• The Korean Journal of Petroleum Geology
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• v.5 no.1_2 s.6
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• pp.36-47
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• 1997

This study presents multi-variable sequence model for a broader application of sequence concept proposed by Exxon group. The concept of the multi-variable model is based on the fact that internal organization and boundary type of the sequences are determined by three varying factors including 3rd-order cycles of eustasy, and tectonic movement and sediment influx with 2nd-order changes. Instead of Exxon group's systems tracts, this model adopts parasequence sets as the fundamental building blocks of the sequence, because they are descriptive stratigraphic units simply defined by internal stacking pattern, reflecting interactions of accommodation and sediment influx. Seven sequence types which vary in number and type of internal parasequence sets are formulated as associations of four types of accommodation development and three grades of sediment influx. In the southwestern margin of Ulleung Basin, the multi-variable sequence analysis of shelf-slope sequence shows systematic changes in stratal patterns and the numbs, of constituent parasequence sets (i.e. sequence type). These changes are interpreted to reflect temporal and spatial changes in type and rate of tectonic movement and sediment influx, as a result of back-arc opening and closing. During the back-arc opening, rapid subsidence, continuous rise of relative sea level, and high sediment influx gave rise to sequences dominantly of single progradational parasequence set. In the early stage of back-arc closing accompanied by local contractional deformation, different types of sequences contemporaneously formed depending on the spatial changes in tectonically-controlled accommodation and influx rates. During the subsequent slow back-arc subsidence, rise-dominated relative sea-level cycle was coupled with moderate to high sedimentation rate to have resulted in sequences consisting of $2~3$ parasequence sets.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.323-337
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• 1999

Seafloor morphology and manganese nodule occurrence were studied in the Korea Deep-sea Environmental Study (KODES) area, northeast equatorial Pacific, to understand their relationship. Study area is composed of three elongated valleys and hills with about 100~200 m height along NNE-SSW direction. Valley region is generally flat. However, hill region is very rugged with big cliffs of about 100m height and small depressions of several tens of meters depth. Tectonic movement along the Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone, consequent formation of elongated abyssal hills and Valleys, erosion of siliceous bottom sediments by bottom currents, and dissolution of carbonate sediments on the abyssal hills below CCD result in the rugged morphology. Manganese nodule occurrence is closely related to the morphology of the study area; mostly rounded-shaped manganese nodules with about 5 cm diameter are abundant on the flat valley region, whereas irregular shaped nodules (or manganese crust) with less than 5 cm to about 1 m diameter occur on the hill. These results supports the previous reports that nodule abundance, composition, and morphology are variable both on regional and local small scales on the seafloor even within some abundant nodule provinces depending on oceanographic characteristics such as bathymetric features, surface sediment type, sediment thickness, and so on. We suggest that such oceanographic characteristics affect interrelatedly on the formation of manganese nodules, and tectonic movement of the Pacific plate ultimately constrain the nodule occurrence. A potential mining place in the KODES area seems to be the valley region, which is elongated to the NNW-SSE direction with 3-4 km width.

• The Korean Journal of Petroleum Geology
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• v.3 no.1 s.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 1995

Seismic reflection profiles and exploratory drilling well samples from the southern marginal-continental shelf basin of Korea delineate that the Tertiary sedimentary sequences can be grouped into five sequences (Sequence A, Sequence B, Sequence C, Sequence D and Sequence E, in descending order). Paleontologic data, K-Ar age datings, correlation with tuff layers and sequence stratigraphic analysis reveal that the sequences A, B, C, D and E can be considered as the deposits of Holocene $\~$ Pleistocene, Pliocene, Late Miocene, Early $\~$ Middle Miocene and Oligocene, respectively. The sequence stratigraphic and structural analyses suggest that the southern part of the Cheju Basin had experienced severe folding and faulting. NE-SW trending strike-slip movement is responsible for the deformation. The sinistral movement of strike-slip fault ceased before the deposition of Sequence B. Age dating and rare-earth elements analysis of volvanic rocks reveal+ that the Sequence D was deposited during the Early $\~$ Middle Miocene and the Sequence I was deposited earlier than the deposition of the Green Tuff Formation. Sedimentary petrological studies indicate that sediments of the Sequence I came from the continental block provenance. After the deposition of the Sequence E, uplift of the source area resulted in increase of sediment supply, subsidence and volcanic activities. The Sequence D show these factors and the sediments of the Sequence D are considered to be transported from the recycled orogenic belt.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.349-359
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• 2020

The Ulsan Fault Zone (UFZ) of NNW trend is developed in the Gyeongsang Basin, the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula, and the Quaternary faults have been found around the UFZ. The faults generally thrust the Bulguksa igneous rocks of Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary upon the Quaternary deposits or are developed within the Quaternary deposits. They mainly show the reverse-slip sense of top-to-the west movement. The lines connecting the their outcrop sites show a zigzag-form which is similar to the orientation of their fault surfaces which show the various trends, like (W)NW, N-S, (E)NE, ENE trends. The E-W trending dextral strike(-slip) fault is found in the Quaternary deposits of the Singye-ri valley. It cuts the N-S trending reverse fault and are cut by the N-S trending thrust fault again. Two types of at least two times of Quaternary tectonic movements related to the formation of neotectonic fault zone in the Singye-ri valley are considered from such the geometric and kinematic characteristics of Quaternary faults. One is the reverse faulting of N-S trend by the E-W directed 1st compression and associated the strike-slip tear faulting of E-W trend, and then the thrust faulting of N-S trend by the E-W directed 2nd compression. The other is the reverse faulting of N-S trend, and then the dextral strike-slip faulting of E-W trend by the NW-SE directed compression, and then the thrust faulting of N-S trend. In this paper is suggested the development history of Singye-ri neotectonic fault zone on the basis of the various orientations of Quaternary fault surfaces around the UFZ, and the zigzag-form connecting line of their outcrop sites, and the compressive arc-shaped lineaments which convex to the west reported recently in the Yangsan Fault Zone.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.335-365
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• 2012

Fission-track (FT) thermochronological records from SE Korean Cretaceous-Paleogene granitic plutons in different fault-bounded blocks reveal contrasting cooling and later thermal histories. Overall cooling patterns are represented by a monotonous (J-shaped) curve in most plutons except some Cretaceous granites retaining a complicated (N-shaped) path due to post-reset re-cooling. Discriminative cooling rates over different temperature ranges can be explained for individual plutons with respect to relative pluton sizes, differences in initial heat loss depending on country rocks, and the presence and proximity of later igneous activity. Even within a single batholith, cooling times for different isotherms were roughly contemporaneous with respect to positions. Insignificant deviations in cooling ages from two different plutons in succession across the Yangsan fault may suggest their contemporaneity before major horizontal fault movement. The extent of later thermal rise recorded locally along the Yangsan and Dongnae fault zones were reached the Apatite Partial Stability Zone ($70-125^{\circ}C$), but did not exceed $200^{\circ}C$. Thermal alteration from fractured zones in the Yangsan-Ulsan fault junction may suggest a thermal reset above $290^{\circ}C$ resulting a complete reset in FT sphene age (31 Ma), caused by a tectonic subsidence in Early Oligocene. A consistency in FT zircon/apatite ages (24 Ma) may imply a sudden rapid cooling over $200-105^{\circ}C$, plausibly related to the abrupt tectonic uplift of the Pohang-Gampo Block including the fault junction in Late Oligocene. A remarkable trend of lower cooling ages for $300-200-100^{\circ}C$ isotherms (i.e., 19% for FT sphene and K-Ar biotite; 20% for FT zircon; 27% for FT apatite) from the east of the Ulsan fault (Pohang-Gampo Block) comparing to the west of the fault may be attributed to retarded cooling times from the Paleogene granites and also reflected by their partially-reduced apatite ages due to later thermal effects.

• The Korean Journal of Petroleum Geology
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• v.2 no.2 s.3
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• pp.43-50
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• 1994

The geologic structure of Gongju Basin, which is a Cretaceous sedimentary basin located on the boundary of Gyeonggi Massif and Ogcheon Belt, is modeled by using gravity data and interpreted in relation with basin forming tectonism. The electrical survey with dipole-dipole array was also conducted to uncover the development of fractures in the two fault zones which form the boundaries of the basin. In the process of gravity data reduction, the terrain correction was performed by using the conic prism model, which showed better results specially for topography having a steep slope. The gravity model of the geologic structure of Gongju basin is obtained by forward modeling based on the surface geology and density inversion. It reveals that the width of the basin at its central part is about $4{\cal}km$ and about $2.5{\cal}km$ at the southern part. The depth of crystalline basement beneath sedimentary rocks of the basin is about $700{\~}400{\cal}m$ below the sea level and it is thinner in the center than in margin. The fault of the southeastern boundary appears more clearly than that of the northwestern boundary, and its fracture zone may extended to the depth of more than $1{\cal}km$. Therefore, it is thought that the tectonic movement along the fault in the southeastern boundary was much stronger. These results coincide with the appearance of broad low resistivity anomaly at the southeastern boundary of the basin in the resistivity section. The fracture zones having low density are also recognized inside the basin from the gravity model. The swelling feature of basement and the fractures in sedimentary rocks of the basin suggest that the compressional tectonic stress had also involved after the deposition of the Cretaceous sediments.

• The Korean Journal of Petroleum Geology
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• v.2 no.2 s.3
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• pp.51-57
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• 1994

Analysis of the aeromagnetic data aquired by US Navy in the year 1969 permits us to predict a new sedimentary basin, Heugsan Basin, south of the known Gunsan Basin in Block Ⅱ. The basin appears to consist of three sub-basins trending NNW-SSE. The results of our analysis provide not only an independent assessment of the Gunsan Basin, but also new important information on the tectonic origin and mechanism for the two basins as well as for the entire region. The basin forming tectonic style is interpreted as rhombochasm associated with double overstepped left-lateral wrench faults. From the magnetic evidence, a few NE-SW trending major onshore faults are extended to the study area. We also interpreted the nature of the faults to be left-lateral wrenches. This new gross structural style is consistent with the results of recent Yeongdong Basin analysis by Lee. The senses of fault movement are also supported by the paleomagnetic evidence that the Philippine Sea had experienced an 80-degree clockwise rotation since the Eocene. Based on a 2 $\frac{1}{2}$ model study the probable maximum thickness of the sediments in the Gunsan Basin is approximately 7500 meters. We believe that the new Heugsan Basin was left unidentified because a high velocity layer may be overlying the basin. Because the overall structural configuration of the Heugsan Basin appears to be favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation, a detailed airborne magnetic survey is recommended in the area in order to verify the magnetic expression of this thick basin. A detailed subsequent marine gravity survey is also recommended in order to delineate the sedimentary section and to acquire supplemental data to the magnetic method only if an overlying high velocity layer is confirmed. Otherwise a high energy source seismic survey may be more effective.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.276-295
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• 2008

Recent disputes on mountain ranges in Korea have partially been derived from the discordance of the spatial distribution and the extent of mountain ranges presented by different researchers and school textbooks. The lack of consensus on the definition and genesis of mountain ranges adds further confusion. In order to overcome these problems, it is necessary to provide genetically classified mountain range maps for different usages, map scales and educational purposes. This paper first argues that mountain ranges and mountain ridges should separately be used as different conceptual frameworks to explain complex spatial distribution of mountains in Korea. The new mountain range map (sanmaekdo) proposed in this research puts strong emphasis on tectonic movement and denudational processes to explain the spatial distribution of mountains. The new mountain range map has 15 mountain ranges (sanmaek: in total, which are further divided into 7 primary and 8 secondary mountain ranges. The new mountain range map eliminates Jeogyuryeongsanmaek, Myohyangsanmaek, Myeoraksanmaek, and Masingnyeongsanmaek from the existing map, since these have a vague definition and obscure spatial distribution. On the contrary, few new primary mountain ranges (Gilju-Myeongcheonsanmaek, Yangsansanmaek, Jirisanmaek) and secondary mountain ranges (Wolchulsanmaek and Buksubaeksanmaek) are added to the new mountain range map. Other mountain ranges also show a large difference both in their spatial distribution and the extent of mountain ranges, compared with the previous map. This is especially the case for Nangnimsanmaek, Hamgyeongsanmaek, Taebaeksanmaek, and Sobaeksanmaek. A few new names are also assigned to Macheollyeongsanmaek (Baekdusanmaek), Gwangjusanmaek (Hwaaksanmaek), Charyeongsanmaek (Chiaksanmaek), and Horyeongsanmaek (Naejangsanmaek), even though they show similar spatial distribution patterns with the ones in the existing map.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.233-242
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• 2003

The southeasternmost coastal area of the Korean peninsula has been regarded as a seismologically stable area as neither Quaternary faults nor earthquake activity has been reported. To clarify whether the active tectonic movement has occurred or not, a digital marine terrace mapping and fracture mapping have been done in the coastal area. Bed rocks are composed of the Cretaceous volcanic and sedimentary rocks and the Paleogene granite. Wave-cut platform in the area is smaller and narrower relative to that of the northern coastal area. Most of the platforms in the area have little Quaternary sediment. The platforms except the Holocene terrace (1 st terrace) can be divided into three steps. The lowest platform (2nd terrace) has an altitude of 8-11 m. The broad middle one (3rd terrace) is 17 to 22 m high. The highest terrace (4th terrace) is a narrow and sporadic bench with an altitude of about 44 m high. The lowest terrace is correlated to the 2nd terrace of the northern area, which corresponds to the oxygen isotopic stage 5a. The uplift rate calculated from a graphic method is 0.19 m/ky. This low uplift is typical of an intra-plate, suggesting that the area is tectonically stable. The elevation of the platforms tends slightly lower from the north to the south in the survey area. The decreasing altitude of the platforms towards the south is interpreted to result from a local block tilting during the Latest Pleistocene. This also indicates that the eastern coast of the Korean peninsula has been suffering a subsidence to the south.

• 한국해양학회지
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.74-83
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• 1990

The similarity in Mesozoic geology between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America indicates the possibility that they had situated along the same tectonics line before the separation of southwestern Gondwanaland. The igneous activity around the Antarctic Peninsula, including the South Shetland islands, can be correlated with the South American Cordillera Orogeny due to the subduction of Farallon/Phoenix plate until late Mesozoic. However igneous activity in Tertiary correlates with the tectonics movement accompanying the formations of Drake passage and Scotian sea. The south Shetland islands form a Jurassic-Quaternary miasmatic island arc on the sialic basement of schist and deformed sedimentary rocks. Forming of the South Shetland Islands arc began during the latest Jurassic or earliest Cretaceous from the southwestern part of the archipelago. The igneous activity migrated northeasterly and continued in most areas until late Tertiary. The entire arc-forming period, between late Jurassic and late tertiary times, was characterized by emplacement and eruption of magmas of intermediate between island-arc tholeiite and calc-alkaline types. However, Quaternary volcanic rocks show strong alkaline affinities which corresponds to the switch from compressional to intra: plate tensional tectonics. The rocks of late Cretaceous to Tertiary, mainly found in King George Island, consist of lava of basalt to andesite and intercalated pyroclastic rocks. Some of the volcanic rocks, which ofter called quartz-pyrite lodes'are severely altered and include much content of calcite,silica and pyrite.The stratographic succession of King George Island can be divided into two formation:Fields formation and Hennequin formation.The Fildes formation crops out at the west side of Admiralty Bay n King George Island,while the Hennequin formation at the east side of the bay.These two formtions are thought to be formed contempiranceously.The Fildes formation consists of altered olivine-basalt and basaltic andestie, whereas the Hennequin formation consists of fine-grained hypersthene-augite-andesite.Both formations interclate pyroclastic rocks.