• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.413-430
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• 2012

To understand the scales of the spatial distribution and temporal duration of the subsurface chlorophyll-a maximum (SCM) observed in the Ulleung Basin of the East Sea, we analyzed physical and chemical data collected during the East Asian Seas Time-series-I (EAST-I) program. The SCM layer occurred at several observation lines from the Korea Strait to $37.9^{\circ}N$ in the Ulleung Basin during August of 2008 and 2011. At each observation line, the SCM layer extended from the coast to about 200 km off the coast. The SCM layer was observed between 30 and 40 m depth in the Ulleung Basin as well as in the northwestern Japan Basin along $132.3^{\circ}E$ from $38^{\circ}N$ to $42.3^{\circ}N$ during July 2009, and was observed around 50 m depth in the northeastern Japan Basin ($135-140^{\circ}E$ and $40-45^{\circ}N$) during July 2010. From these observed features, we hypothesize that the SCM layer observed in the Ulleung Basin may exist in most of the East Sea and may last for at least half-year (from the early May to late October). The nutrient supply mechanism for prolonged the SCM layer in the East Sea was not known, but it may be closely related to the horizontal advection of the nutrient rich and low oxygen waters observed in the Korea Strait between a 50 m depth to near the bottom. The prolonged development of the SCM layer in the Ulleung Basin may result in high primary production and would also be responsible for the high organic carbon content observed in the surface sediment of the region.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.381-396
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• 2017

Understanding species distribution plays an important role in conservation as well as evolutionary biology. In this study, we applied a species distribution model to predict hotspot areas and habitat characteristics for endangered herpetofauna species in South Korea: the Korean Crevice Salamander (Karsenia koreana), Suweon-tree frog (Hyla suweonensis), Gold-spotted pond frog (Pelophylax chosenicus), Narrow-mouthed toad (Kaloula borealis), Korean ratsnake (Elaphe schrenckii), Mongolian racerunner (Eremias argus), Reeve's turtle (Mauremys reevesii) and Soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). The Kori salamander (Hynobius yangi) and Black-headed snake (Sibynophis chinensis) were excluded from the analysis due to insufficient sample size. The results showed that the altitude was the most important environmental variable for their distribution, and the altitude at which these species were distributed correlated with the climate of that region. The predicted distribution area derived from the species distribution modelling adequately reflected the observation site used in this study as well as those reported in preceding studies. The average AUC value of the eigh species was relatively high ($0.845{\pm}0.08$), while the average omission rate value was relatively low ($0.087{\pm}0.01$). Therefore, the species overlaying model created for the endangered species is considered successful. When merging the distribution models, it was shown that five species shared their habitats in the coastal areas of Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheongnam-do, which are the western regions of the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, we suggest that protection should be a high priority in these area, and our overall results may serve as essential and fundamental data for the conservation of endangered amphibian and reptiles in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.135-142
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• 2016

The aim of this study was to confirm the improvement of efficiency for temperature estimation at 0600 and 1500 LST by using a simple method for estimating temperature lapse rate modulated by the amount of clouds in comparison with the case adopting the existing single temperature lapse rate ($-6.5^{\circ}C/km$ or $-9^{\circ}C/km$). A catchment of the 'Hadong Watermark2,' which includes Hadong, Gurye, and Gwangyang was selected as the area for evaluating the practicality of the temperature lapse rate estimation method. The weather data of 0600 and 1500 LST at 12 weather observation sites within the catchment were collected during the entire year of 2015. Also, the 'sky condition' of digital forecast products of KMA in 2015 ($5{\times}5km$ lattice resolution) were overlapped with the catchment of the 'Hadong Watermark2,' to calculate the spatial average value within the catchment, which were used to simulate the 0600 and 1500 LST temperature lapse rate of the catchment. The estimation errors of the temperatures at 0600 LST were ME $-0.39^{\circ}C$ and RMSE $1.45^{\circ}C$ in 2015, when applying the existing temperature lapse rate. Using the estimated temperature lapse rate, they were improved to ME $-0.19^{\circ}C$ and RMSE $1.32^{\circ}C$. At 1500 LST, the effect of the improvements found from the comparison between the existing temperature lapse rate and the estimated temperature lapse rate were minute, because the estimated lapse rate of clear days is not very different from the existing lapse rate. However, the estimation errors of the temperatures at 1500 LST during cloudy days were improved from ME $-0.69^{\circ}C$, RMSE $1.54^{\circ}C$ to ME $-0.51^{\circ}C$, RMSE $1.19^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.174-183
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• 2014

Seabed beneath and near coastal structures may undergo large excess pore water pressure composed of oscillatory and residual components in the case of long durations of high wave loading. This excess pore water pressure may reduce effective stress and, consequently, the seabed may liquefy. If liquefaction occurs in the seabed, the structure may sink, overturn, and eventually increase the failure potential. In this study, to evaluate the liquefaction potential on the seabed, numerical analysis was conducted using the expanded 2-dimensional numerical wave tank to account for an irregular wave field. In the condition of an irregular wave field, the dynamic wave pressure and water flow velocity acting on the seabed and the surface boundary of the composite breakwater structure were estimated. Simulation results were used as input data in a finite element computer program for elastoplastic seabed response. Simulations evaluated the time and spatial variations in excess pore water pressure, effective stress, and liquefaction potential in the seabed. Additionally, the deformation of the seabed and the displacement of the structure as a function of time were quantitatively evaluated. From the results of the analysis, the liquefaction potential at the seabed in front and rear of the composite breakwater was identified. Since the liquefied seabed particles have no resistance to force, scour potential could increase on the seabed. In addition, the strength decrease of the seabed due to the liquefaction can increase the structural motion and significantly influence the stability of the composite breakwater. Due to limitations of allowable paper length, the studied results were divided into two portions; (I) focusing on the dynamic response of structure, acceleration, deformation of seabed, and (II) focusing on the time variation in excess pore water pressure, liquefaction, effective stress path in the seabed. This paper corresponds to (II).

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.160-173
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• 2014

Seabed beneath and near coastal structures may undergo large excess pore water pressure composed of oscillatory and residual components in the case of long durations of high wave loading. This excess pore water pressure may reduce effective stress and, consequently, the seabed may liquefy. If liquefaction occurs in the seabed, the structure may sink, overturn, and eventually increase the failure potential. In this study, to evaluate the liquefaction potential on the seabed, numerical analysis was conducted using the expanded 2-dimensional numerical wave tank to account for an irregular wave field. In the condition of an irregular wave field, the dynamic wave pressure and water flow velocity acting on the seabed and the surface boundary of the composite breakwater structure were estimated. Simulation results were used as input data in a finite element computer program for elastoplastic seabed response. Simulations evaluated the time and spatial variations in excess pore water pressure, effective stress, and liquefaction potential in the seabed. Additionally, the deformation of the seabed and the displacement of the structure as a function of time were quantitatively evaluated. From the results of the analysis, the liquefaction potential at the seabed in front and rear of the composite breakwater was identified. Since the liquefied seabed particles have no resistance to force, scour potential could increase on the seabed. In addition, the strength decrease of the seabed due to the liquefaction can increase the structural motion and significantly influence the stability of the composite breakwater. Due to limitations of allowable paper length, the studied results were divided into two portions; (I) focusing on the dynamic response of structure, acceleration, deformation of seabed, and (II) focusing on the time variation in excess pore water pressure, liquefaction, effective stress path in the seabed. This paper corresponds to (I).

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.82-92
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• 2007

In 2003, we evaluated biological water quality at twelve sites of Youngsan River using community analysis, fish compositions, and the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI). Of the twelve, four sites were the controls, which have no point sources in the upstream and the remaining eight sites were the impacted sites, which are influenced by wastewater treatment plant (WTP) and agro-industrial complex. Model values of the IBI, based on 12 sites data, averaged 28 (n=12, range: $18{\sim}44$), indicating fair poor condition according to the criteria of US EP A (1993). In the mean time, mean IBI in the control sites (S3, S5, S6, S11) was 42 (n=4, range: $38{\sim}44$), indicating a good condition, whereas mean IBI in the impacted sites was 21, indicating a poor condition. Mean IBI value in the control, thus, was greater by 2 fold than that in the WTP sites. The spatial pattern of IBI values was similar to the patterns of species diversity index and species richness index, except for Site 11, which was 1st order stream. Similarity analysis indicated that three groups were divided at the similarity level of 80%. One group was the streams influenced by wastewater and the other two groups were the pristine streams as the control, indicating that the stream health conditions are directly influenced by presence or absence of the point sources. Also, Pearson's correlation analysis showed that IBI values had negative correlation (r=0.899, p<0.001) with relative abundance of tolerance species, and had positive relation (r=0.890, p<0.001) with sensitive species. Overall, outcomes suggest that the point sources of the WTP might impact the species composition and ecological health, resulting in degradation of biological water quality.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.254-263
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• 2007

The objective of this study was to evaluate biological water quality using fish assemblages in Nakdong River watershed. We selected 6 sites along the main axis of the river and evaluated the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI), Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) and chemical water quality during July 2004${\sim}$March 2006. For the study, we applied the 10 metric IBI model, which was developed for national biological water quality criteria. Nakdong River's IBI value averaged 20.8 (n=14) during the study which means poor biological water quality. Physical habitat health at all sites, based on QHEI model, was measured as 110, indicating fair${\sim}$good condition. The habitat health varied depending on the locations sampled. Habitat health in sites 1 and 6 was judged as good, while the health in sites 3 and 4 was $poor{\sim}fair$. Especially, we found the metric values of $M1{\sim}M5$, M7, M10 were low in sites 3 and 4 compared to other sites. In these sites, thus, habitat restoration of substrate composition, riffles, and bank vegetation may be necessary. In the mean time, chemical water quality, based on BOD, COD, TSS, and nutrients, had no large spatial and temporal variations. Overall data analysis indicated that site 3 was largely impacted by the polluted-tributary, Keumho River and the downstreams showed better water quality due to the dilution of the polluted river water by Nam River and Hwang River.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.535-547
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• 2019

In this study, the heavy metal analysis in sediments (surface sediments, sediments cores and settling particles) from Shihwa Lake has been carried out to evaluate the changes of metal pollution levels in sediments after the operation of Tidal Power Plant (TPP). The average concentrations of metals in surface sediments sampled in 2015 were 8% (Cd)~31% (Zn, Hg) lower than in 2009 before TPP operation. Results of calculating the pollution load index (PLI) with 8 metals, the PLI value in 2015 showed a 18% decrease compared to 2009. However, Cu, Zn, Pb concentrations of surface sediments in 2015 at the upper region around industrial complex still exceeded the TEL (threshold effect level) values for sediment quality guideline in Korea. After the operation of TPP, the metal contaminated depths were increasing from 15 cm to 30 cm at S6 site and from 8 cm to 20 cm at S7 site, respectively. Our data showed that the mean concentration of heavy metals in core samples decreased but the contaminated depth increased. The average of the total sedimentation flux for particulate matter increased by 3.2 times from 32.5 g/㎡/d in 2009 to 103.5 g/㎡/d in 2015. This showed that the bottom sediments were resuspended by the operation of TPP, resulting in an increase of particulate matter in the water column. These results suggest that the sediments contaminated with heavy metals seem to be resuspended and relocated due to the water current caused by the operation of TPP. Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd were highly exceeding the TEL values in the upstream region and accumulated more than 40 cm of sediment depth, indicating that heavy metal contamination through industrial activity were still a serious environmental problem of Shihwa Lake. Although the metal pollution of Shihwa Lake has been slightly reduced, the contaminated sediments with heavy metals inside of Shihwa Lake might be discharged to outer sea after the resuspension by TPP operation. It is necessary for the advanced scientific approach and political decision to drastically reduce the heavy metal pollution of the study region.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.291-297
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• 2010

This study examined the dosimetric influence of implanted gold markers in proton therapy and the effects of their positions in the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) proton beam. The implanted cylindrical gold markers were 3 mm long and 1.2 mm in diameter. The dosimetric influence of the gold markers was determined with markers at various locations in a proton-beam field. Spatial dose distributions were measured using a three-dimensional moving water phantom and a stereotactic diode detector with an effective diameter of 0.5 mm. Also, a film dosimetry was performed using Gafchromic External Beam Treatment (EBT) film. The GEANT4 simulation toolkit was used for Monte-Carlo simulations to confirm the measurements and to construct the dose-volume histogram with implanting markers. Motion data were obtained from the portal images of 10 patients to investigate the effect of organ motions on the dosimetric influence of markers in the presence of a rectal balloon. The underdosed volume due to a single gold marker, in which the dose was less than 95% of a prescribed amount, was 0.15 cc. The underdosed volume due to the presence of a gold marker is much smaller than the target volume. However, the underdosed volume is inside the gross tumor volume and is not smeared out due to translational prostate motions. The positions of gold markers and the conditions of the proton-beam field give different impacts on the dose distribution of a target with implanted gold markers, and should be considered in all clinical proton-based therapies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.353-360
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• 2010

The result of analysis of the observed temperature data by the Serial Oceanography Investigation of National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) during last 41 years from 1969 to 2008 showed that sea surface temperatures in the East, West and South Sea of Korea were clearly increased. In case of 100m depth, temperature was increased in the South Sea of Korea, but it was decreased in the East Sea. Especially, the temperature around the coastal area in the East Sea was significantly decreased by the spatial distribution of long-term change of temperature on 100m depth. It should lead to the decreasing trend in the long-term change of temperature on 100 m depth in the entire East Sea. The increasing trend was clearly larger in wintertime than in summertime by a factor of about 2 It means that the long-term increasing trend of sea surface temperature in the Korean Waters is usually caused by the distinctive increasing trend in wintertime. As the results of the analysis of air temperature and wind speed on the 6stations around the coastal area in the Korean Waters, air temperature was found to be continuously increased, but wind speed to be gradually decreased in winter. The weakness of vertical mixing by decreasing of wind speed caused to make the surface mixed layer shallow. it could be considered that the increasing trend of surface temperature was caused by weak mixing between surface and intermediate layers.