• 한국지구물리탐사학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.57-65
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• 2009

Selection of good mineralized area is a combination of the integration of all the available geo-scientific (i.e., geological, geochemical, and geophysical) information, extrapolation of likely features from known mineralized terrenes and the ability to be predictive. The time-space relationships of the hydrothermal deposits in the East Asia are closely related to the changing plate motions. Also, two distinctive hydrothermal systems during Mesozoic occurred in Korea: the Jurassic/Early Cretaceous deep-level ones during the Daebo orogeny and the Late Cretaceous/Tertiary shallow geothermal ones during the Bulguksa event. Both the Mesozoic geothermal system and the mineralization document a close spatial and temporal relationship with syn- to post-tectonic magmatism. The Jurassic mineral deposits were formed at the relatively high temperature and deep-crustal level from the mineralizing fluids characterized by the relatively homogeneous and similar ranges of ${\delta}^{18}O$ values, suggesting that ore-forming fluids were principally derived from spatially associated Jurassic granitoid and related pegmatite. Most of the Jurassic auriferous deposits (ca. 165-145 Ma) show fluid characteristics typical of an orogenic-type gold deposits, and were probably generated in a compressional to transpressional regime caused by an orthogonal to oblique convergence of the Izanagi Plate into the East Asian continental margin. On the other hand, Late Cretaceous ferroalloy, base-metal and precious-metal deposits in the Taebaeksan, Okcheon and Gyeongsang basins occurred as vein, replacement, breccia-pipe, porphyry-style and skarn deposits. Diverse mineralization styles represent a spatial and temporal distinction between the proximal environment of sub-volcanic activity and the distal to transitional condition derived from volcanic environments. However, Cu (-Au) or Fe-Mo-W deposits are proximal to a magmatic source, whereas polymetallic or precious-metal deposits are more distal to transitional. Strike-slip faults and caldera-related fractures together with sub-volcanic activity are associated with major faults reactivated by a northward (oblique) to northwestward (orthogonal) convergence, and have played an important role in the formation of the Cretaceous Au-Ag lode deposits (ca. 110-45 Ma) under a continental arc setting. The temporal and spatial distinctions between the two typical Mesozoic deposit styles in Korea reflect a different thermal episodes (i.e., late orogenic and post-orogenic) and ore-forming fluids related to different depths of emplacement of magma (i.e., plutonic and sub-volcanic) due to regional changes in tectonic settings.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.223-230
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• 1975

South Korea is divided tectonically into four segments. The Kyonggi-Ryongnam massif is composed of Precambrian schists and gneisses and consititutes a base for the succeeding formations. The Okcheon geosynclinal zone in the Kyonggi-Ryongnam massif strectches from southwest to northeast diagonally across the peninsula in a direction known as the Sinian direction. Its northeastern part is composed primarily of Paleozoic to early Mesozoic sedimentary formations and the southwestern part of the late Precambrian Okcheon metamorphic series. The Kyongsang basin occupies the southeast and southwest of the peninsula and is made up of a thick series of Cretaceous terrestrial sedimentary and andesitic rocks. A few small Tertiary basins are scattered in the eastern coastal area and in Cheju Island, and are composed of marine sedimentary and basaltic rocks. Jurassic Daebo granites intrude the Kyonggi-Ryongnam massif and the Okcheon zone in the Sinian direction, whereas late Cretaceous Bulkuksa granites are scattered randomly in the Kyongsang basin.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.753-765
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• 1996

It is a well known fact that the remanent magnetization direction of the Tertiary rocks is deflected significantly clockwise (about $50^{\circ}$) in the Tertiary basins of the southeastern part of Korean peninsula. This fact has been interpreted as an evidence of north-south spreading of the East Sea (Sea of Japan) and dextral strike-slip motion of the Yangsan fault. As deflection (rotation) of remanent magnetizations is frequently reported from various regions of the world in the vicinities of strike-slip fault, such phenomena are to be expected in the Yangsan fault region also. It was the purpose of this study to clarify whether such premise is right or not. A total of 445 independently oriented core samples were collected from Cretaceous rocks of various lithology (sedimentary rocks, andesites and I-type granites) in the Yangsan fault area. In spite of through AF and thermal demagnetization experiments, no sign of remanent magnetization deflection was found. Instead, palaeomagnetic poles calculated from formation-mean ChRM directions are very similar to those of contemporary (Barremian, and late Cretaceous-Tertiary) sedimentary and plutonic rocks in the other parts of $Ky{\check{o}}ngsang$ basin as well as those of China. Therefore, possibility of tilting of granite plutons and horizontal block rotation of study area is excluded. It is also concluded that the Yangsan fault did not take any significant role in the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of southeast Korea and the East Sea region. The boundary between rotated and unrotated region of remanent magnetization is not the Yangsan fault line, but must lie further east of it.

• Proceedings of the Mineralogical Society of Korea Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.95-95
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• 2001

The Yeongdong basin is one of the pull-apart basins in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula that has developed during Cretaceous sinistal fault movement. The bimodal igneous activities (basalts and rhyolites) in the basin appear to be closely associated with the basin development. Here, we discuss the origin of the igneous rocks using chemical and radiogenic isotope data. Basaltic (48.4-52.7 wt% SiO$_2$) and rhyolitic (70.3-70.8 wt% SiO$_2$) rocks are slightly alkalic in a total alkali-silica diagram. The rhyolitic rocks with have unusually high K$_2$O contents (5.2-6.0 wt%). The basaltic rocks show an overall pattern of within-plate basalt in a MORB-normalized spider diagram, but have distinct negative anomaly of Nb, which indicates a significant amount of crustal component in the magma. The basaltic rocks plot within the calc-alkaline basalt field in the Hf/3-Th-Ta and Y/l5-La/10-Nb/8 discrimination diagrams. The eNd(T) values of the basaltic rocks (-13.6 to 14.3) are slightly higher than those of the rhyolitic rocks (-14.1 to 15.2), and the initial Sr isotopic ratios of the former (0.7085-0.7093) are much lower than those of the latter (0.7140-0.7149). However, the initial Nd and Sr isotope ratios of the igneous rocks in the Yeongdong basin are similar to those of the nearby Cretaceous igneous rocks in the Okcheon belt. The Pb isotope ratios plot within the field of Mesozoic granitoids outside of the Gyeongsang basin in Pb-Pb correlation diagrams. Since a basaltic magma requires the mantle source, the enriched isotopic signatures and negative Nb anomaly of the basaltic rocks suggest two possibilities for their origin: enriched mantle lithospheric source, or depleted mantle source with significant amount of crustal contamination. However, we prefer the first possibility since it would be difficult for a basaltic magma to maintain its bulk composition when it is significantly contaminated with granitic crustal material. The slightly more enriched isotopic signatures of rhyolitic rocks also suggest two possibilities: differentiate of the basaltlc magma with some crustal contamination, or direct partial melting of the lower crust. Much larger exposed volume of the rhyolitic rocks, compared with the basaltic rocks, indicates the latter possibility more favorable.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.211-230
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• 2016

Detailed mapping along the Keumwang fault reveals a complex history of multiple brittle reactivations following late Jurassic and early Cretaceous ductile shearing. The fault core consists of a 10~50 m thick fault gouge layer bounded by a 30~100 m thick damaged zone. The Pre-cambrian gneiss and Jurassic granite underwent at least six distinct stages of fault movements based on deformation environment, time and mechanism. Each stage characterized by fault kinematics and dynamics at different deformation environment. Stage 1 generated mylonite series along the Keumwang shear zone by sinistral ductile shearing during late Jurassic and early Cretaceous. Stage 2 was a mostly brittle event generating cataclasite series superimposed on the mylonite series of the Keumwang shear zone. The roundness of pophyroclastes and the amount of matrix increase from host rocks to ultracataclasite indicating stronger cataclastic flow toward the fault core. At stage 3, fault gouge layer superimposed on the cataclasite generated during stage 2 and the sedimentary basins (Umsung and Pungam) formed along the fault by sinistral strike-slip movement. Fragments of older cataclasite suspended in the fault gouge suggest extensive reworking of fault rocks at brittle deformation environments. At stage 4, systematic en-echelon folds, joints and faults were formed in the sedimentary basins by sinistral strike-slip reactivation of the Keumwang fault. Most of the shearing is accommodated by slip along foliations and on discrete shear surfaces, while shear deformation tends to be relatively uniformly distributed within the fault damage zone developed in the mudrocks in the sedimentary basins. Fine-grained andesitic rocks intruded during stage 4. Stage 5 dextral strike-slip activity produced shear planes and bands in the andesitic rocks. ESR(Electron Spin Resonance) dates of fault gouge show temporal clustering within active period and migrating along the strike of the Keumwang fault during the stage 6 at the Quaternary period.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.73-90
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• 1969

The area studied is a southwestern part of Okcheon geosynclinal zone which streches diagonally across the Korean peninsula in the mid-central parts of South Korea, and is bounded by Charyeong mountain chains in the north and by Sobaek mountain chains in the south. The general trend of the zone is of NE-SW direction known as Sinian direction. Okcheon system of pre-Cambrian age occupies southwestern portion of Okcheon geosynclinal zone, and Choseon and Pyeongan systems of Cambrian to Triassic age in northeastern portion of the zone. It was defined by the writer that the former was called "Okcheon Paleogeosynclinal zone" and the latter "Okcheon Neogeosynclinal zone," although T. Kobayashi named them "Metamorphosed Okcheon zone" and "Non-metamorphosed Okcheon zone" respectively and thought that sedimentary formations in both zones were same in origin and of Paleozonic age, and C.M. Son also described that Okchon system was of post-Choseon (Ordovician) and pre-Kyeongsang (Cretaceous) in age. According to the present study two zones are separated by great fault so that the geology in both zones is not only entirely different in origin and age, but also their geolosical structures are discontinuous. Stratigraphy and structure of Okcheon system are clearly established and defined by the writer and its age is definitely pre-Cambrian. It is clarified by present study that the meta-sediments in and at vicinity of Charyeong mountain chains are correlated to Weonnam series of pre-Cambrian age which occupies and continues from northeast to southwest in and at south of Sobaek mountain chains, and both metasediments constitute basement of Okcheon system. Pyeongan, Daedong and Kyeongsang systems were deposited in few narrow intermontain basins in Okcheon paleogeosynclinal zone after it was emerged at the end of Carboniferous period. Granites of Jurassic and Cretaceous ages and volcanics of Cretaceous age are cropped out in the zone. Jurassic granite is aligned generally with the trend of Okcheon geosynclinal zone, whereas Cretaceous granite lacks of trend in distribution. Many isoclinal folds and thrust faults caused by Taebo orogeny at the end of Jurassic period are also parallel with Sinian directieon and dip steeply to northwest. Charyeong, Noryeong, Sobaek, and Deogyu mountain chains are located in areas of anticlinorium, and Kyongsang system in narrow synclinal zones. Folds in Okcheon neogeosynclinal zone are generally of N 70-80W direction but deviate to Sinian direction at the western parts of the zone. This phenomena is interpreted by the fact that the folds were originated by Songrim disturbance at the end of Triassic period and later partly modified by Taebo orogeny. Thrust faults of Taebo orogeny coentinue from Okcheon paleogeosynclinal zone into neogeosynclinal zone, forming imbricated structure as previously described. Strike-slip faults perpendicular to Sinian direction and shear faults diagonally across it by 55 degrees also prevail in neogeosynclinal zone. It is concluded from viewpoints on geology and geological structure that l)Okchon geosyncline had changed its location and affected by numerous disturbances through geologic time, and 2)mountain chains in the area such as Charyeong, Noryeong, Sobaek, and Deogyu were originated as folded mountains. Differing from others, however, Sobaek range was probably formed at the time of Songrim disturbance and modified later by Taebo orogeny. It is cut by Danyang-Jeomchon fault at the vicinity of Joryeong near Munkyeong village and does not continue to southwest beyond the fault, whereas southwestern portion of erstwhile Sobaek range continues to Taebaek rangd northeastward from Deogyusan passing through Sangju, Yecheon, and Andong. From these evidences, the writer has newly defined the erstwhile Sobaek range in such a way that Sobaek range is restricted only to northeastern portion and Deogyu range is named for the southwestern portion of previous Bobaek range.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.517-535
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• 2007

Two distinctive Mesozoic hydrothermal systems occurred in South Korea: the Jurassic/Early Cretaceous(ca. $200{\sim}130$ Ma) deep-level ones during the Daebo orogeny and the Late Cretaceous/Tertiary(ca. $110{\sim}45$ Ma) shallow hydrothermal ones during the Bulgugsa event. The Mesozoic hydrothermal system and the metallic mineralization in the Korean Peninsula document a close spatial and temporal relationship with syn- to post-tectonic magmatism. The calculated ${\delta}^{18}O_{H2O}$ values of the ore-forming fluids from the Mesozoic metallic mineral deposits show limited range for the Jurassic ones but variable range for the Late Cretaceous ones. The orogenic mineral deposits were formed at relatively high temperatures and deep-crustal levels. The mineralizing fluids that were responsible for the formation of theses deposits are characterized by the reasonably homogeneous and similar ranges of ${\delta}^{18}O_{H2O}$ values. This implies that the ore-forming fluids were principally derived from spatially associated Jurassic granitoids and related pegmatite. On the contrary, the Late Cretaceous ferroalloy, base-metal and precious-metal deposits in the Taebaeksan, Okcheon and Gyeongsang basins occurred as vein, replacement, breccia-pipe, porphyry-style and skarn deposits. Diverse mineralization styles represent a spatial and temporal distinction between the proximal environment of subvolcanic activity and the distal to transitional condition derived from volcanic environments. The Cu(-Au) or Fe-Mo-W deposits are proximal to a magmatic source, whereas the polymetallic or the precious-metal deposits are more distal to transitional. On the basis of the overall ${\delta}^{18}O_{H2O}$ values of various ore deposits in these areas, it can be briefed that the ore fluids show very extensive oxygen isotope exchange with country rocks, though the ${\delta}D_{H2O}$ values are relatively homogeneous and similarly restricted.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.65-88
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• 1982

In the last ten years, marine geological and geophysical survey and research were conducted by Japanese, Russian and American scientists in the East Sea of Korea (Japan Sea). Many research results were published. However, regional research of the geology of the continental margin of the Korean Peninsula was not conducted. This study has made on attempt to classify submarine strata and stratigraphic boundaries. The study has revealed characters of submarine geology and structure. Isopach maps of each identified stratigraphic unit have been constructed as the results of this study. The study was conducted on the basis of analyses of marine seismic surveys carried out in the continental margin of the East Sea between Kangneung and Pohang. Three depositional basins were identified in the study area and they were named as, Mukho Basin, Hupo Basin and Pohang Basin. The Mukho Basin is developed in continental slope and shelf in the area between Kangneung and Samcheog. Quaternary and Pliocene sediments attain a maximum thickness of 900 m. Basement rocks are interpreted as granite and gneiss. They are correlated with granite-gneiss of the Taebaecksan Series of Pre-cambrian age and the Daebo granite of Jurassic age. The Hupo Basin is developed in the continental shelf between Uljin and Youngdeok. Quaternary and Pliocene sediments attain a maximum thickness of 600 m. Basement rocks were interpreted as granite and gneiss and they are correlated with metamorphic rocks of Pre-cambrian age and the Daebo granites, comprising the Ryongnam Massif. The Pohang Basin is developed in the area between Pohang and Gangu. This basin contains Miocene and older sediments. Basement rocks are not shown. Many faults are developed within the continental shelf and slope. These faults strike parallel with the coast line. A north-south direction is predominant in the southern study area. However, in the northern study area the faults strike north, and north-west. The faults are parallel to each other and are step faults down-thrown to the east or west, forming horst and graben structures which develop into sedimentary basins. Such faults caused the development of submarine banks along the boundary between the continental shelf and slope. This bank has acted as a barrier for deposition in the Hupo Basin. Paleozoic sedimentary rocks distributed widely in the adjacent land area are absent in the Mukho Basin. This suggests that the area of the basin was situated above the sea level until the Pliocene time. The study area contains Pliocene sediments in general. These sediments overlie the basement complex composed of metamorphic rocks, granites, Cretaceous (Kyongsang System) sedimentary rocks and Miocene sedimentary rocks. These facts lead to a conclusion that the continental shelf and slope of the study area were developed as a result of displacements along faults oriented parallel to the present coast line in the post Miocene time.

• The Korean Journal of Petroleum Geology
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• v.9 no.1_2 s.10
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• pp.24-39
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• 2001

Prospecting for energy and mineral resources is essential kind of public fundamentals that manage the nation's economy. Most explorations in the past were concentrated in the simple structural traps in relatively shallow depth. Due to their vast exploitation, recent history has shown that the emphasis in explorations has steadily shifted toward the subtle stratigraphic traps in deeper level. Increasing exploration for the subtle stratigraphic traps in deeper level requires precise correlation and assessment of deeply buried strata in the basin. However, the descriptive stratigraphic principles used for evaluation of the simple structural traps are limited to delineate the subtle stratigraphic traps in deeper depth. As this occurs, it is imperative to establish a new stratigrtaphic paradigm that allows a more sophisticated understanding on the basin stratigraphy. This study provides an exemplary application of integrated stratigraphic approach to defining basin stratigraphy of the Middle Ordovician Taebacksan Basin and the Cretaceous South Yellow Sea Basin, Korea. The integrated stratigraphic approach gives much better insight to unravel the stratigraphic response to tectonic evolution of the basins, which can be utilized for enhancing the efficiency of resources exploration and development in the basins. Thus, the integrated stratigraphic approach should be considered as a new stratigraphic norm that can improve the probability of success in any type of resources exploration and development project.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.603-613
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• 2010

The Domi Basin in the South Sea of Korea is located between the Jeju Basin and Ulleung Basins, and is characterized by several sediment sags that are interested to have formed by crustal extension. This paper aims to derive an optimized seismic data processing procedure which helps stratigraphic interpretation of the Domi Basin. In particular, our data processing flow incorporated horizon velocity analysis (HVA) and surface-relative wave equation multiple rejection (SRWEMR) to improve the quality of stack section by enhancing the continuity of reflection events and suppressing peg-leg multiples respectively. As a result of processing procedures in this study, unconformities were recognized in the stack section that defines the early and middle Miocene, Eocene-Oligocene sequences. In addition, the overall quality of the stack section was increased as essential data to investigate the evolution of the basin. The suppression of multiple resulted in the identification of the Cretaceous basement. The data processing scheme evaluated through this study is expected to improve the standardization of processing sequences for seismic data from the Domi and adjacent Sora and north-Sora Basins.