• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.85-99
• /
• 2010

This study analyzes the geomorphic environments of river channels and properties of sediments in the Naeseong-River basin, a branch of Nakdong-River. While the area at NU1 located in the uppermost reaches indicates the landscapes with the gravel riverbeds, the sand riverbeds can be seen in the downstream of NU2 whose basin consists mostly of the granite regolith. The downstream of NU2 has the braided channels in the beds and this may be due to the large quantities of sand particles supply to the bed under the favorable geologic and geomorphic conditions, properties of river flowing within the floodplains less resistant to the erosion and great fluctuations of discharges. Whereas the river at NU2 may seem that sand particles are actively eroded during the high water-level periods, the particles may be actively deposited during the periods at NM2 and NL2. Moreover, in the reaches of NU2 to NM1 and NL1 to NL2, the mean grain sizes of sediments increase downstream suggesting the other supplies of coarse sediments from the lower order streams running the steep slopes because the river flows in the areas consisting of the metamorphic rocks rather than the granites and shows the properties of incised meander.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.619-630
• /
• 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the existence of faults and intrusive rocks in the volcanic rock mass of Ulleung-do using magnetic anomalies. The magnetic survey data show that basaltic (mafic) rocks have high magnetic anomalies and that trachytic (felsic) rocks have low magnetic anomalies, implying that the anomaly distributions can be used to distinguish between different volcanic rock types that may be covered by regolith (such as alluvial and colluvial deposits) and other sedimentary layers. Our results show that basaltic rocks are not present within the Nari caldera. However, outside the caldera, the occurrence of high magnetic anomaly values of >$1,000{\gamma}$ is presumed to reflect the existence of basaltic craters or volcanic vents that formed prior to the eruption of the trachytic rocks. In particular, the area with anomaly values of >$1,000{\gamma}$ in the vicinity of Namyang-ri, southwest of Ulleung-do, is interpreted as having a high probability of hosting a crater and vent originating from mafic volcanism.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.44 no.1
• /
• pp.64.2-64.2
• /
• 2019

It is known that lights scattered by comets and asteroids are partially polarized. From polarimetric observations of those objects, we can investigate physical properties, such as albedos, sizes of cometary dust particles and regolith of asteroids. Since the polarization degrees of those objects highly depend on their phase angles (Sun-object-observer's angles), long-term monitoring observations are required. Moreover, comets show unforeseeable activations (i.e., outbursts) which need follow-up observations to understand the mechanism. In order to realize such monitoring and transient observations, we installed the Triple-Range Imager and POLarimeter (TRIPOL) on the 61cm telescope of Seoul National University (Hereafter, SNU) Gwanak campus. With this combination, we can obtain g', r', i' bands photopolarimetric images simultaneously with $8.0^{\prime}{\times}8.0^{\prime}$ field of view and pixel resolution of 0.94" pixel-1. Here, we make a presentation regarding the photometric and polarimetric performances of TRIPOL on the SNU 61cm telescope. In addition, we introduce initial polarimetric results of asteroid and comets with the instruments. First, we determine the limiting magnitudes (defined as magnitudes for S/N=5) of $15.17{\pm}0.06$ (g'-band), $15.68{\pm}0.01$ (r'-band), $16.24{\pm}0.03$ (I'-band), respectively, with total 240-seconds exposure (four 60-seconds exposure images, each was taken at different rotation angle for the half-wave plate). Second, we found that the instrumental polarization is negligibly small, ($-0.32{\pm}0.04%$ in the g', $-0.36{\pm}0.05%$ in the r' and $-0.21{\pm}0.04%$ in the i'-bands), while the polarization efficiencies are large enough to maximize the performance (i.e., $97.52{\pm}0.03%$ in the g', $98.83{\pm}0.02%$ in the r' and $99.15{\pm}0.02%$ in the i'-bands). With the instruments, we made observations of three Jupiter-family comets, 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, 38P/Stephan-Oterma, and 46P/Wirtanen and plan to observe one near-Earth asteroid, (433) Eros, on a trial basis. Especially for comets, we discriminate signals from dust and gas to eliminate gas contamination, which are known to change observed degree of linear polarization, using multi-band images. We confirm that the phase angle dependency of these comets are consistent with previous observations, probably because polarimetric property of Jupiter-family comets are broadly homogeneous unlike asteroids. We will also describe future observation plans using TRIPOL and SNU 61cm telescope.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.5-17
• /
• 2021

The Moon has been an attractive planet as an outpost for deep space exploration since He-3 and water ice which can be used as energy resources were discovered. In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) construction material fabrication method is required for sustainable space planet exploration. In this paper, the possibility of microwave sintering technology for construction material fabrication was evaluated using lunar regolith that can be easily collected from the Moon surface. Experimental assessment of the influence factors on microwave sintering was conducted using a hybrid sintering system for efficient processing. The heat distribution in the furnace was observed using thermal paper that is coated with a material formulated to change color when exposed to heat. Based on this result, sintered cylindrical KLS-1s with a diameter of 1 cm and a height of 2 cm were fabricated. Densities were measured for the sintered KLS-1s under rotating turntable conditions that have an effect of microwave dispersion. The more dielectrics were arranged, the more microwaves were dispersed reducing the heat concentration, and thus a uniformity of sintered KLS-1s was enhanced.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.38 no.5
• /
• pp.35-46
• /
• 2022

The in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for sustainable lunar surface and deep space explorations has recently gained attention. Also, research on the development of construction material preparation technology using lunar regolith is in progress. Microwave sintering technology for construction material preparation does not require a binder and is energy efficient. This study applies microwave sintering technology to KLS-1, a Korean lunar simulant. It is crucial to secure the homogeneity to produce a sintered specimen for construction material. Therefore, understanding the interactions between microwaves, cavities, and raw materials is required. Using a numerical model in terms of efficient assessment of several cases and establishment of equipment operating conditions is a very efficient approach. Therefore, this study also proposes and verifies a coupled electric-thermal numerical model through cross-validation and comparison with experimental results. The numerical model proposed in this study will be used to present an efficient method for producing construction material using microwave sintering technology.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.585-596
• /
• 2022

This study determined major factors influencing landslide occurrence along a forest road near Sangsan village, Sancheok-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. Within a 2 km radius of the study area, landslides occur intensively during periods of heavy rainfall (August 2020). This makes study of the area advantageous, as it allows examination of the influence of only geological and tomographic factors while excluding the effects of rainfall and vegetation. Data for 82 locations (37 experiencing landslides and 45 not) were obtained from geological surveys, laboratory tests, and geo-spatial analysis. After some data preprocessing (e.g., error filtering, minimum-maximum normalization, and multicollinearity), structural equation model (SEM) and logistic regression (LR) analyses were conducted. These showed the regolith thickness, porosity, and saturated unit weight to be the factors most influential of landslide risk in the study area. The sums of the influence magnitudes of these factors are 71% in SEM and 83% in LR.

• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.1-15
• /
• 2011

This work is to review the granite landforms studies by Korean geographers. It is verified that geomorphlogical characteristics of granite present landscapes characterized by 1) in case of mountains, are difficultly or irregularly weathered, so as to develop rocky forms such as domes, cliffs, and tors ; 2) in case of stream valley that is inter-massif lowland, low relief hills and flood plains with alluvium. All these facts owe to the difference of weathering mode granite properties. The granite hills and alluvial plains of southwestern coastal parts in Korean peninsula is low undulatory and large owing not only to the existence of highly weathered granitic regolith, but also to frequent flooding. Cultivated brownish field, orchard, meadow and forest are located at granite hills. On the other hand paddy rice field at granite alluvial plains. Korean peninsula have endured erodible geomorphlogical processes since Miocene when warping it up. Therefore many intermontane basins are located on the weathered granite areas which are surrounded by mountains composed of much less Precambrian gneiss complex. In fact, intermontane basin is mainly linear fault-line valley. The landforms of the intermontane basins are characterized by gentle piedmont slopes, alluvial fans, fluvial terraces and alluvial plains.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.58.1-59
• /
• 2021

Exploration of asteroids' internal structure is essential for understanding their evolutional history. It also provides a fundamental information about the history of coalescence and collision of the solar system. Among several models of the internal structures, the rubble-pile model, confirmed by the near-Earth asteroid (25143) Itokawa by Hayabusa mission [1], is now widely regarded as the most common to asteroids with size ranging from 200 m to 10 km [2]. On the contrary, monolithic and core-mantle structures are also possible for small asteroids [3]. It is, however, still challenging to look through the interior of a target object using remote-sensing devices. In this presentation, we introduce our ongoing research conducted at Seoul National and propose an idea to infer the internal structure of Apophis using available instruments. Itokawa's research provides an important benchmark for Apophis exploration because both asteroids have similar size and composition [4][5]. We have conducted research on Itokawa's evolution in terms of collision and space weathering. Space weathering is the surface alteration process caused by solar wind implantation and micrometeorite bombardment [6]. Meanwhile, resurfacing via a collision acts as a counter-process of space weathering by exposing fresh materials under the matured layer and lower the overall degree of space weathering. Therefore, the balance of these two processes determine the space weathering degrees of the asteroid. We focus on the impact evidence on the boulder surface and found that space weathering progresses in only 100-10,000 years and modifies the surface optical properties (Jin & Ishiguro, KAS 2020 Fall Meeting). It is important to note that the timescale is significantly shorter than the Itokawa's age, suggesting that the asteroid can be totally processed by space weathering. Accordingly, our result triggers a further discussion about why Itokawa indicates a moderately fresh spectrum (Sq-type denotes less matured than S-type). For example, Itokawa's smooth terrains show a weaker degree of space weathering than other S-type asteroids [7]. We conjecture that the global seismic shaking caused by collisions with >1 mm-sized interplanetary dust particles induces granular convection, which hinders the progression of space weathering [8]. Note that the efficiency of seismic wave propagation is strongly dependent on the internal structure of the asteroid. Finally, we consider possible approaches to investigate Apophis's internal structure. The first idea is studying the space weathering age, as conducted for Itokawa. If Apophis indicates a younger age, the internal structure would have more voids [9]. In addition, the 2029 close encounter with Earth provides a rare natural opportunity to witness the contrast between before and after the event. If the asteroid exhibits a slight change in shape and space weathering degree, one can determine the physical structure of the internal materials (e.g., rubble-pile monolithic, thick or thin regolith layer, the cohesion of the materials). We will also consider a possible science using a seismometer.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.57.4-58
• /
• 2021

Asteroids have undergone various processes such as impacts, space weathering, and thermal evolution. Because they expose their surfaces to space without atmosphere, these evolutional processes have been recorded directly on their surfaces. The remote-sensing observations have been conducted to reveal these evolutional histories of the target asteroids. For example, crater and boulder distributions are unambiguous evidence for past nondestructive impacts with other celestial bodies. Multiband and spectroscopic observations have revealed space-weathering history (as well as compositions). Whereas most physical quantities have been examined intensively using spacecraft and telescopes, only a little has been studied on "the grain size". It is one of the fundamental physical quantities for diagnosing the collisional and thermal history of asteroids. Our group has conducted polarimetric research of asteroids (as well as Moon [1]) to determine the particle size and further investigate the evolutional histories of target asteroids [2],[3]. For example, the existence of regolith on an S-type asteroid, Toutatis, was suggested almost twenty years before space exploration [4]. Moreover, we reported that near-Sun asteroids indicate a signature of submillimeter grains, which could be created by a thermal sintering process by solar radiation [5]. However, it is important to note that in-situ polarimetry has not been reported on the asteroid surface, although the Korean Lunar Exploration Program aims to do polarimetry on the lunar surface [6]. Therefore, it is expected that the polarizer mounted on the Korean Apophis spacecraft can make the first estimate of the grain size and its regional variation over the Apophis surface. In this presentation, we outline research of S-type asteroid surfaces through remote-sensing observations and consider the role of polarimetry. Based on this review, we consider the purpose, potentiality, and strategy of the polarimetry using the onboard device for the Apophis spacecraft. We will report a possible polarization phase curve of Apophis estimated from ordinary chondrites and past observational data of S-type asteroids, taking account of the space weathering effect. Based on this estimation, we will consider the strategy of how to determine the particle size (and space weathering degree) of the Apophis surface. We will also mention the detectability of dust hovering on the surface.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.34-40
• /
• 2008

Underwater seismic refraction with advanced interpretation approaches makes important contributions to shallow marine exploration and geotechnical investigations in Australia's coastal areas. A series of case studies are presented to demonstrate the recent applications of continuous and static USR methods to river crossing and port infrastructure projects at various sites around Australia. In Sydney, static underwater seismic refraction (USR) with bottom-placed receivers and borehole seismic imaging assisted the development of improved geotechnical models that reduced construction risk for a tunnel crossing of the Lane Cove River. In Melbourne, combining conventional boomer reflection and continuous USR with near-bottom sources and receivers improved the definition of a buried, variably weathered basalt flow and assisted dredging assessment for navigation channel upgrades at Geelong Ports. Sand quality assessment with continuous USR and widely spaced borehole information assisted commercial decisions on available sand resources for the reclamation phase of development at the Port of Brisbane. Buried reefs and indurated layers occur in Australian coastal sediments with the characteristics of laterally limited, high velocity, cap layers within lower velocity materials. If these features are not recognised then significant error in depth determination to deeper refractors can occur. Application of advanced refraction inversion using wavefront eikonal tomography to continuous USR data obtained along the route of a proposed offshore pipeline near Fremantle allowed these layers and the underlying bedrock refractor to be accurately imaged. Static USR and the same interpretation approach was used to image the drowned granitic regolith beneath sediments and indurated layers in the northern area of Western Australia at a proposed new berthing site where deep piling was required. This allowed preferred piling sites to be identified, reducing overall pile lengths. USR can be expected to find increased application to shallow marine exploration and geotechnical investigations in Australia's coastal areas as economic growth continues and improved interpretation methods are developed.