• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.235-248
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate a feasibility of a small mountain as a field work site on geological features in Earth sciences classes at all levels. Mt. Geumdang with the height of 305 meters from the sea level is located in the metropolitan city of Gwangju, southern part of Korea. The study reviews the human and natural geography, geological features, geomorphic resources, landscapes, and conveniences of the mountain for a possibility of meaningful field work. The population within the distance of 5 km from the mountain stands at about 620,000 and 170,000 of them are students and teachers. Mt. Geumdang has a warm temperature climate with low rainfall throughout the year, so it seems suitable for a field survey. Road network and public transportation system around the area are well-developed and easily accessible. Mt. Geumdang shows various rock type and geological structures. The basement rock is Gwangju granite, which is plutonic body of the Jurassic period. Also, granophyre (micrographic granite) and various volcanic rocks distributed as bedded tuff, lapilli tuff, and rhyolite of the Cretaceous period. Many andesitic and felsic dykes were intruded into the rock by joint system. In Mt. Geumdang, many geomorphic resources are found such as U shaped mountain, joint, fault, lamination, gnamma, tor, cliff, groove, block stream and block field, regolith, and saprolite. It has a beautiful mountain scenery including the view of whole shape of Mt. Mudeung, panoramic view of the town, Pungam lake, World Cup stadium and sunrise and sunset. Furthermore, the area has ecologic study facilities related to geology, emergency medical and convenience facilities for field works. In conclusion, Mt. Geumdang is highly feasible for geological field studies at all levels.