• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.95-108
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• 2016

Several flights of marine terraces were developed along the Eastern coast of Korea (Gangneung-Donghae). Various dating techniques have been applied to determine the age of these terraces, with a view to better understand the regional uplift history. In this study, we compare the major element compositions of the terrace deposits and modern beach sediments to estimate the relative formation age of these terraces. We observed a discernible difference in major element geochemistry between modern beach sediments and various elevated terrace deposit (i.e. palaeobeach sediments). In general, weathering properties of marine terrace sediments are expected to be affected by the formation ages of terraces, and here, we confirm that the chemical composition are indicative of the relative age of the terraces in this region.

• Journal of the korean society of oceanography
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.57-71
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• 2004

Based on the data obtained under the China-Korea joint project (1997-2001) and historic observations, the distribution, transportation and sedimentation of sediment in the southern Yellow Sea (SYS) are discussed, and the controversial formation mechanism of muddy sediments is also explored. The sediment transport trend analysis indicates that the net transport direction of sediment in the central SYS (a fine-grained sediment deposited area) points to $123.4^{\circ}E,\;35.1^{\circ}N$, which is a possible sedimentation center in the central SYS. The sediment transport pattern is verified by the distribution of total suspended matter (TSM) concentration and ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of particulate organic carbon (POC), the latter indicates that the bottom water plays a more important role than the surface water in transporting the terrigenous material to the central deep-water area of the SYS, and the Yellow Sea circulation is an important control factor for the sediment transport pattern in the SYS. The carbon isotope signals of organic matter in sediments indicate that the Shandong subaqueous delta has high sedimentation rate and the deposited sediments originate mainly from the modern Yellow River. The terrigenous sediments in deep-water area of the SYS originate mainly from the old Yellow River and the modern Yellow River, and only a small portion originates from the modern Yangtze River. The analytical results of TSM and stable carbon isotopes are further confirmed by another independent tracer of sediment source, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Five light mineral provinces in the SYS can be identified and they indicate inhomogeneity in sources and sedimentary environment. The modern shelf sedimentary processes in the SYS are controlled by shelf dynamic factors. The muddy depositional systems are produced in the shelf low-energy environments, which are controlled by some meso-scale cyclonic eddies (cold eddies) in the central SYS and the area southwest of the Cheju Island. On the contrary, an anticyclonic muddy depositional system (warm eddy sediment) appears in the southeast of the SYS (the area northwest of the Cheju Island). In this study, we give the cyclonic and anticyclonic eddy sedimentation patterns.

• 한국해양학회지
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.357-365
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• 1994

The sediments on the continental shelf off the west coast (middle part) of Korea are divided into northern sandy deposits and southern muddy sediments, respectively. The sandy sediments consist dominantly of quartz and feldspar grains, representing mature-stage sediment in composition. Further-more, the presence of iron-stained quartz grain and glauconite does indicate that the sediments are similar to the relict sediments on the outer shelf of Yellow Sea and East China Sea. These sandy sediments are interpreted as a basal sands that were deposited during the transgression period due to sea-level rise after to last glacial maximum (LGM). The tidal deposits in the Namyang Bay, the west coast of Korea are divided vertically into the upper layer of muddy sediments and the lower layer of sandy sediments. the upper layer sediments contain abundant rock fragments, and are interpreted as the modern tetragenous sediments. The lower layer sediments, on the other hand, are rich in quartz and feldspar grains, representing high index of sediment maturity ratio. the lower layer sandy deposits show the presence of iron-stained.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.519-536
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• 2008

The relatively tranquil area within the Gogunsan Archipelago was for the first time investigated preliminarily with respect to modern sedimentological processes in association with the emplacement of the Saemangeum Dyke. Basic sedimentological observations, bathymetry and surface sediments were performed twice during 2006-2008 to compare the results and elaborate changes during that period of time. In addition, sediment dynamical observations were carried out with latest measuring equipment along two transects crossing the entrances of the archipelago, including 12-hour onboard measurements of current, suspended sediments, temperature, and salinity. This dataset was used to reveal hydrodynamic characteristics for spring season April-May and to estimate the direction and relative magnitude of the net flux of suspended sediments. There occurred three depositional areas (A to C) within the archipelago, where sediment texture was also changed. In area A, around Yami Island and the dyke, and area B, in the center of the archipelago, surface sediments became coarsened over the two-year period; sand content increased 5% at the expense of silt content in the former, whereas silt content increased 3% at the expense of clay content in the latter. By comparison, area C in the western entrance of the archipelago shows a textural trend of fining with more silt and clay (combined increase of 5%) at the expense of sand content. The accumulation of sediments in areas A and B is attributable to the sand and silt resuspended from the seabed sediments off sector 4 of the dyke during the winter. The origin of the fine materials depositing on area C is uncertain at present, although suspended sediments moving offshore around the archipelago may be one of the most likely candidates for the source. The temperature of seawater increased rapidly from $9-10^{\circ}C$ in April to $14-16^{\circ}C$ in May, whereas salinity remained more or less constant at 31-32%o during the two months. Both of these parameters showed little variations with depth through a tidal cycle, suggesting good mixing of seawater without any help of significant waves. The consistency of salinity during a tidal cycle also indicates no insignificant effects of freshwater from the rivers Mangyung and Donjin emitting through the opening gap near Sinsi Island. The suspended sediment concentrations were higher at the entrance between Sunyu and Sinsi islands than at the entrance between Hoenggyong and Sinsi islands, ranging from 20 and 30 mg/l and from 5 and 15 mg/l, respectively at the sea surface. Although tidal currents were variable across a transect between Sunyu and Sinsi islands, the currents across the entrance between Hoenggyong and Sinsi islands flowed consistently in the same direction all over the transect during a tidal cycle. The estimation of net flux of suspended sediments indicates that suspended sediments are transferred to the Gogunsan Archipelago mainly through a relatively deep trough adjacent to Sinsi Island toward the shallow area around Yami Island and the dyke.

• 한국해양학회지
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.34-45
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• 1986

A Q-mode factor analysis for 115 surficial bottom sediments on the continental shelf off the southeast coast of Korean Peninsula(the Korea Strait) has been carried out to determine the depositional environments. The first four factors are taken as the "principal" factors, and the results are considered to represent the depositional history and sedimentary processes in relation to the Holocene sea-level changes. The fact implies that the sediments are grouped as outer-shelf relict sand sediments, inner-shelf modern muddy sediments, and finally the palimpsest sediments that are mainly distributed within and around the Korea Trough.

• Journal of the korean society of oceanography
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.144-150
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• 1999

Slope sedimentation on the modern west Florida continental margin is controlled by pelagic carbonate accumulation and off-shelf sedimentation of neritic carbonates and terrigenous fines. Production and deposition of pelagic carbonates by planktonic foraminifera and coccoliths have played a significant role in the total slope sedimentation and are mainly promoted by sea-surface productivity. Organic carbon data reflect the relatively high biological productivity in surface waters, indicating high accumulation of biogenic calcareous sediments. The surface-water productivity in the study area is supported by the relation among microfossil assemblages, carbonate mineralogy and sedimentary organic carbon.

• 한국해양학회지
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.55-61
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• 1985

Two hundred suspended-matter samples were collected from the continental shelf off the southeast coast of Korea during September, 1981, March, 1982 and April 1983. Superficial bottom sediments on the shelf were also taken. Based on the alalyses of TSM distribution and concentration patterns, it is considered that finegrained suspended matters are restricted to nearshore-inner shelf showing a band or zone paralleling with coastal morphology. This fact suggests a limitation of "modern" fine grained sediments to a nearshore and inner shelf band. The sand deposits with the lower value of mud content (<5%) adjacent to the shelf break and on the outer shelf would probably be "relict" sediments (old beach sediments) deposited in response to a lower stand of sea level during the Pleistocene ice age. The transgression did little to alter the distribution of sand on the outer shelf in this particular study area. The progress of shore line was so rapid that a given locality was in the beach zone and subject to rapid longshore drift and extensive reworking only for a few years. Probably the most pronounced effect of the transgression was sorting of the sand, and at least partial winnowing out of the finer fractions.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2004

The clay minerals of thirty-four bottom sediments collected from the northwestern continental shelf of the East China Sea have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The clay mineral distribution is mainly controlled by the sediment source and the dominant circulation pattern. The predominant clay mineral in our study area is illite comprising more-than 70% of whole clay fraction. The highest concentration of illite (>72%) is found in the southeastern offshore parts beyond the reach of terrigenous input from the Cheju Island. It means that these illites are largely transported by the Kuroshio Current from the South China Sea. Smectite is highly concentrated in the northwest middle part and in the outer-shelf mud patch. It seems to be due to the high supply of smectite transported from China where the fine-grained sediments are discharged from the modern and ancient Huanghe River. The relatively high abundance of kaolinite is likely derived from the Changjiang River via Taiwan ·Warm Current. In contrast, the large amounts of chlorite and high chlorite/kaolinite ratios occur in the northwestern are, reflecting the transportation by the Huanghai Sea Coastal Current from the southern Yellow Sea.

• Journal of the korean society of oceanography
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.43-54
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• 1996

Jinhae Bay, one of the largest tidal bays on the southern coast of Korea, is an area with thick accumulations of recent, fine-grained sediments, mainly supplied from the Nakdong River. The preponderance of silt and clay particles reflects the large quantity of sediments transported in suspension. Although the clay mineral assemblage is similar to that derived from the nearby Nakdong River, relatively high concentration (3-9%) of smectite suggests some local input of fine particles from several streams around the bay or some contribution from the offshore water that may be influenced by the Tsushima Current. The content of organic matters in sediments is as high as 12%, and their C/N ratios imply that they are comprised of mixtures derived from marine plankton and terrestrial plants. $^{210}Pb$ excess activity profiles of sediment cores yield an average sedimentation rate (a 100-year time scale) of about 2-5 mm/yr, which coincides well with the long-term sedimentation rate (a 1000-year time scale) estimated from the sediment isopach map. On the basis of sediment bulk density and sedimentation rate, an annual sink of mud in the bay is estimated approximately 1.0 ${\times}$ $10^{6}$ tons per year.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.243-274
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• 2013

To investigate the research state and characteristics of dinoflagellate cyst along the Korean coastal waters, this work analyzed 45 studies conducted in the Korean coasts and basin, the south of Jeju, East China Sea including some part of the Yellow Sea. It was found that the research on dinoflagellate cyst began in the later half of the 1980s in Korea, and that the research areas focused on eutrophied regions where a red tide occurred or on the seas where coastal development occurred. In other words, no research on the East Sea was found. In terms of research contents, there were various studies on analysis of cyst assemblage, tracking of the changes in marine environment like process of eutrophication, roles as a seed population in occurrence of a red tide, creation of cyst by use of sediment trip and tracking of its changes, morphological changes by the change of pH concentration in the hypoxia zone of eutrophied region, germination of a specific species, and other international-level studies. Species composition and cell density also varied in the Korean coastal waters. However, much research on dinoflagellate cyst in Korea is not systematic, and is fragmentary and individual and hencesuffers from great limitations. The research results so far have focused only on specific regions, and sporadic research had been conducted by specific research groups. Dinoflagellate cyst of surface sediments represents the accumulation index of pelagic environment in the sea and is a useful index to understand the marine environment efficiently. In conclusion, Korea requires organized human resources and collaborative research on dinoflagellate cyst which in turn should be considered as a component of marine ecosystem and as an essential aspect of marine biology.