• Geosciences Journal
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-20
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• 2019

We present data from the Mesozoic Keumkang, Palbong, and Baekhwa granites in Garorim Bay, in the southwestern part of the Gyeonggi massif, South Korea. Using major and trace element concentrations, Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions, and sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon U-Pb ages, we aim to constrain the petrogenesis of the granites and explain their origin within a broader regional geological context. SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages of $232.8{\pm}3.2$, $175.9{\pm}1.2$, and $176.8{\pm}9.8$ Ma were obtained from the Keumkang, Palbong and Baekhwa granites, respectively. The Late Triassic Keumkang granites belong to the shoshonite series and show an overall enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE), a depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE) relative to primitive mantle, compared with neighboring elements in the primitive mantle-normalized incompatible trace element diagram with notable high Ba and Sr contents, and negligible Eu anomalies. The Keumkang granites are typified by highly radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd and Pb isotopic compositions: $(^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr)_i=0.70931-0.70959$, $(^{143}Nd/^{144}Nd)_i=0.511472-0.511484$ [$({\varepsilon}_{Nd})_i=-17.0$ to -16.7], and $(^{206}Pb/^{204}Pb)=17.26-17.27$. The Middle Jurassic Palbong and Baekhwa granites belong to the medium- to high-K calc-alkaline series, and show LILE enrichment and HFSE depletion similar to the Keumkang granites, but exhibit significant negative anomalies in Ba, Sr, and Eu. Furthermore, they have elevated Y and Yb contents at any given $SiO_2$ content compared with other Jurassic granitoids from the Gyeonggi massif. The Palbong and Baekhwa granites have slightly less radiogenic Sr and more radiogenic Nd and Pb isotopic compositions [$(^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr)_i=0.70396-0.70908$, $(^{143}Nd/^{144}Nd)_i=0.511622-0.511660$, $({\varepsilon}_{Nd})_i=-15.4$ to -14.7, $(^{206}Pb/^{204}Pb)=17.56-17.76$] relative to the Keumkang granites. The Keumkang granites are considered to have formed in a post-collisional environment following the Permo-Triassic Songrim orogeny that records continent-continent collision between the North and South China blocks, and may have formed by fractional crystallization of metasomatized lithospheric mantle-derived mafic melts. The Palbong and Baekhwa granites may have been produced from a gabbroic assemblage at pressures of less than ~15 kbar, associated with subduction of the paleo-Pacific (Izanagi) plate at the Eurasian continental margin. Elevated ${\varepsilon}_{Nd}(t)$ values in the granitoids from the southwestern part of the Gyeonggi massif relative to those of the central and northern parts, together with the comparatively shallow depth of origin, imply the presence of an exotic block in the Korean lithosphere.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.175-184
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• 2021

Fold axis of fold, a representative ductile deformation structure, is important for collecting information on the 3D fold structure and the orientation of maximum horizontal principal stress at the time of deformation. For this reason, several fold axis measurement methods based on the fold-related structural elements have been suggested and used even in areas where it is impossible to measure it directly. Thus, these various measurement methods are briefly introduced here, and the measured data with different methods are compared to estimate these methods' reliability. For this purpose, we acquired fold axes at six sites across the Manhang formation of the Pyeongan supergroup and limestones of the Joseon supergroup in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do, where fold structures are well developed. The data from the different methods are generally consistent, indicating practical applicability. Most of the fold axes from the measured sites show NNNE or NE trends indicating WNW-ESE or NW-SE trending maximum horizontal principal stress, except for the one site with a WNW trend. The WNW-ESE trending fold axis might be related to a different orogeny or secondary folding. The minor difference in the trends between N-NNE and NE was interpreted as being due to different scale; however, further research is needed to confirm this.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.143-156
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• 2019

We carried out the sensitive high resolution ion microprobe zircon U-Pb age dating and whole rock geochemical analysis of granites in the Gudambong and Sainam geosites, Danyang Geopark. The granites crop out in the western and southern parts of Danyang County, and intruded sedimentary successions of the Yeongweol and Taebaek Groups, respectively. The U-Pb isotopic compositions of zircon from the Gudambong and Sainam granite samples yielded the Cretaceous intrusion ages of $90.4{\pm}0.5Ma(t{\sigma})$ and $90.0{\pm}1.5Ma(t{\sigma})$, respectively. The major and trace elements compositions of the samples showed an affinity of typical A-type granite, indicating their petrogenesis during the late stage of the Bulguksa orogeny or a tectonic dormancy. The geochronologic and geochemical results are identical to those of granites previously reported from the Cretaceous Muamsa and Wolaksan suites.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.199-214
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• 2022

The Yeongnam Massif is one of representative basement provinces in the Korean Peninsula, which has experienced high-temperature, low-pressure (HTLP) regional metamorphism and partial melting. Here we reviewed recent developments in Paleoproterozoic (1.87-1.84 Ga) hot orogenesis of the Yeongnam Massif, typified by the granulite-facies metamorphism and partial melting recorded in the HTLP rocks. In particular, spatiotemporal linkage between the metamorphic and magmatic activities, including the Sancheong-Hadong anorthositic magma as a heat source, provides a key to understand the widespread HTLP metamorphism and partial melting in the Yeongnam Massif. Crustal anatexis, resulting from the fluid-present melting and muscovite/biotite dehydration melting, has yielded various types of leucosomes and leucogranites. Zircon and monazite petrochronology, using in-situ U(-Th)-Pb data from the secondary ion mass spectrometry, indicates that the HTLP metamorphism and anatexis lasted over a period of ~15 Ma at ca. 1870-1854 Ma. In addition, a fluid influx event at ca. 1840 Ma was locally recognized by the occurrence of incipient charnockite. Taken together, the Yeongnam Massif preserves a prolonged evolutionary record of the HTLP metamorphism, partial melting, and fluid influx diagnostic for a hot orogen. Such an orogen is linked to the Paleoproterozoic orogeny widespread in the North China Craton, and most likely represents the final phase of crustal evolution in the Columbia/Nuna supercontinent.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.817-830
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• 2023

This study investigates the age of the surficial rocks in the Arunta region using Uranium-Lead (U-Pb) geochronological dating. Rock samples were collected at four locations, Cattle-Water Pass (CP 1610), Gough Dam (GD 1622 and GD 1610), and London-Eye (LE 1601), within the Strangways Metamorphic Complex and crushed by selFragging. Subsequently, the zircon grains were imaged using Cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis and the U-Pb (uranium and lead) isotope ratios and the chrono-stratigraphy were measured. The imaged zircon revealed an anomalous heterogeneous crystal structure. Ellipses of the samples at locations GD1601, CP1610, and GD1622 fall below the intercept indicating the ages produced discordant patterns, whereas LE1601 intersects the Concordia curve at two points, implying the occurrence of an event of significant impact. For the rock sample at CP1610, the estimated mean age is 1742.2 ± 9.2 Ma with mean squared weighted deviation (MSWD) = 0.49 and probability of equivalence of 0.90; 1748 ± 15 Ma - MSWD = 1.02 and probability of equivalence of 0.40 for GD1622; and 1784.4 ± 9.1 Ma with MSWD of 1.09 and probability of equivalence of 0.37 for LE1601. But for samples at GD1601, two different age groups with different means occurred: 1) below the global mean (1792.2 ± 32 Ma) estimated at 1738.2 ± 14 Ma with MSWD of 0.109 and probability of equivalence of 0.95 and 2) above it with mean of 1838.22 ± 14 Ma, MSWD of 1.6 and probability of equivalence of 0.95. Analysis of the zircon grains has shown a discrepancy in the age range between 1700 Ma and 1800 Ma compared to the ASO dated to have occurred between 440 and 300 Ma. Moreover, apparent similarity in age of the core and rim means that the mineral crystallized relatively quickly without significant interruptions and effect on the isotopic system. This may have constraint the timing and extent of geological events that might have affected the mineral, such as metamorphism or hydrothermal alteration.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.40 no.1 s.106
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• pp.126-152
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• 2005

In recent years, there are some confusions related to the definition and existence of mountain ranges, which have been described in current geography text books. We contend that these confusions came from the lack of understanding on the geomorphological processes that form the mountain system in Korea. This research attempts to clarify the definition of mountain ranges and offer geological and geomorphological explanations about the formation of them. Based on the analyses of the social and cultural causes underlying the recent debates on the existence of mountain ranges, we tried to identify the relationships among the definition of mountain ranges, geological structure of Korea, and the forming processes of mountain ranges. The current and past mountain range maps were compared with geological structures, geological maps, surface curvature, and hill shade maps. The latter two maps were derived from a Digital Elevation Model of the Korean Peninsular. The results show that we are able to prove the existence of most mountain ranges, which provides a useful framework to understand the geological evolution of Korean peninsular and formation of mountainous landscape of Korea. In terms of their morphological continuity and genesis, however, we identified five different categories of mountain ranges: 1) Uplift mountain ranges(Hamkyeong Sanmaek, Nangrim Sanmaek, Taebaek Sanmaek), which were formed by the uplift processes of the Korean Peninsular during the Tertiary; 2) Falut mountain ranges(Macheonryeong Sanmaek, Sobaek Sanmaek, Buksubaek Sanmaek), whirh were directly related to the uplift processes of the Korean Peninsular during the Tertiary; 3) Trust mountain ranges(Jekyouryeong Sanmaek, Kwangju Sanmaek, Charyeong Sanmaek, Noryeong Sanmaek), which were formed by the intrusion of granite and consequent orogenic processes during the Mesozoic era; 4) Drainage divide type mountain ranges, which were formed by the erosion processes after the uplift of Korean Peninsular; 5) Cross-drainage basin type mountain ranges (Kangnam Sanmaek, Eunjin Sanmaek, Myelak sanmaek), which were also formed by the erosion processes, but the mountain ranges cross several drainage basins as connecting mountains laterally We believe that the current social confusions related to the existence of mountain ranges has partly been caused by the vague definition of mountain ranges and the diversity of the forming processes. In order to overcome theses confusions, it is necessary to characterize the types of them according the genesis, the purpose of usages and also the scale of maps which will explains the mountain systems. It is also necessary to provide appropriate educational materials to increase the general public's awareness and understanding of geomorphological processes.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.25-38
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• 2001

Contrasts in the style of the gold-silver mineralization in geologic and tectonic settings in Korea, together with radiometric age data, reflect the genetically different nature of hydrothermal activities, coinciding with the emplacement age and depth of Mesozoic magmatic activities. It represents a clear distinction between the plutonic settings of the Jurassic Daebo orogeny and the subvolcanic environments of the Cretaceous Bulgugsa igneous activities. During the Daebo igneous activities (about 200-130 Ma) coincident with orogenic time, gold mineralization took place between 197 and 127 Ma. The Jurassic deposits commonly show several characteristics: prominent association with pegmatites, low Ag/Au ratios in the ore-concentrating parts, massive vein morphology and a distinctively simple mineralogy including Fe-rich sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, Au-rich eIectrum. pyrrhotite and/or pyrite. During the Bulgugsa igneous activities (120-60 Ma), the precious-metal deposits are generally characterized by such features as complex vein morphology, medium to high AgiAu ratios in the ore concentrates, and abundance of ore minerals including base-metal sulfides, Ag sulfides, native silver, Ag sulfosalts and Ag tellurides. Vein morphology, mineralogical, fluid inclusion and stable isotope results indicate the diverse genetic natures of hydrothermal systems. The Jurassic Au-dominant deposits were formed at the relatively high temperature (about 300 to 450$^{\circ}$C) and deep-crustal level (>3.0 kb) from the hydrothermal fluids containing more amounts of magmatic waters (3180; 5-10 %0). It can be explained by the dominant ore-depositing mechanisms as CO2 boiling and sulfidation, suggestive of hypo/mesothermal environments. In contrast, mineralization of the Cretaceous Au-Ag type (108-71 Ma) and Agdominant type (98-71 Ma) occurred at relatively low temperature (about 200 to 350$^{\circ}$C) and shallow-crustal level «1.0 kb) from the ore-fonning fluids containing more amounts of less-evolved meteoric waters (15180; -10-5%0). These characteristics of the Cretaceous precious-metal deposits can be attributed to the complexities in the ore-precipitating mechanisms (mixing, boiling, cooling), suggestive of epilmesothermal environments. Therefore, the differences of the emplacement depth between the Daebo and the Bulgugsa igneous activities directly influence the unique temporal and spatial association of the deposit type.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.517-535
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• 2007

Two distinctive Mesozoic hydrothermal systems occurred in South Korea: the Jurassic/Early Cretaceous(ca. $200{\sim}130$ Ma) deep-level ones during the Daebo orogeny and the Late Cretaceous/Tertiary(ca. $110{\sim}45$ Ma) shallow hydrothermal ones during the Bulgugsa event. The Mesozoic hydrothermal system and the metallic mineralization in the Korean Peninsula document a close spatial and temporal relationship with syn- to post-tectonic magmatism. The calculated ${\delta}^{18}O_{H2O}$ values of the ore-forming fluids from the Mesozoic metallic mineral deposits show limited range for the Jurassic ones but variable range for the Late Cretaceous ones. The orogenic mineral deposits were formed at relatively high temperatures and deep-crustal levels. The mineralizing fluids that were responsible for the formation of theses deposits are characterized by the reasonably homogeneous and similar ranges of ${\delta}^{18}O_{H2O}$ values. This implies that the ore-forming fluids were principally derived from spatially associated Jurassic granitoids and related pegmatite. On the contrary, the Late Cretaceous ferroalloy, base-metal and precious-metal deposits in the Taebaeksan, Okcheon and Gyeongsang basins occurred as vein, replacement, breccia-pipe, porphyry-style and skarn deposits. Diverse mineralization styles represent a spatial and temporal distinction between the proximal environment of subvolcanic activity and the distal to transitional condition derived from volcanic environments. The Cu(-Au) or Fe-Mo-W deposits are proximal to a magmatic source, whereas the polymetallic or the precious-metal deposits are more distal to transitional. On the basis of the overall ${\delta}^{18}O_{H2O}$ values of various ore deposits in these areas, it can be briefed that the ore fluids show very extensive oxygen isotope exchange with country rocks, though the ${\delta}D_{H2O}$ values are relatively homogeneous and similarly restricted.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.15 no.4 s.46
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• pp.167-179
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• 2006

Division of granites in the Galmal-Yeonbug area, northern Gyeonggi, can be grey hornblende biotite granite (JHBG), biotite granite (JBG) and pink hornblende biotite granite (CHBG) by lithofacies. JHBG of small stock occurs as medium-grained with grey color and minute sphene. JBG occurs as medium-grained and light grey to grey in the north-east part of the area. The main study target CHBG covers in the north-southeast part of the area, and occurs medium-to coarse-grained with pink color. CHBG shows partly minute miaroles, and pegmatitic pocket with druse texture. From the mineral age data (K-Ar method). JHBG and JBG and CHBG are the igneous activity products of Daebo orogeny with different Jurassic and Bulgugsa disturbance of Cretaceous, respectively. And the age data also agree with geologic occurrences and interpretations of the granites in the field. CHBG consists of quartz, plagioclase, alkali-feldspar, biotite, hornblende, allanite, apatite, zircon, some calcite and opaques. Among them, alkalifeldspar and calcite occur characteristically in mostly perthitic othoclase and secondary filling of minutely miarolitic cavity, respectively. In modal analysis and QAP diagram, CHBG plots in granite field, and especially boundary of monzo-and syeno-granite fields. From the major oxide variations, molar A/CNK, $SiO_{2}\;vs\;K_{2}O$, AMF and so on, CHBG belongs to the acidic, peraluminous and high-K calc-alkaline, and was late differentiation product of single granitic magma. Barium and strontium have also dominantly differentiation trend, and in CaO vs Sr and $K_{2}O$ vs Sr, Sr was more participitated in the fractionation of plagioclase than that of alkali-feldspar. Normalized REE concentrations to chondrite value have parallel and gradual LREE enrichment and HREE depletion patterns, and weak Eu negative anomalies and narrow ranges of normalized Eu can suggest that plagioclase fractionations occurred mildly in the whole CHBG.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.235-254
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• 2017

We investigate the geological history that formed geology and landscapes of the Juwangsan National Park and its surrounding areas. The Juwangsan area is composed of Precambrian gneisses, Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks, Permian to Triassic plutonic rocks, Early Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, Late Mesozoic plutonic and volcanic rocks, Cenozoic Tertiary rhyolites and Quaternary taluses. The Precambrian gneisses and Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Ryeongnam massif occurs as xenolithes and roof-pendents in the Permian to Triassic Yeongdeok and Cheongsong plutonic rocks, which were formed as the Songrim orogeny by magmatic intrusions occurring in a subduction environment under the northeastern and western parts of the area before a continental collision between Sino-Korean and South China lands. The Cheongsong plutonic rocks were intruded by the Late Triassic granodiorite, which include to be metamorphosed as an orthogneiss. The granodiorite includes geosites of orbicular structure and mineral spring. During the Cretaceous, the Gyeongsang Basin and Gyeongsang arc were formed by a subduction of the Izanagi plate below East Asia continent in the southeastern Korean Peninsula. The Gyeongsang Basin was developed to separate into Yeongyang and Cheongsong subbasins, in which deposited Dongwach/Hupyeongdong Formation, Gasongdong/Jeomgok Formation, and Dogyedong/Sagok Formation in turn. There was intercalated by the Daejeonsa Basalt in the upper part of Dogyedong Formation in Juwangsan entrance. During the Late Cretaceous 75~77 Ma, the Bunam granitoid stock, which consists of various lithofacies in southwestern part, was made by a plutonism that was mixing to have an injection of mafic magma into felsic magma. During the latest Cretaceous, the volcanic rocks were made by several volcanisms from ubiquitous andesitic and rhyolitic magmas, and stratigraphically consist of Ipbong Andesite derived from Dalsan, Jipum Volcanics from Jipum, Naeyeonsan Tuff from Cheongha, Juwangsan Tuff from Dalsan, Neogudong Formation and Muposan Tuff. Especially the Juwangsan Tuff includes many beautiful cliffs, cayon, caves and falls because of vertical columnar joints by cooling in the dense welding zone. During the Cenozoic Tertiary, rhyolite intrusions formed lacolith, stocks and dykes in many sites. Especially many rhyolite dykes make a radial Cheongsong dyke swarm, of which spherulitic rhyolite dykes have various floral patterns. During the Quaternary, some taluses have been developed down the cliffs of Jungtaesan lacolith and Muposan Tuff.