the entire excavation area, and hemispherical stromatolites predominate in the eastern region, and the distribution and size of hemispherical domes tend to decrease toward the west. These characteristics are interpreted as a result of long-term growth in large-scale lakes, where stratiform or small columnar domes continued to grow and connect with each other, finally forming large domes. Consequently, large and small domes were distributed on the bedding plane in clusters like coral reefs. The growth of plants and lichens, as well as small-scale faults and joints developed on the stromatolite bedding surface, is the main cause of accelerated weathering. However, preservation treatment with chemicals as with dinosaur footprints or dinosaur egg fossil sites is not suitable due to the characteristics of stromatolites, and preservation with the installation of closed protection facilities should be considered. This excavation confirmed that the distribution, size and value of stromatolites are much larger and higher than at the time of designation as a natural monument. Therefore, additional excavation of areas by experts that could not be excavated due to the discovery of buried cultural properties (stone chamber tombs) and reexamination of the expansion designation of natural monuments are required.