• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.167-174
• /
• 1993

Limited geochemical components have been detected in fluid inclusions from ore deposits in south Korea by non-destructive and destructive analytical methods. Review of fluid inclusion studies display that the homogenization temperatures and salinities are in direct proportion. W and Cu ore deposits tend to show higher homogenization temperatures and salinities than Au ore deposits. Abundant halite-bearing fluid inclusions from the Eonyang Granite producing precious amethyst crystals may indicate that the initial fluid originated from magma is highly saline as shown by the quartz from the granite. Raman Laser microprobe detected $CO_2$, $N_2$ and $CH_4$ in a gold deposit, while these components are hardly detected from other deposits, even though destrucive analysis has dectected $CO_2$, $N_2$, $CH_4$, $H_2S$, and $SO_2$ from most of ore deposits. Individual fluid inclusion shows quite different components. These results suggest that large numbers of fluid inclusions should be analysed by Raman Laser microprobe to gain reliable data. Halite-bearing inclusion is hardly found in fluid inclusions from epithermal gold deposits in south Korea. Geochemistry, homogeinzation temperature and salinity of fluid inclusions may be useful to apply for exploration to find a concealed orebody.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.13 no.5
• /
• pp.479-488
• /
• 2004

Five sediment cores from the tidal flat of artificial Lake Shihwa are analyzed in terms of sedimentology and geochemistry to evaluate the heavy metal contamination and redox condition of surficial sediment following the Shihwa seawall construction. The variability of concentrations of various elements depends on the depositional environment, and reflects the various redox conditions and sediment provenances. The amounts of Ti and Al and their ratio of Ti/ Al with respect to Li clearly indicate that there is an anthropogenic contribution to the surficial sediment. The high concentrations of heavy metals suggest an anthropogenic contribution at ST. 34 and ST. 22. Concentrations of most elements (Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb) are higher near the Shihwa-Banwol industrial complex than in the central part of Lake Shihwa. Concentrations of heavy metal in surficial sediment near the Shihwa-Banwol industrial complex are two to eight times higher than in the center of Lake Shihwa. Enrichment factors (EF), which are normalized by the unpolluted shale, suggests a significant metallic contamination near the Shihwa-Banwol industrial complex (SBIC). The redox condition is divided into two anoxic and mixed oxi $c_oxic zones based on the carbon:sulfur (C/S) ratios of organic matter and elemental relationships. Correlations among geochemical elements Mn, U and Mo are significantly different from site to site, and may therefore be an indicator of the spatial redox condition. Controlling factors for switching anoxic/oxic conditions are thought to be water depth and the differences in industrial effluent supply. The variations of the Cu/Mn ratio in the sediments confirms above mentioned spatial differences of a redox condition in part, and therefore shows a location-dependence redox condition in sediments at four other sites. The redox condition of the surficial sediment characteristics of the Shihwa Lake are controlled by its geographic location and water depth.th.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.469-489
• /
• 2000

The hydrogeochemical and isotopic studies on deep groundwater (below a 550 m depth from the ground surface) in the Munkyeong area, Kyeongbuk province were carried out. Two types of deep groundwater (${CO_2}$-rich groundwater and alkali groundwater) occur together in the Munkywong area. ${CO_2}$-rich groundwater (Ca-${HCO_3}$ type) is characterized by low pH (5.8~6.5) and high TDS (up to 2,682 mg/L.), while alkali groundwater (Na-${HCO_3}$ type) shows a high pH (9.1~10.4) and relatively low TDS (72~116 mg/L). ${CO_2}$-rich water may have evolved by ${CO_2}$ added at depth during groundwater circulation. This process leads to the dissolution of surrounding rocks and Ca, Na, Mg, K and ${HCO_3}$ concentrations are eniched. The low $Pco_2$ ($10^{-6.4}$atm) of alkali groundwaters seems to result from the dissolution of silicate minerals without a supply of ${CO_2}$. The ${\delta}^{18}O$ and ${\delta}^D$values and tritium data indicate that two types of deep groundwater were both derived from pre-thermonuclear meteoric water and have evolved through prolonged water-rock interaction. The carbon isotope data show that dissolved carbon in the ${CO_2}$-rich water was possibly derived from deep-seated ${CO_2}$ gas, although further studies are needed. The ${\delta}^{34}S$ values of dissolved sulfate show that sulfate reduction occurred at great depths. The application of various chemical geothermometers on ${CO_2}$-rich groundwater shows that the calculated deep reservoir temperature is about 130~$l75^{\circ}C$. Based on the geological setting, water chemistry and environmental isotope data, each of the two types of deep groundwater represent distinct hydrologic and hydrogeochemical evolution at depth and their movement is controlled by the local fracture system.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.69-79
• /
• 2009

Major and trace elements were analyzed in three core sediments to investigate geochemical characteristics of East Sea sediments and provenance changes during late Quaternary in Ulleung Basin. Comparing with Yellow and South Sea sediments, contents of major elements were generally similar while contents of trace elements were significantly different. Furthermore, within this basin, there were some variabilities in trace element compositions. In the western slope sediments (WS), Mo was enriched over 6 times as much as other sites. On the other hand, Zr, Nb, Hf and Ta were enriched in basin sediments (Basin), and Ca and Cs were enriched in southern slope sediments (SS). After excluding elements derived from biogenic, authigenic and diagenetic origins, the lithogenic elements (K, Ti, Cs, Zr, Nb, Hf and Ta) could be classified into three groups from the comparison of element/Al ratios among cores. The first group consisted of elements (K and Ti) that showed the nearly similar element/Al ratios among three cores. The second group contained Cs which showed significant difference between two slope sediments. The third group elements (Zr, Nb, Hf and Ta) showed highly enriched in basin relative to both slope areas. The depth profiles of metal/Al ratios in basin sediments provided the following interpretation for the compositions of sediment and their variation. From 10,000 yr B.P. to 7,000 yr B.P. two lithogenic components (volcanic ashes and western slope sediments) were mixed and deposited in the basin. After 7,000 yr B.P., however, southern slope sediments were mixed with volcanic ashes and deposited in basin area. This event of source change is nearly close to inflow period of the Tsushima Warm Current to Ulleung Basin. Thus, it might be suggested that element geochemistry in Ulleung basin sediment indicate the change of current system in the study area.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.31 no.6
• /
• pp.473-483
• /
• 1998

The igneous rocks in the Goseong area are composed of the volcanic rocks (andesitic lapilli tuff and rhyodacite), Bulgugsa granites (Hornblende-biotite granite and two pyroxene granite) and intrusive andesites. In the variation diagrams of the trace and rare earth element contents and elemental ratios as well as the REE patterns, the three igneous rock types show different variational trends and patterns. The geochemical features represent that the igneous rocks in the area were formed from three different magmatic pulses. Two independently carried out Rb-Sr isotope experiments for the Goseong granites show that the whole rock ages and Sr initial ratios of the granites are $66.4{\pm}6.2Ma$, $0.70517{\pm}22(2{\sigma})$ and $71.3{\pm}6.8Ma$, $0.70506{\pm}18(2{\sigma})$, respectively. These results suggest that the granites magma originated from the lower crustal materials of igneous origin intruded into the area during the late Cretaceous period. Masan hornblende-biotite granite emplaced at the vicinity of the Goseong area is very similar to the Goseong granite in its mineral compositions, major, trace and rare earth element contents and patterns. The intruding age (100 Ma) of the Masan granite is order than that of the Geseong granite, however. The similarity of the geochemical natures but the contrast of the intruding ages between the Masan and Goseong granites possibly indicate that the magma generation from the same source materials occurred at a temporal interval of ca. 30 Ma.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
• /
• v.14 no.5
• /
• pp.479-490
• /
• 1998

The concentrations of ten inorganic (sodium, chloride, sulfate, ammonia, etc.) and three organic (acetate, formate, and MSA) ions associated with airborne particulate matter were measured from Cheju Island, Korea during the three field intensive campaigns conducted in (1) Sept./oct. 1997 (fall), (2) Dec. 1997 (winter), and (3) April 1998 (spring). The results of our measurements indicated that the concentration levels of most ionic species were decreasing significantly across the three experimental periods. The patterns of concentration reduction were clear as the sum of all cation and anion species changed dramatically across those periods such as 294> 144 > 65 and 193 >96>74 nequiv/m3, respectively. The changes were best explained in terms of the wind rose patterns of the study site. Since our sampling spot is located on the western-end point of Cheju Island, it is likely to reflect the effects of diverse sources such as natural, marine processes during NW and local non-maritime ones during SE winds. .Hence, the periodical changes in ionic concentrations may be accounted for by the comparable changes in wind direction. To further investigate environmental characteristics of these ionic components, correlation analysis was conducted not only between meteorological and ion data but between different ion-pairs. The results of these analyses confirm that the concentration levels of ionic species are strongly affected by wind speed and temperature and that there are certain patterns between ion species to which such effects apply. In light of the significance of the wind rose patterns in the area, we further extended these analyses into four data groups that were divided on the basis of wind direction. The results of these analyses showed that the strength of correlations between important pairs (e.g.:. between windspeed and most of major inorganic species including sodium and chloride) can be ranked on the distribution of major ions are very diverse, depending on data grouping scheme for such analysis. The results of this study thus suggest that environmental behavior of chemical components be analyzed in various respects, rather than simple standard, especially if measurements are made in complex environmental condition under which both natural and anthropogenic effects are competing each other.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.70-79
• /
• 2013

Since crude oil contains various pollutants including heavy metals, the environmental impact should be assessed for heavy metals as well as oil itself. In order to estimate the extent of heavy metal contamination, surface sediments were collected at the intertidal and coastal zone around the Herbei sprit oil spill area during December 2007 and January 2008. Organic carbon, sulfur and heavy metals were determined to assess heavy metal contamination in sediments. The crude oils contained C, S, V and Ni, but little toxic metals such as As, Cd, etc. From organic carbon content, the highest contaminated site was estimated that oils contributed to sediments up to 10%, and this site showed high V concentration. Potentially contaminated sediments by crude oil could be differentiated from unaffected sediments through V/Al and Ni/Al ratios, which can be used as indicators of oil contamination even after the oils were fully degraded.

• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.83-103
• /
• 2017

Sand deposit with shell units is exposed in Hasa-ri, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeonnam province. We investigated the characteristics of sand sediment topography in the Yeonggwang coastal area to collect evidence of the paleo-environmental change. We performed analysis on particle characteristics, chemical composition, and the age of deposition of sediments. The deposit comprise moderately well sorted medium and fine sand ($1.00{\sim}2.19{\varphi}$). Various sedimentary structures can be observed. Geochemical characteristics change by depth and the degree of variation with depth is small. The results obtained from OSL dating show that sand layers below shell units are deposited 0.32-0.43 ka. As the elevation of the shell unit far mean high water levels or highest high water level, the extensive shell layers could only have been deposited during storm surge conditions. Aeolian processes are discounted due to the size of clasts and the location at which they occur. Results of age dating of the surrounding deposits indicate shell deposits formed after around 300 years age. There is a distinct difference between sedimentary layers including dark brown-black layer. The sedimentary characters such as particle size and geochemistry show difference with depth. It is presumed that depositional environmental in Hasa-ri has changed several times before. This study is expected to contribute to finding an evidence about occurrence of storm surges.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.167-185
• /
• 2014

SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages and major element and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions were determined for drill cores (374-3390 m in depth) recovered from three boreholes in the Pohonag basin, southeastern Korea. Shallow-seated volcanic rocks and underlain plutonic rocks were geochemically classified as rhyolite and gabbro-granite, respectively. They showed high-K calc-alkaline trends on the $K_2O-SiO_2$ and AFM diagrams. Zircons from volcanic rocks of borehole PB-1 yielded concordia ages of $66.84{\pm}0.66Ma$ (n=12, MSWD=0.02) and $66.52{\pm}0.55Ma$ (n=12, MSWD=0.46). Zircons from volcanic rocks of borehole PB-2 gave a concordia age of $71.34{\pm}0.85Ma$ (n=11, MSWD=0.79) and a weighted mean $^{206}Pb/^{238}U$ ages of $49.40{\pm}0.37Ma$ (n=11, MSWD=1.9). On the other hand, zircons from plutonic rocks of borehole PB-3 yielded weighted mean $^{206}Pb/^{238}U$ ages of $262.4{\pm}3.6Ma$ (n=21, MSWD=4.5), $252.4{\pm}3.6Ma$ (n=8, MSWD=1.9) and $261.8{\pm}1.5Ma$ (n=31, MSWD=1.3). Detrital zircons from the sedimentary strata overlain the volcanic rocks showed a wide age span from Neoproterozoic to Cenozoic, with the youngest population corresponding to $21.89{\pm}1.1Ma$ (n=15, MSWD=0.04) and $21.68{\pm}1.2Ma$ (n=10, MSWD=19). These dating results indicate that the basement of the Pohang basin is composed of Late Permian plutonic rocks and overlain Late Cretaceous to Eocene volcanic sequences. Miocene sediments were deposited in the uppermost part of the basin, possibly associated with the opening of the East Sea. The Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of the Permian plutonic rocks were comparable with those reported from Permian-Triassic granitoids in the Yeongdeok area, northern Gyeongsang basin. They may have been recycled into parts of the Cretaceous-Paleogene magmatic rocks within the Gyeongsang basin.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2003

In this work, the present concentration levels of total gaseous mercury (TGM) are compared among three East Asian countries, Korea, China, and Japan. Comparison of Hg distribution patterns was made by selecting representative figures for each type of land use among those three countries. The results of the analysis indicate that Hg concentrations within a country can fall into a wide range due probably to the diversity of source processes. It is seen that the urban areas of China and Japan generally exhibit large spatial variability with notably high Hg levels (above 10 ng m$^{-3}$), compared to their Korean counterparts. Although the presence of high Hg levels in Chinese locations can be accounted for by the major man-made source processes (e.g., the use of coal), the causes of unexpectedly high Hg data in Japanese sites appear to be rather complicated. The Hg concentration levels in relatively remote locations however show much reduced values, above 3 ng m$^{-3}$, which is still higher than the typical background concentrations of 1 to 2 ng m$^{-3}$ in Europe or America. Considering that the presence of unusually high Hg levels in urban areas of Asia is the consequence of man-made activities, the prevalence of excessively high Hg values in certain regions of the Asian continent needs further research to accurately assess the fundamental picture of Hg geochemistry in the East Asia.