• Title/Summary/Keyword: Urban ecosystems

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The classification of biotope type and characteristics of naturalized plant habitat on the coastal sand dune ecosystem

  • Lee, Jeom-Sook;Jeon, Ji-Young;Ihm, Byung-Sun;Myeong, Hyeon-Ho
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.35 no.3
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    • pp.167-175
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    • 2012
  • Coastal sand dune systems are particularly fragile and threaten the environment. However, these systems provide fundamental ecosystem services to the nearby urban areas, acting, for example, as protective buffers against erosion. In this paper, we attempt to classify the biotope types of coastal sand dune ecosystems and select an index for the assessment of the conservation value. The types of biotopes are categorized based on the vegetation map; floras are examined in order to research the effects of hinterlands on coastal sand dunes. In addition, a naturalization rate and an urbanization index for each biotope type in hinterlands are analyzed. In the ecosystem of coastal sand dunes, the urbanization index and naturalization rate shows a higher value in sand dunes with areas of road, residential, and idle land in farm villages, rice fields, and fields. On the contrary, a lower value in the urbanization index and naturalization rate is present when typical biotope types, such as sand dune vegetation and natural Pinus thunbergii forests, are widely distributed. Based on these results, urbanization index and naturalization rate should be used as critical indices for the assessment of the ecosystem of costal sand dunes.

An integrated approach to tropical and subtropical island conservation

  • Yamano, Hiroya;Satake, Kiyoshi;Inoue, Tomomi;Kadoya, Taku;Hayashi, Seiji;Kinjo, Koichi;Nakajima, Daisuke;Oguma, Hiroyuki;Ishiguro, Satoshi;Okagawa, Azusa;Suga, Shinsuke;Horie, Tetsuya;Nohara, Katsuhito;Fukayama, Naoko;Hibiki, Akira
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.38 no.2
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    • pp.271-279
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    • 2015
  • After the reversion of Okinawa (Ryukyu Islands) to Japan in 1972, extensive urban and agricultural development resulted in a significant increase in sediment discharge to coastal waters. The release of sediment has caused the degradation of freshwater and coastal ecosystems and biodiversity. A consideration for catchment-to-reef continua, as well as agricultural (socioeconomic) factors is necessary to establish proper land-based management plans for the conservation of the island environment. We have set up a framework to integrate biophysics and socioeconomics: 1) setting a conservation target and threshold, 2) identifying the sources and processes, and 3) examining cost-effectiveness and management priorities. The framework may be applicable to other tropical and subtropical islands with similar characteristics.

A Study of Zero Energy Building Verification with Measuring and Model-based Simulation in Exhibition Building

  • Ha, Ju-wan;Park, Kyung-soon;Kim, Hwan-yong;Song, Young-hak
    • Architectural research
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.93-102
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    • 2018
  • With the change in Earth's ecosystems due to climate change, a number of studies on zero energy buildings have been conducted globally, due to the depletion of energy and resources. However, most studies have concentrated on residential and office buildings and the performance predictions were made only in the design phase. This study verifies the zero-energy performance in the operational phase by acquiring and analyzing data after the completion of an exhibition building. This building was a retention building, in which a renewable energy system using a passive house building envelope, solar photovoltaic power generation panels, as well as fuel cells were adopted to minimize the maintenance cost for future energy-zero operations. In addition, the energy performance of the building was predicted through prior simulations, and this was compared with actual measured values to evaluate the energy performance of the actual operational records quantitatively. The energy independence rate during the measurement period of the target building was 123% and the carbon reduction due to the energy production on the site was 408.07 tons. The carbon reduction exceeded the carbon emission (331.5 tons), which verified the carbon zero and zero-energy performances.

Recolonization of benthic macroinvertebrates after anthropogenic disturbance in natural streams, South Korea

  • Chun, Seung-Phil;Chon, Seung-Hoon;Lee, Seung-Oh;Im, Jang-Hyuk;Lee, Woo-Kyun;Kim, Myoung-Chul
    • Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.228-235
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    • 2015
  • Stream ecosystems are closely related to many human activities. Therefore, streams are affected by anthropogenic disturbances such as riverine development and gravel-mining as well as deterioration of water quality. The goal of this study was to elucidate the recolonization process of the macroinvertebrate community after a small-scale anthropogenic disturbance. Field studies were conducted at three sites in a natural stream. The number of recolonizing species tended to increase slightly over time, exceeding the total species number of the control. Ephemeroptera contributed the most to shaping the recolonizing pattern of the entire community. From the result of changes in dominant species, the early recolonizers of each site were the species that showed more frequent occurrence particulary at each sites. But the late recolonizers are Chironomidae at all the sites commonly. This result implies that the actual differences exist among the recolonizing trends of each benthic macroinvertebrate taxon. Collector-gatherers and scrapers comprised about 70% of the recolonizing species. These results indicate that the recolonizing process of an aquatic community after an artificial disturbance depends on the environmental conditions(particularly substratum composition or organic pollution) of the habitat.

The Relationship between circulation of precipitation and urbanization (생태학적 측면에서 고찰한 빗물 순환체계와 도시화와의 관계)

  • 이은희
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.24 no.4
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    • pp.123-131
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    • 1997
  • Since the industrial revolution. the growth of cities has been especially apid and the rate of ulbanization has been high. This urban development is encroaching on the natural environment because the cities are developed with not only residential estates, industrial area and buildings but also with infrastructure. The surface area of the city is sealed ,with pavement whereas nature is disturbed and modified. The hydrological cycle in the city is inf1uenced by the change of land use I. e., from forest to agricultural land, talc draining of wetlands and above all the increase of built-up areas. The surface retention and interception of precipitation in the city is reduced. because the surface area is now smooth and solid. The characteristics of the hydrological cycle in the city are increased runoff, reduced evapotranspiration and infiltraction . We have too much faith in technology although it may cause more unforseen problems. We build more river banks and 'emulation dams and straighten rivers and streams in order to protect ourselves from disasters.. However. the results of hose developments are often higher$.$ water levels, the disturbance of aquatic ecosystems and the reduction of biodiversity. Therefore, we should examine problems from the hydrological cycle in cities and study a natural system as close cities to nature as possible. This paper shows the problems caused by the hydrological cycle in the city. The ecology-oriented method and design must be used in order to protect our environment from dicturbance.

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PACRIM SCIENCE APPLICATIONS: A DECADE WITH AIRSAR

  • Milne, A.K.;Tapley, I.J.
    • Proceedings of the KSRS Conference
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    • 2002.10a
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    • pp.428-428
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    • 2002
  • The scientific objectives of PACRIM (Pacific Rim) are to advance the understanding of polarimetric and interferometric radar and to promote its application in environmental research designed to detect and quantify changes found in both the physical and humanly dominated ecosystems on the earth's surface. The information derived is used to more readily identify environments at risk; improve environmental decision making and the management of resources and thereby lead to the implementation of more effective and sustainable land use practices. PACRIM is a collaborative research project was organized by NASA's Mission to Planet Earth, Airborne Sciences Program; the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; CSIRO-COSSA and the Centre for Remote Sensing and GIS at the University of New South Wales. A decade of working with AIRSAR data (1993-2003) in the Australia-Asian-Pacific region has provided the opportunity for more than 400 investigators from 20 countries to collect, analyse, interpret and apply state-of-the-art radar data to earth-science studies. This has been achieved by scientists working within seven broad research themes; o Forestry and vegetation o Geology and tectonic processes o Interferometry o Disaster management o Coastal analysis o Agriculture o Urban and regional development. This paper presents an overview of the three data acquisition missions (1993,1996 and 2000) and the science research outcomes achieved from analyzing high quality radar data.

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Engineering characteristics and eco-cultural potential of spring in Jeju Island

  • Koh, Byoung Ryoun
    • Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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    • 2019.05a
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    • pp.218-218
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    • 2019
  • Jeju island has an area of $1,810km^2$ and is considered the largest island in South Korea. In Jeju Island the average annual precipitation is 1,957mm. About 54% of precipitation is estimated to be lost due to evapo-transpiration and direct runoff, and the remainder is recharged. Historically springs and puddles were the island's primary sources of water. However, after 1970 all sectors, including the urban and industrial sectors depended solely on groundwater as their water resource. As vast amount of water is being recharged the Island has many springs, especially near the coastlines. Historlcally, spring of Jeju Island formed village and make it possible to continue a life. Also it produces many values such as the spring related story, culture, tourism and ecosystems. Especially, the naturally rare phenomenon that about 900 springs appear over the whole area of Jeju Island makes it possible to call it as a natural heritage. As a result of this most springs have either been destroyed or been in the state of neglect. In some cases it has been observed that springs were preserved by nature, however majority of the cases saw springs losing their own nature as a result of abandonment. It was recorded that there were 911 springs in Jeju Island with most of them being distributed along the coast, which consequently increases their susceptibility to seawater intrusion. The objective of this study is therefore to analyze Eco-cultural and Engineering characteristics about springs in the island, highlighting its past utilization and reestablishing its potential as a source of spring.

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Comparative Analysis on the Application of Biotic Indices for Environmental Assessment of a Polluted Stream (Jinwi Stream) (오염하천(진위천)의 환경평가를 위한 생물지수간 적용성 비교분석)

  • Oh, Min Woo;Lee, Ok-Min;Song, Ho-Bok;Park, Sun Jin;Song, Mee Young;Kong, Dongsoo
    • Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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    • v.27 no.6
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    • pp.760-768
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    • 2011
  • Jinwi Stream is considerably polluted. The urban development in a Jinwi Stream basin can make state of aquatic ecosystem worse. However, researches for aquatic ecosystems in Jinwi Stream are insufficient. In this study, biotic indices of periphytic diatoms (DAIpo and TDI), benthic macroinvertebrates (EPT, KSI and ESB) and fish (IBI) were compared with the annual water quality data. Benthic macroinvertebrates indices showed highly significant correlations with concentrations of organic materials and nutrients, while DAIpo, TDI and IBI showed low correlations with them. In particular, ESB can be considered as an useful indicator that reflects the degree of diversity and abundance of biotic community as well as water quality. In polluted and disturbed streams as Jinwi Stream, DAIpo, TDI and IBI appeared to be not available for evaluating and discriminating the water quality, although they have been known as good indices in general streams.

A Study on the Development of Experiential Nature Education Program in the Urban Forest Park - A Case Study of Yeongheung Park in Suwon - (도시 산림공원의 체험형 자연교육 프로그램 개발 연구 - 수원 영흥공원을 대상으로 -)

  • Chang, Ye-Na;Kim, Sung-Hee;Han, Bong-Ho;Choi, Jin-Woo
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.47 no.6
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    • pp.12-23
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    • 2019
  • The purpose of this study was to develop and study an experiential natural education program that could emphasize the importance of the natural environment by providing natural experience opportunities using the natural resources of the urban forest parks using Youngheung Park in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province as a target site. The research target was limited to Suwon Yeongheung Park, which had the potential to become a place for education, where urban forest conservation and sustainable use already coexist. The natural education resources derived by surveying and analyzing the basic environment and the ecology of plants and animals in Suwon Yeongheung Park were organized to establish program goals, directions, and themes. Suwon Yeongheung Park is a water-rich forest that forms an ecological system of wetlands, including rice paddies, muknon wetlands, and dungbun, near a valley area. The U-shaped walkway was smoothly formed along the ridge and includes Doran-gil, which is among the Palochrome Road, designated by the city of Suwon. The soil is acidic, with a pH 4.40, due to urban pollution and acid rain, and is not good for plant growth. Most of the artificial forests, natural forests, and arable land were found using land use and extant life surveys. Old trees were distributed in artificial forests, the oak clusters in natural forests, and the fields and darrinones were distributed in the arable areas. As the forest vegetation declined, the cedar forest was underway, and the cedar trees and red bean pear trees were cultivated due to their adaptability to the urban environment. There are 13 large of 180 sacks, one being 109 centimeters in diameter, the largest silvery tree, and 105 oak trees, provide food and shelter for animals. Six species of waterfowl that used the 22 kinds of forest wetlands, while four species of amphibians and two species of reptiles reside in the wetlands. Natural Monument No. 327, Mauryuk, Class II Endangered Wildlife, was also observed in the wetlands. Eight other species of surface dragonflies and three species of butterflies were observed. By systemizing the resources, members, and characteristics of the forest ecosystems in Suwon Yeongheung Park based on five criteria, the program for a hands-on natural education was presented with the aim of understanding the urban forest ecosystem in Suwon Yeongheung Park, having an affinity with the city, and recognizing its relationship with the community and society. However, further research is needed as there are limitations of research on programs characterized by different ages and classes.

Analysis of the Status of Light Pollution and its Potential Effect on Ecosystem of the Deogyusan National Park (덕유산국립공원 빛공해 현황 및 빛공해가 공원 생태계에 미치는 잠재적 영향 분석)

  • Sung, Chan Yong;Kim, Young-Jae
    • Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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    • v.34 no.1
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    • pp.63-71
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    • 2020
  • This study characterized the spatial and seasonal patterns of light pollution in the Deogyusan National Park and examined the potential effects of light pollution on ecosystems in the park using light intensities derived from VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) DNB (Day and Night Band) nightlight images collected in January and August 2018. Results showed that the Muju Deogyusan resort had the greatest light intensity than other sources of light pollution in the park, and light intensity of the resort was much higher in January than in August, suggesting that artificial lights in ski slopes and facilities were the major source of light pollution in the park. An analysis of an urban-natural light pollution gradient along a neighboring urban area through the inside of the park indicated that light radiated from a light pollution source permeated for up to 1km into the adjacent area and contaminated the edge area of the park. Of the legally protected species whose distributions were reported in literature, four mammals (Martes flavigula, Mustela nivalis, Prionailurus bengalensis, Pteromys volans aluco), two birds (Falco subbuteo, Falco tinnunculus), and nine amphibians and reptiles (Onychodactylus koreanus, Hynobius leechii, Karsenia koreana, Rana dybowskii, Rana huanrenensis, Elaphe dione, Rhabdophis tigrinus, Gloydius ussuriensis, Gloydius saxatilis) inhabited light-polluted areas. Of those species inhabiting light-polluted areas, nocturnal species, such as Prionailurus bengalensis and Pteromys volans aluco, in particular, were vulnerable to light pollution. These results implied that protecting ecosystems from light pollution in national parks requires managing nighttime light in the parks and surrounding areas and making a plan to manage nighttime light pollution by taking into account ecological characteristics of wild animals in the parks.