• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.23-45
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• 2023

Tuvalu is a small reef islands country in the Pacific Ocean. Its coastal regions are very much dynamic due to the profound effects of tropical cyclones and sea level rise (SLR). However, research works on coastline dynamics of Tuvalu mainly cover its capital, Funafuti. Therefore, this review summarizes the extent of long-term coastal changes in different islets of Funafuti and on overall Tuvalu. In Funafuti, highly accreting areas are Te Afualiku, Fuafatu, Motugie, and Amatuku, and highly eroding areas are Fuagea and Tefala with the fully disappeared islet of Vasafua after 2005. However, in spite of different causes and supposition of scientists on disappearing these lands the accretion is more dominant than erosion which resulted in 7.3% net increase of land areas of Tuvalu over 117 years till 2015. Severe tropical cyclones mainly caused accretion of land areas by forming coral rubble rampart formation and further reworks and erosion to small sandy islands whereas frequent low-energy cyclones mainly caused erosion. Though, till now severe erosion of coastal areas are not evident by global SLR, islets of Funafuti experienced remarkable shoreline increase as formation of 30-40 m wide rubble rampart formation along 19 km in 1971 by tropical cyclone Bebe and net increase of area of 3.45 ha by tropical cyclone Pam in 2015. In spite of such overall accretion of coastal areas several scientists suspect drowning of its areas in future because of high SLR (~5.1±0.7 mm/year) at Funafuti which supposedly will not work as a breakwater anymore. Thus, protection measures should be taken to prevent coastline erosion as well as land reclamation activities should be done following the global examples.

• ALGAE
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.139-146
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• 2015

Urchin barrens have been a major issue of rocky coastal ecosystems in temperate regions. In South Korea, the east coast and Jeju Island have especially been a focus because the area of barren ground increases in spite of continual efforts to install artificial reefs. This study approached the urchin barrens issue in South Korea, by focusing on a correlational analysis of urchin and macroalgal abundance. Urchin density and algal species coverage were obtained using a quadrat image analysis. Subtidal sites were then classified into three groups according to the average densities of urchins to evaluate the characterization of the macroalgal community: no urchin (NU) zone; transition (TR) zone, $4inds.\;m^{-2};$ and urchin (UR) zone, ${\geq}8inds.\;m^{-2}$. The average urchin density in the study site was $4.7inds.\;m^{-2}$ and 57 macroalgal species were found in the study site. From the NU zone to UR zone, total species number, species diversity index and evenness gradually decreased, whereas the dominance index increased. The algae species with negative correlations were Grateloupia divaricata, Polysiphonia morrowii, Chondracanthus intermedius, Delesseria violacea, Desmarestia viridis; and those with positive correlations were the crustose corallines, Sargassum horneri. Other species were not significantly correlated with urchin density. The significant correlations indicate that the abundance of some macroalgal species is proportionally regulated by sea urchin density. This study also shows how macroalgal vegetation changes in response to an urchin's density gradient in a natural condition; and there is a TR zone that existed with respect to an intermediate level of algal abundance.

• Atmosphere
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.327-340
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• 2021

In this study, the impact of soil moisture initialization in GloSea5, the operational climate prediction system of the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), has been investigated for the period of 1991~2010. To overcome the large uncertainties of soil moisture in the reanalysis, JRA55 reanalysis and CMAP precipitation were used as input of JULES land surface model and produced soil moisture initial field. Overall, both mean and variability were initialized drier and smaller than before, and the changes in the surface temperature and pressure in boreal summer and winter were examined using ensemble prediction data. More realistic soil moisture had a significant impact, especially within 2 months. The decreasing (increasing) soil moisture induced increases (decreases) of temperature and decreases (increases) of sea-level pressure in boreal summer and its impacts were maintained for 3~4 months. During the boreal winter, its effect was less significant than in boreal summer and maintained for about 2 months. On the other hand, the changes of surface temperature were more noticeable in the southern hemisphere, and the relationship between temperature and soil moisture was the same as the boreal summer. It has been noted that the impact of land initialization is more evident in the summer hemispheres, and this is expected to improve the simulation of summer heat wave in the KMA's operational climate prediction system.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.49-59
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• 1995

Nine species of edible seaweed [green laver (Monostroma nitidium) and sea staghorn ( Codium fragile) of green algae; sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida), seaweed fusiforme(Hizikia fusiforme), gulf weed (Sargassum fulvellium), and sea tangle (Laminaria japonica) of brown algae; seaweed dilatata (Halimeniopsis dilatata), seaweed furcata (Gloiopeltis furcata), and laver (Porphyra tenera) of red algae] collected from Kijang, Chungmu, and Yosu in Korea, were examined and compared on their chemical and mineral composition depending on their harvesting season. Crude protein $(N\pm6.25)$ showed about $45\%$ on moisture free basis (the contents of every components described below are shown as moisture free basis) for laver and $30\%$ for green laver collected from ever seasons and sites. Sea tangle showed the highest content in crude lipid $(10\%)$ among brown seaweeds and green laver had $6\%$ of crude lipid regardless their habitats. Ash and carbohydrate in sea staghorn hold about $90\%$ of total solids but those levels were only $50\%$ in laver. The relationship between ash and carbohydrate content showed a tendency with reverse correlation. Mineral compositions were examined on green laver, sea mustard, and seaweed furcata collected from Kijang. Sodium was eminent element (1,798-7,334mg/l00g) followed by potassium. Magnesium and calcium content were low level compared with sodium and potassium. As a micro-element iron was appraised the highest status (165-330mg/100g) in green laver, however, iron in sea mustard and seaweed furcata was comparatively low amount (2.7-47.4mg/100g). The level of zinc was also comparatively high and that was varied on habitats. In conclusion, chemical compositions of these algae were distinctively varied on species and habitats, and mineral compositions were notably changed by the harvesting season.

• Journal of the Korean Geophysical Society
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.191-200
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• 1999

Analysis of chirp high-resolution seismic profiles from the central Yellow Sea reveals that depositional environments in this area can be divided into three distinctive zones from west to east: (1) subaqueous delta system near the Shandong Peninsula, (2) erosional zone in the central Yellow Sea, and (3) tidal sand ridges and sand waves near the Korean Peninsula. The Shandong subaqueous delta, extending southward from the Shandong Peninsula, changes gradually into prodelta southeastward. The sediments originated from the Yellow River are transported southward along the Chinese coastal area. The erosional zone in the central Yellow Sea contains numerous paleochannels and shows linear erosional features trending northwest-southeast. The erosional zone would be dominated by non-depositional or erosional processes during the Holocene. Tidal sand ridges and sand waves are well developed along the western coast of Korea. The residual sands, which were originally fluvial sediments at the sea-level lowstand, are interpreted as the result of winnowing process during the sea-level rise. Modern sand ridges generally migrates in a northeast-southwestern direction, which coincide with dominant tidal current direction.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.454-465
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• 2008

Benthic foraminiferal assemblage and AMS radiocarbon dating of core sediments from the northern shelf of the East China Sea were analyzed in order to understand the paleoenvironment and sedimentary environmental changes around the Korean marginal seas since the last glacial maximum (LGM). The core sediments, containing continuous records of the last 16,000 years, reveal a series of well-defined vertical changes in number of species (S), P/T ratio and species diversity (H) as well as foraminiferal assemblage. Such down-core variations display a sharp change at a core depth of approximately 240 cm, which corresponds to ca. 10,000 year B.P. The sediments of the lower part of the core (240${\sim}$560 cm, Zone I), including the well-developed tide-influenced sedimentary structures, are characterized by high abundances of Ammonia beccarii and Elphidium clavatum (s.l.) and low values in number of species, P/T ratio and diversity. These tide-influenced signatures and foraminiferal assemblage characters suggest that the sediments of Zone I were deposited in a coastal environment (water depths of 20${\sim}$30 m) such as tidal estuary with an influence of the paleo-rivers (e.g., old-Huanghe and Yangtze rivers) during the early phase of the sea-level rise (ca. 16,000 to 10,000 years) since the LGM. In contrast, the upper core sediments (0${\sim}$240 cm, Zone II) are characterized by abundant Eilohedra nipponica and Bolivina robusta with a minor contribution of A. ketienziensis angulata and B. marginata. and high values in number of species, P/T ratio and diversity. Based on relative abundance of these assemblage, Zone II can be divided into two subzones (IIa and IIb). Zone IIa is interpreted to be deposited under the inner-to-middle shelf environment during the marine transgression in the early Holocene (after ca. 9,000 yr B.P.) when sea level rapidly increased. The sediments of zone IIb most likely deposited after 6,000 yr B.P. under the outer shelf environment (80${\sim}$100 m water depth), which is similar to modem depositional environments. The muddy sediments of zone IIb were probably transported from the old-Huanghe and Yangtze Rivers during the late Holocene. We suggest that the present-day oceanographic conditions over the Yellow and the East China Seas have been established after ca. 7,000${\sim}$6,000 yr B.P. when the Kuroshio Current began to influence this area.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.415-425
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• 2010

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the vegetation structure and distributional characteristics of Abies koreana forests in Mt. Halla, and to provide basicdata for an ecological study on Abies koreana in Mt. Halla. The results of the analysis showed that the mean importance percentage(M.I.P,) of Abies koreana in the Youngsil and Bangaeoreum and the Azalea field were 28.3%, 23.6%, and 46.4%, respectively. The ratios of DBH (diameter at breast height) to height were similar in all region, except in the Azalea field, where Abies koreana of various ages, both young and old, were found. The species diversity (H) of the upper and lower layers in the Youngsil and Bangaeoreum and in the Azalea field were 0.625 and 0.810, 0.731 and 0.848, and 0.342 and 0.757, respectively. A total of 52 community were distributed at locations higher than 1,300m above sea level. The proportions of each community in the whole Abies koreana forest were 56.5%(Azalea field), 11.0% (Youngsil trail at 1,550-1,650 m above sea level), and 8.1%(Janggumok and Kundurewat region). The total area of the Abies koreana forest was calculated to be 795.3ha by combining all the areas of each community. An Abies koreana forest with the largest area was found at locations 1,500-1,600 m above sea level, taking up 38.8% of the total Abies koreana forest area. For the slopes of the distributional area of Abies koreana, 46.1%(highest proportion) of the total area was $10\sim25^{\circ}$, and for the azimuth of the distributional area, 17.4%(the highest proportion) of the total area was $0-45^{\circ}$. The vegetation structure showed large differences between areas. It was found, however, that the distribution was mostly in the areas with a relatively gentle slope. It is suggested that research be done to forecast the possible changes in the differences in the vegetation structures between different areas caused by climate changes. In addition, there is a need to monitor the Abies koreana and alpine plants in the subalpine zones of Mt. Halla, which are sensitive to climate change, to obtain the basic data that are necessary for the protection and maintenance of the ecosystem.

• Proceedings of the KSRS Conference
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• 1998.09a
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• pp.95-100
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• 1998

The purpose of this study is to describe the change of the spring bloom and oceanographic condition. The variation of pigment concentration derived from the satellite ocean color data has been analyzed. According to the movement of blooming area, blooming was very concerned with a rising trend of sea surface temperature and a supply of nutrients. A nutrient rich water carried by the Oyashio encounters with the warm Core ring, where mixings and blooms are observed. We examined the correlation by using the satellite observations of the temperature and chlorophyll-a for the spring seasons (May, June, July) of 1998 the off Sanriku area (38-43N, 141- l50E). Using the SeaWiFS data, we process the data into the level-3, which contains the geophysical value of chlorophyll-a. And chlorophyll-a data is mapped for the water between 110E and 160E, and 15N and 52N with a 0.08 * 0.05 degree grid for each image. And Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data is produced using the AVHRR onboard the NOAA. The SST is derived by the MCSST. Then, the data is mapped for the water as much as chi-a data. And these gridded image was made by detection of each water masses, which are Kuroshio Extension, the warm-core ring and the Oyashlo Intrusion, etc., using those satellite images to determine short term change. Off Sanriku is a place where warm-water pool and the Oyashio at-e mixed. When warm streamer has intruded in cold water, the volume of phytoplankton increases at the tip of warm streamer. Warm water streamer was trigger of occurring blooming. And also, SeaWiFS images provided as much information for the studies of chlorophyll-a concentrations in the surface.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.327-337
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• 2007

Plankton communities have close relationships with environmental changes in water columns. Thus, the use of plankton as a biological tool for assessing the marine ecosystem health may be effective. Major issue regarding coastal pollution has been usually recognized as phytoplankton blooms or red tides caused by the eutrophication, an increase in concentration of inorganic nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. However, in order to understand the effects of the overall pollution on marine ecosystem, the organic pollutants as well as the inorganic nutrients should be also considered. For understanding the effects of the organic pollution, among the planktonic organisms, heterotrophic bacteria, heterotrophic flagellates and ciliates should be investigated. Generally, there are three approaches for assessing the marine ecosystem health using the plankton taxa or plankton communities. The first one is a community-based approach such as diversity index and chlorophyll a concentration which are common in analysis of the plankton communities. The second is an indiviual-based approach which is to monitor the pollution indicative species. This approach needs one's ability to identify the plankton to species level. The last approach is a bioassay of toxicity, which can be applied to the plankton. A pilot study in Masan Bay was conducted to assess the effects of the inorganic and organic pollution. In this article, a new approach using plankton communities was tentatively presented as a biological tool for assessing the ecosystem health of Masan Bay.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.188-200
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• 2014

The IPCC 5th Assessment Report (Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis) was accepted at the 36th Session of the IPCC on 26 September 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden. It consists of the full scientific and technical assessment undertaken by Working Group I. This comprehensive assessment of the physical aspects of climate change puts a focus on those elements that are relevant to understand past, document current, and project future of climate change. The assessment builds on the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report and the recent Special Report on Managing the Risk of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation. The assessment covers the current knowledge of various processes within, and interactions among, climate system components, which determine the sensitivity and response of the system to changes in forcing, and they quantify the link between the changes in atmospheric constituents, and hence radiative forcing, and the consequent detection and attribution of climate change. Projections of changes in all climate system components are based on model simulations forced by a new set of scenarios. The report also provides a comprehensive assessment of past and future sea level change in a dedicated chapter. The primary purpose of this Technical Summary is to provide the link between the complete assessment of the multiple lines of independent evidence presented in the main report and the highly condensed summary prepared as Policy makers Summary. The Technical Summary thus serves as a starting point for those readers who seek the full information on more specific topics covered by this assessment. Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, sea level has risen, and the concentrations of greenhouse gases have increased. Total radiative forcing is positive, and has led to an uptake of energy by the climate system. The largest contribution to total radiative forcing is caused by the increase in the atmospheric concentration of $CO_2$ since 1750. Human influence on the climate system is clear. This is evident from the increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, positive radiative forcing, observed warming, and understanding of the climate system. Continued emissions of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system. Limiting climate change will require substantial and sustained reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. The in-depth review for past, present and future of climate change is carried out on the basis of the IPCC 5th Assessment Report.