• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.534-543
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• 2012

The relationship between tectonic uplift and geophysical analysis of gravity anomalies and the in-situ stress fields in the Otway Ranges, SE Australia is addressed in this study to understand the nature and possible mechanism for the neotectonic movements. The uplift axis of the ranges is coincident with the regional Bouguer gravity highs whereas thick Tertiary sedimentary successions are highly correlated with the gravity lows along the basin rift geometry. This result suggests that the gravity highs are separated by the thick Tertiary sedimentary successions. Regional structural trends associated with faults and foldings of the deformed surfaces are consistent with the prevailing NW-SE $S_{Hmax}$ trend in this part of the continent. The anomalously positive correlation between topography and Bouguer gravity fields suggests possibly a lithospheric flexural deformation mode at a long wavelength (order of $10^2$ kms) in the region. It also suggests that the reactivation of pre-existing lithospheric structures driven by plate boundary forces plays a key role in this mode.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.328-346
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• 2012

This study provides quantitative constraints on Neogene uplift in the Korean peninsula using onshore paleo-shoreline records and seismic data. The eastern margin of Northeast Asia including Korea sits in the back-arc system behind the Western Pacific Subduction Zone, a complex trench triple junction of the Philippine Sea, Pacific, and Eurasian (Amurian) plates. An analysis of seismic data in the subduction zone shows that the pattern of uplift in the peninsula mirrors the extent of deep seismicity in subducting Pacific plate beneath. Combined with previous tomographic studies it is proposed that uplift is partly driven by asthenospheric upwelling caused by a sinking slab during the Neogene. In addition, the SHmax orientations of E-W and N-S trends in the peninsula are consistent with the prevailing in-situ stress fields in the eastern Eurasian continent generated by various plate boundary forces. The uplift in Korea during the Late Neogene is attributed, in part, to lithospheric failure relating to faulting movements, thus providing a link between dynamic effects of mantle upwelling at sinking slab edge and lithospheric responses driven by plate boundary forces.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.200-220
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• 2014

This study reexamines the old concept and reviews prevalent statements on Cenozoic vertical motions of the peninsula that have been uncritically repeated in our academia. The contents of this paper are redefinition of the notion, tilted flexure or warping, and a suggestion for a new time set and properties of the deformation, followed by a new model on its influencing factors and processes. In conclusion, the Cenozoic vertical motion of the Korean peninsula can be reified further with an epeirogenic movement of uplift in the east side-subsidence in the west side of the peninsula since the Neogene (23 Ma). However, the regional boundary for areas of uplift and subsidence is not likely in the Korean peninsula but broader farther to East China and the southern part of Russia. It can be best understood that mantle convection produced by subducting activities in the Western Pacific Subduction Zone causes the uplift and subsidence of earth surface around NE Asia. In addition, faultings in the upper lithosphere induced by in-situ plate boundary stresses accelerate regional uplift in the peninsula since the Quaternary. Controversies that are still standing such as current uplift movements along the western coast of the peninsula during the late Quaternary could be precisely discussed with future research providing detailed information on it.