• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.267-281
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• 2019

Energetic mesoscale eddies in the East Sea (ES) associated with strong mesoscale variability impacting circulation and environments were statistically characterized by analyzing satellite altimeter data collected during 1993-2017 and in-situ data obtained from four cruises conducted between 2015 and 2017. A total of 1,008 mesoscale eddies were detected, tracked, and identified and then classified into 27 groups characterized by mean lifetime (L, day), amplitude (H, m), radius (R, km), intensity per unit area (EI, $cm^2/s^2/km^2$), ellipticity (e), eddy kinetic energy (EKE, TJ), available potential energy (APE, TJ), and direction of movement. The center, boundary, and amplitude of mesoscale eddies identified from satellite altimeter data were compared to those from the in-situ observational data for the four cases, yielding uncertainties in the center position of 2-10 km, boundary position of 10-20 km, and amplitude of 0.6-5.9 cm. The mean L, H, R, EI, e, EKE, and APE of the ES mesoscale eddies during the total period are $95{\pm}104$ days, $3.5{\pm}1.5cm$, $39{\pm}6km$, $0.023{\pm}0.017cm^2/s^2/km^2$, $0.72{\pm}0.07$, $23{\pm}21TJ$, and $588{\pm}250TJ$, respectively. The ES mesoscale eddies tend to move following the mean surface current rather than propagating westward. The southern groups (south of the subpolar front) have a longer L, larger H, R, and higher EKE, APE; and stronger EI than those of the northern groups and tend to move a longer distance following surface currents. There are exceptions to the average characteristics, such as the quasi-stationary groups (the Wonsan Warm, Wonsan Cold, Western Japan Basin Warm, and Northern Subpolar Frontal Cold Eddy groups) and short-lived groups with a relatively larger H, higher EKE, and APE and stronger EI (the Yamato Coastal Warm, Central Yamato Warm, and Eastern Japan Basin Coastal Warm eddy groups). Small eddies in the northern ES hardly resolved using the satellite altimetry data only, were not identified here and discussed with potential over-estimations of the mean L, H, R, EI, EKE, and APE. This study suggests that the ES mesoscale eddies 1) include newly identified groups such as the Hokkaido and the Yamato Rise Warm Eddies in addition to relatively well-known groups (e.g., the Ulleung Warm and the Dok Cold Eddies); 2) have a shorter L; smaller H, R, and lower EKE; and stronger EI and higher APE than those of the global ocean, and move following surface currents rather than propagating westward; and 3) show large spatial inhomogeneity among groups.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.832-859
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• 2011

The importance of scientific education on accurate oceanic currents and circulation has been increasingly addressed because the currents have played a significant role in climate change and global energy balance. The objectives of this study are to analyze errors of the oceanic current maps in the textbooks, to discuss a variety of error sources, to suggest how to produce a unified oceanic current map of the East Sea for the students. Twenty-seven textbooks based on the 7th National Curriculum were analyzed and quantitatively investigated on the characteristics of the current maps by comparing with both the previous literature and up-to-date scientific knowledge. All the maps in the textbooks with different mappings were converted to digitalized image data with Mercator mapping using geolocation information. Detailed analysis were performed to investigate the patterns of the Tsushima Warm Current (TWC) in the Korea Strait, to examine how closely the nearshore branch of the TWC flows along the Japanese coast, to scrutinize the features of the offshore branch of the TWC south of the subpolar front in the East Sea, to quantitatively investigate the northern range of the northward-propagating East Korea Warm Current and its latitude turning to the east, and lastly to examine the outflow of the TWC near the Tsugaru Strait and the Soya Strait. In addition, the origins, southern limits, and distances from the coast of the Liman Current and the North Korea Cold Current were analyzed. Other erroneous expressions of the currents in the textbooks were presented. These analyses revealed the problems in the present current maps of the textbooks, which might lead the students to misconception. This study also addressed a necessity in a bridge between scientists with up-to-date scientific results and educators who needed educational materials.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.34-45
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• 2002

Of the four tidal flat areas(Yeocha-ri, Dongmak-ri, Sundu-ri and Donggum-ri) on Southern Ganghwa Island, the distribution of migratory waterbirds showed a difference in the numbers of individuals and species. Higher numbers of individuals and species were observed on the Yeocha-ri tidal flat. The dominant waterbirds species at the four areas was the Dentin(Calidris alpina). This species showed an occupancy rate(42.0-79.1%) on the Yeocha-ri tidal flat, which was much higher relative to the other areas. The Yeocha-ri tidal flats were higher relative to MSL than the other tidal flats. When the Dongmak-ri tidal flat was covered by sea water, the Yeocha-ri tidal flat was 0.0317$\textrm{km}^2$ in area and on this space we observed many resting waterbirds. The biomass of the waterbirds' potential prey on the Yeocha-ri tidal flat was higher(1.6~2.5$\times$) than other tidal flats. Twenty-three species and 266 individuals were found on the Yeocha-ri tidal flat, which was higher than the tidal flats. The food of Dunlin, which was the dominant species in these four areas, was mainly Reticunassa festiva and Umbonium thomasi(Gastropoda) and Perinereis aibuitensis(Polychaeta). A Dunlin(38.11g) used to eat 1,295 individuals of these food items for daily basal energy. Gastropod, its density was highest on Yeocha-ri tidal flats. The distribution of waterbirds seemed to be closely related with the distribution of the benthos, space and safety of resting site. We suggest that the environments of tidal flats, which are rich foraging habitats, are important factors for conservation of waterbirds.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.224-234
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• 2013

This study examined a strong positive correlation between the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index during June and the total tropical cyclone (TC) genesis frequency in the western North Pacific during July and August. To investigate a possible cause for this relationship, the mean difference between the highest positive NAO years and the lowest negative NAO years was analyzed by dividing into when the El Ni$\tilde{n}$o and La Ni$\tilde{n}$a years were included and when the El Ni$\tilde{n}$o and La Ni$\tilde{n}$a years were not included. When the El Ni$\tilde{n}$o and La Ni$\tilde{n}$a years were included, for the positive NAO years, the TCs mostly occurred in the northwestern region of tropical and subtropical western Pacific, and showed a pattern that migrate from the sea northeast of the Philippines, pass the East China Sea, and move toward the mid-latitudes of East Asia. In contrast, for the negative NAO years, the TCs mostly occurred in the southeastern region of tropical and subtropical western Pacific, and showed a pattern that migrate westward from the sea southeast of the Philippines, pass the South China Sea, and move toward the southern coast of China and Indochinese peninsula. These two different TC migration patterns affect the recurving location of TC, and for the positive NAO years, the recurving of TC was averagely found to take place in the further northeast. In addition, the migration patterns also affect the TC intensity, and the TCs of positive NAO years had stronger intensity than the TCs of negative NAO years as sufficient energy can be absorbed from the ocean while moving north in the mid-latitudes of East Asia. The TCs of negative NAO years showed weak intensity as they get weaken or disappear shortly while landing on the southern coast of China and the Indochinese peninsula. On the other hand, the above result of analysis is also similarly observed when the El Ni$\tilde{n}$o and La Ni$\tilde{n}$a years were not included.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.93-102
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• 2017

Heavy mineral provide an important information for sediment provenance as well as a potential submarine mineral resources. We compared the heavy mineral characteristics between Southeastern Yellow Sea Mud (SEYSM) and Southwestern Cheju Island Mud (SWCIM) surface sediments. We separated heavy minerals from 28 surface sediments in each mudbelt, and then carried out stereo-microscopic, field-emission scanning electron microscopic, energy dispersive spectroscopic and electron probe microanalysis to characterize the type, abundance, mineralogical properties and distribution pattern of heavy mineral. Amphibole and epidote, which are two major heavy minerals, account for more than 70% of total heavy minerals. Zircon and sphene contents are more abundant in SEYSM, whereas apatite and rutile contents are more abundant in SWCIM. Monazite only occurs in some area of SEYSM. Sphene and monazite content decrease to the south in SEYSM. Both garnet-zircon index (GZi) and rutile-zircon index (RuZi) are low in SEYSM but high in SWCIM. Amphiboles in SEYSM primarily correspond to hornblende, however those in SWCIM represent variable composition from pargasite, tshermakite, hornblende to tremolite. Garnets in SEYSM have high Mg and low Ca, but those in SWCIM have low Mg with variable Ca. Different heavy mineral characteristics between SEYSM and SWCIM suggests that sediments in each mudbelt have different provenances. Although this study implies that SEYSM sediment may mostly come from nearby Korean western rivers such as the Keum and Han rivers, this study does not suggest any idea of the source area of SWCIM sediment. Further study is needed to interpret the provenance and transportation mechanism of mudbelt sediments through the heavy mineral research for the river sediments flowing into the Yellow Sea and much more marine sediments.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.21 no.2 s.34
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• pp.121-132
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• 2005

We investigated the reproductive cycle with gonad developmental phases of Sinonovacula constricta by histological observations, and seasonal changes in biochemical component of the adductor muscle, visceral mass, foot muscle and mantle were studied by biochemical analysis, from January to December, 2004. The reproductive cycle of this species can be classifed into five successive stages: early active stage (March to May), late active stage (May to July), ripe stage (July to September), partially spawned stage (August to October) and spentfinactive stage (October to March). Total protein content was the highest in the following order: adductor muscle, visceral mass, foot muscle, and mantle. Except for mantle, it was generally higher during the ripe and spawning stages, while lower during the spent/inactive stage. There were positive correlations in total protein contents among adductor muscle, foot muscle, and visceral mass. However, the correlations were not statistically significant. Total lipid content was the highest in the visceral mass; it was more than 5 or 6-fold higher than those in the adductor muscle, foot muscle, or mantle. The monthly change was also most dynamic in the visceral mass. It first Increased during the early active stage (March to May), decreased during late active stage (May to July), and then increased again rapidly during the spawning stage (September). There were a strong negative correlation in total lipid contents between foot muscle and adductor muscle (r = -0.634, p = 0.027), and a strong positive correlation between adductor muscle and mantle (r = 0.665, p = 0.018). Glycogen contents showed more or less similar pattern to total lipid contents in the adductor muscle, foot muscle, and visceral mass. It was higher during the early active and spawning stages, while lower during the late active and spent/inactive stages. There was no statistically significant correlation in glycogen contents among different tissues. Especially, total lipid content showed a negative correlationship between the foot muscle, adductor muscle, visceral mass and mantle. Therefore, these results indicate that the nutrient content of the foot muscle, adductor muscle, viseral mass and mantle changed in response to gonadal energy needs.

• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.89-120
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• 2008

With petroleum being a major source of energy in Korea, the quantity of petroleum transported via ocean routes is on its way up due to increased consumption. Due to the increase, more than 300 cases of pollution caused by petroleum occur annually. Moreover, the number of oil-spill accidents is also on the rise. Causes of such accidents, not including the disposal of waste oil on purpose, turn out to be human error during navigation or defects in the vessels, showing that most accidents are caused by humans. Therefore, to prevent future oil spills, it is imperative that navigation efficiency be enhanced by improving the quality of navigators and replacing old vessels with newer ones. Nevertheless, such improvements cannot occur overnight, so long- and mid-term efforts should be made to achieve it institutionally. As large-scale oil-spill accidents can happen at anytime along the coastal waters of Korea, it is necessary to set-up institutional devices which go beyond the compensation limit of 92FC. The current special law regarding this issue has its limits in that it prescribes compensation be supplemented solely by national taxes. Therefore, the setting-up of a new 'national fund' is recommended for consideration rather than to subscribe to the '2003 Convention for the Supplementary Fund'. It is strongly suggested that a National fund be created from fees collected from oil companies based on the risks involved in oil transportation and according to the profiteers pay principle. In addition, a public fund should be created to handle general environmental damage, such as the large-scale destruction of the ecosystem, which is distinct from the economic damage that harms the local people. The posterior responses to the large-scale oil spill have always been unsatisfactory because of the symbolic nature of the disasters included in such accidents. Oil-spills can be prevented in advance, because they are caused by human beings. But once they occur, they inflict long-term damage to both human life and the natural ecosystem. Therefore, the best response to future oil-spills is to work to prevent them.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.55-70
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• 2004

The wetland ecosystem is a complex products of various erosion force, accumulation as water flows, hydrogeomorphic units, seasonal changes, the amount of rainfalls, and other essential element. There is no single, correct, ecologically sound definition for wetlands because of the diversity of wetlands and the demarcation between dry and wet environments occurs along a continuum, but wetland plays various ecosystem functions. Despite comprehensive integration through classification and impact factors there is still lacking in systematic management of wetlands. Classification system developed by the USFWS(1979) is hierarchical progresses from systems and subsystems at general levels to classes, subclasses, dominance types, and habitat modifiers. Systems and subsystems are delineated according to major physical attributes such as tidal flushing, ocean-derived salts, and the energy of flowing water or waves. Classes and subclasses describe the type of substrate and habitat or the physiognomy of the vegetation or faunal assemblage. Wetland classes are divided into physical types and biotic types. For the wise management of wetlands in Korea, this study was carried out to examine methodology of USFWS classification system and discuss its application for Korean wetland hydrogeomorphic units already known. Seven wetland types were chosen as study sites in Korea divided into some different types based on USFWS system. Three wetland types belonging to palustrine system showed no difference between Wangdungjae wetland and Mujechi wetland, but Youngnup of Mt. Daeam was different from the former two types at the level of dominant types. This fact means that setting of classification system for management of wetland is needed. Although we may never know much about the wetland resources that have been lost, there are opportunities to conserve the riches that remain. Extensive inventory of all wetland types and documentation of their ecosystem functions are vital. Unique and vulnerable examples in particular need to be identified and protected. Furthermore, a framework with which to demonstrate wetland characteristics and relationships is needed that is sufficiently detailed to achieve the identification of the integrity and salient features of an enormous range of wetland types.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.55-68
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• 2010

The seasonal variation of microbial community, based on the bacteria, heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF), phytoplankton and ciliates, was investigated at three sites in the eutrophic brackish water of Lake Shihwa and its adjacent areas from May 2007 through May 2008. At the upstream-region site St. 1, compared to the other two sites, significantly lower salinities and higher concentrations of nutrients and chlorophyll $\alpha$ (Chl. $\alpha$) were recorded. The annual average abundances of bacteria at St. 1, St. 2 and St. 3 were $6.8{\times}10^6$, $7.4{\times}10^6$ and $4.6{\times}10^6\;cells\;mL^{-1}$, respectively. As for the annual average concentrations of HNF, $19{\times}10^2$, $6.7{\times}10^2$ and $5.9{\times}10^2\;cells\;mL^{-1}$, were recorded in St. 1, St. 2 and St. 3 respectively. The highest ciliate abundance appeared at St. 1 on 29 April, 2008 and in which, 99% were autotrophic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum (Myrionecta rubra). Significant linear correlations between the biomass of bacteria and Chl. $\alpha$ were found, however, no significant relationships between ciliates abudance/biomass and their prey organisms were detected in all three sites, implying relatively low energy transfer efficiencies between them. These results indicated that the trophic relationship between ciliates and their prey organisms in the microbial community might be influenced by indirect route since higher trophic level organisms did not directly correlate to those of lower trophic level, although high primary productions were detected in the eutrophic brackish water of Lake Shihwa and its adjacent areas.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.111-120
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• 2004

We investigated the reproductive cycle of Corbicula japonica with its gonadal development by histological observations, and the seasonal changes in biochemical mass and foot muscle of the adductor muscle, visceral mass and foot muscle of the clam by biochemical analysis, from January to December, 2003. The reproductive cycle of this species can be classified into five successive stages: early active stage (February to April), late active stage (April to July), ripe stage (June to August), partially spawned stage (July to September) and spent/inactive stage (September to March). According to ANOVA test, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in total protein, total lipid and glycogen contents among months for all of the visceral mass, adductor muscle and foot muscle. Total protein content was highest in adductor muscle, while lowest in visceral mass. There was no correlation in total protein content between visceral mass and adductor muscle (p = 0.208). However, strong positive correlation was found between adductor muscle and foot muscle (r = 0.769, p < 0.001). In visceral mass, total lipid content was the highest; it was 2 or 3-fold higher than in adductor muscle or foot muscle. The monthly change was also most dynamic in visceral mass. It decreased from January to March (early active stage), and reached maximum in April (late active stage). From May to August (ripe and partially spawned stage), it dradually decreased and then increased again until October (spent/inactive stage). Multiple comparisons showed that total lipid content in visceral mass between all of the adjacent two months was significaltly different (p < 0.05). There were strong negative correlations in total lipid content between visceral mass and adductor muscle (r = 0.687, p < 0.001), and between visceral mass and foot muscle (r = 0.473, p = 0.008). Changes of glycogen content were more or less similar to the changes of lipid contents in visceral mass, adductor muscle and foot muscle, except for April. In April, glycogen content in visceral mass was over four times higher than that in adductor muscle or foot muscle. There was a positive correlation in glycogen content between adductor muscle and foot muscle (r = 0.686, p < 0.001). Especially, total lipid content showed a negative correlation between the adductor muscle and visceral mass. Therefore, these results indicate that the nutrient content of the adductor muscle, visceral muscle and foot muscle changed in response to gonadal energy needs.