• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.631-643
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• 2018

Uranium and radon concentrations in groundwater from 80 wells from Daejeon area were measured to determine the range of concentrations according to the geology. The median uranium content of groundwater was $11.14{\mu}g/L$ for the two-mica granite, $0.90{\mu}g/L$ for the biotite granite, and $0.47{\mu}g/L$ for the Ogcheon group. The median radon content of groundwates was 114.3 Bq/L for the two-mica granite, 61.6 Bq/L for the biotite granite, and 42.2 Bq/L for the Ogchon group, respectively. The uranium content of two-mica granite is 3.78 mg/ kg, which is slightly higher than that of biotite granite 3.20 mg/kg. However, the uranium content in groundwatewr of two-mica granite groundwater is much higher than that of biotite granite. This can be explained by the fact that the two-mica granite is vulnerable to weathering than biotite granite, so uranium in mineral is easily leached into groundwater. The exceeding rate of samples having uranium content above $30{\mu}g/L$ in granite area was 23.8%, which is higher than that of 6.7% in Jurassic granite in Korea. On the other hand, the exceeding rate of samples having radon content above 148 Bq/L in granite rate area was 31.0% which is similar to that of Jurassic granite area of 31.7%.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.170-187
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• 2020

Dolmens bearing the burial layout and stone coffin tombs of the late Bronze Age were excavated from Samdeok-ri, Goseong, Gyeonsangnsamdo, and grave items such as red-burnished pottery, arrowheads, and stone swords were also discovered. In the case of the red-burnished pottery that was found, it retains a pigment layer with a thickness of about 50 to 160㎛, but with most of the other items, exfoliation and peeling-off of pigment layers can be observed on the surface. The raw materials of the red-burnished pottery contained moderately sorted minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and hornblende, and partly opaque iron oxide minerals were also identified. In particular, the raw materials of the red-burnished pottery from stone coffin tomb #6 were different from those of the other pottery, containing large amounts of hornblende and feldspar. The pottery's red pigment was identified as hematite and showed similar mineral content of raw materials such as fine grained quartz, feldspar, and hornblende. The firing temperature is estimated to have been approximately 900℃, based on their mineral phase. The possibility exists that the raw materials had been collected from the Samdeok-ri area, because diorite and granite diorite with dominant feldspar and hornblende have been identified within 3km of that area. During the pottery manufacturing process, it is estimated that the pigment was painted on the entire surface of the red-burnished pottery after it had been molded and then finished using the abrasion technique. In other words, the red-burnished pottery was made by the process of vessel forming - semi drying - coloring - polishing. The surface and cross-section of the pottery appears differently depending on the concentration of the pigment and the coloring method used after vessels were formed. Most of the excavated pottery features a distinct boundary between pigment and body fabric. However, in the case of pottery in which fine-grained pigments penetrate the body fabric so that layers cannot be distinguished, there is the possibility that the fine-grained pigment layer was applied at a low concentration or immediately after vessel forming. Many cracks can be seen on the surface pigments in thickly painted pottery items, and in many cases, only a small portion of the pigment layers remain due to surface exfoliation and abrasion in the burial environment. It is reported that pottery items may be more easily damaged by abrasion if coated with pigment and polished, so it is believed that the red-burnished pottery of the Samdeok-ri site suffered from weathering in the burial environment. This damage was more extensive in the potsherds that were scattered outside the tomb.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.588-598
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• 2020

The seafloor geology of Ieodo, a submerged volcanic island, has been poorly understood, although this place has gained considerable attention for ocean and climate studies. The main purpose of the study is to understand and elucidate types, distribution patterns and provenance of the surficial sediments in and around the Ieodo area. For this purpose, 25 seafloor sediments were collected using a box-corer, these having been analyzed for grain sizes. XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analysis of fine-grained sediments was conducted for characterizing clay minerals. The peak of Ieodo exists in the northern region, while in the southern area, shore platforms occur. The extensive platform in the south results from severe erosion by strong waves. However, the northern peak still survived from differential weathering. Grain size analyses indicated that gravels and gravelly sands with skeletons and shells were distributed predominantly on the volcanic apron and shore platform. Muddy sediments were found along the Ieodo and the adjacent deeper seafloor. Based on the analysis of clay mineral composition, illites were the most abundant in fine muds, followed by chlorites and kaolinites. The ratio plots of clay minerals for the provenance discrimination suggested that the Ieodo muds were likely to be derived from the Yangtze River (Changjiang River). As a consequence, gravels and gravelly sands with bioclastics may be supplied from the Ieodo volcanic apron by erosion processes. Wave activities might play a major role in transportation and sedimentation. In contrast, fine muds were assumed to be derived from the inflow of the Yangtze River, particularly in summer. Deposition in the Ieodo area is, therefore, probably controlled by the inflow from the Changjiang Dilute Water and summer typhoons from the south.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.662-676
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• 2021

The Yeosu Sado dinosaur tracksite is well known for many dinosaur tracks and research on the gregarious behavior of dinosaurs. In addition, various geological and geographical heritage sites are distributed on Sado Island. However, educational field trips for students are very limited due to accessibility according to its geological location, time constraints due to tides, and continuous weathering and damage. Therefore, this study aims to generate 3D models and images of dinosaur tracks using the photogrammetric method, which has recently been used in various fields, and then discuss the possibility of using them as paleontological research and educational contents. As a result of checking the obtained 3D images and models, it was possible to confirm the existence of footprints that were not previously discovered or could not represent details by naked eyes or photos. Even previously discovered tracks could possibly present details using 3D images that could not be expressed by photos or interpretive drawings. In addition, the 3D model of dinosaur tracks can be preserved as semi-permanent data, enabling various forms of utilization and preservation. Here we apply 3D printing and mobile augmented reality content using photogrammetric 3D models for a virtual field trip, and these models acquired by photogrammetry can be used in various educational content fields that require 3D models.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.103-114
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• 2023

The Christian Museum of Gongju Jeil Church was first built in 1931 and was largely damaged during the Korean War, but the walls and chimneys have been preserved. This building has a high architectural values in that the chapel was reconstructed in 1956, and maintains its original form through repair of damaged parts rather than new construction. The stained glass windows were as installed in 1979 and has a great significance in the Dalle de Verre method using lump glass. However, some of the stained glass damaged partially, such as various cracks and splits, and vertical and horizontal cracks in the joint fillers of supporting the colored glass. As the structural materials of the stained glass window, an iron frame and cement mortar filled with it were used, and corrosion of iron, cracking of mortar and granular decomposition appear partially due to weathering. In the joint fillers, the content of Ca and S is very high, indicating that gypsum were used as admixtures, and the gypsums grow in a rhombohedral and forms a bundle, which is investigated to have undergone recrystallization. As a result of modeling the ultrasonic velocity at the joint fillers, the left and right windows at the entrance show relatively weak in the range of 800 to 1,600m/s, and the lower right corner of the altar window and the upper left corner of the center window were also 1,000 to 1,800m/s, showing relatively low physical properties. And gypsums produced during the neutralization of lime mortar were detected in the joint fillers and contaminants on the surface. Such salts may cause damage to the joint material due to freezing and thawing, so appropriate preventive conservation is required. Also, since various damage types are complexly appearing in stained glass window and joint filler, customized conservation treatment should be reviewed through clinical tests.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.148-169
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• 2023

Hayeob pigment is known as one of the traditional dark green pigments, but the color, raw material, and manufacturing method have not been clearly identified. However, comparing the analysis results of the particle shape and constituent minerals of Hayeob pigments revealed through pigment analysis studies of colored cultural properties such as Dancheong, Gwaebul, and paintings, Hayeob pigments appear to be the same as Dongrok pigments produced by salt corrosion. Therefore, in order to restore Hayeob pigment, the manufacturing method of Dongrok pigment was studied based on the records of old literature. The Dongrok pigment manufacturing method confirmed in the old literature records is a natural corrosion method in which copper powder and a caustic are mixed and then left in a humid condition to corrode. Based on this, artificial corrosion using a corrosion tester was adopted to corrode the copper powder more efficiently, and an appropriate mixing ratio was selected by analyzing the state of corrosion products according to the mixing ratio of the caustic agent. In addition, the manufacturing method of Dongrok pigment was established by adding a salt removal process to remove residual caustic agents and a purification process to increase chroma during pigment coloring. The prepared Dongrok pigments have a bluish green or green color, show an elliptical particle shape and a form in which small particles are aggregated, and a porous surface is observed. The main constituent elements are copper(Cu) and chlorine(Cl), and the main constituent mineral is identified as atacamite [Cu₂Cl(OH)₃]. As a result of an accelerated weathering test to evaluate the stability of the prepared Dongrok pigments, it was found that the greenness partially decreased and the yellowness significantly increased as deterioration progressed. Before deterioration, the Dongrok pigments had lower yellowness compared to the Hayeob pigments of the old Dancheong, but after deterioration, yellowness increased significantly, and it was found to have a similar chromaticity range as Dancheong's Hayeob pigments. As a result, the prepared Dongrok pigments were confirmed to be similar to Dancheong's Hayeob pigments in terms of color as well as particle shape and constituent minerals.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.277-291
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• 2023

To analyze the crustal velocity structures beneath 21 broadband seismic stations in Gangwon Province, South Korea, we first applied the H-κ stacking method to 139 teleseismic event data (Mw ≥ 5.8 and the epicentral distance of 30° - 90°) occurring between March 18, 2019 and December 31, 2022 to estimate the Moho depths and V_p/V_s ratios beneath each station. The Moho depths and V_p/V_s ratios from the H-κ stacking method range from 24.9 to 33.2 km depth and 1.695 - 1.760, respectively, and the estimated V_p/V_s ratios were applied to the joint inversion of receiver functions and surface wave dispersion to obtain 1-D crustal velocity models beneath each station. The resulting Moho depths range from 25.9 to 33.7 km depth, similar to the results from the H-κ stacking method. Moho depth results from the both methods are generally consistent with Airy's isostasy. The 1-D crustal velocity models confirm that the existence of 2 km thick low-velocity layers with P-wave velocities of 5 km/s or less at some stations in the Taebaeksan basin, and at the stations CHNB and GAPB in northern Gangwon Province, which are located above the Cenozoic sedimentary layer. The station SH2B, although not overlying a sedimentary layer, has a low P-wave velocity near the surface, which is probably due to various factors such as weathering of the bedrock. We also observe a velocity inversion with decreasing velocity with depth at all stations within 4 - 12 km depths, and mid-crustal discontinuities possibly due to density differences in the rocks at around 10 km depth below some stations.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.281-302
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• 2023

Carbon is not only an essential element for life but also a key player in climate change. The radiocarbon (¹⁴C) analysis using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is a powerful tool not only to understand the carbon cycle but also to track pollutants derived from fossil carbon, which have a distinct radiocarbon isotope ratio (Δ¹⁴C). Many studies have reported Δ¹⁴C of carbon compounds in streams, rivers, rain, snow, throughfall, fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), and wastewater treatment plant effluents in South Korea, which are reviewed in this manuscript. In summary, (1) stream and river carbon in South Korea are largely derived from the chemical weathering of soils and rocks, and organic compounds in plants and soils, strongly influenced by precipitation, wastewater treatment effluents, agricultural land use, soil water, and groundwater. (2) Unprecedentedly high Δ¹⁴C of precipitation during winter has been reported, which can directly and indirectly influence stream and river carbon. Although we cannot exclude the possibility of local contamination sources of high Δ¹⁴C, the results suggest that stream dissolved organic carbon could be older than previously thought, warranting future studies. (3) The ¹⁴C analysis has also been applied to quantify the sources of forest throughfall and PM_2.5, providing new insights. The ¹⁴C data on a variety of ecosystems will be valuable not only to track the pollutants derived from fossil carbon but also to improve our understanding of climate change and provide solutions.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.729-744
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• 2023

The value of lithium has significantly increased due to the rising demand for electric cars and batteries. Lithium is primarily found in pegmatites, hydrothermally altered tuffaceous clays, and continental brines. Globally, groundwater-fed salt lakes and oil field brines are attracting attention as major sources of lithium in continental brines, accounting for about 70% of global lithium production. Recently, deep groundwater, especially geothermal water, is also studied for a potential source of lithium. Lithium concentrations in deep groundwater can increase through substantial water-rock reaction and mixing with brines. For the exploration of lithim in deep groundwater, it is important to understand its origin and behavior. Therefore, based on a nationwide preliminary study on the hydrogeochemical characteristics and evolution of thermal groundwater in South Korea, this study aims to investigate the distribution of lithium in the deep groundwater environment and understand the geochemical factors that affect its concentration. A total of 555 thermal groundwater samples were classified into five hydrochemical types showing distinct hydrogeochemical evolution. To investigate the enrichment mechanism, samples (n = 56) with lithium concentrations exceeding the 90th percentile (0.94 mg/L) were studied in detail. Lithium concentrations varied depending upon the type, with Na(Ca)-Cl type being the highest, followed by Ca(Na)-SO₄ type and low-pH Ca(Na)-HCO₃ type. In the Ca(Na)-Cl type, lithium enrichment is due to reverse cation exchange due to seawater intrusion. The enrichment of dissolved lithium in the Ca(Na)-SO₄ type groundwater occurring in Cretaceous volcanic sedimentary basins is related to the occurrence of hydrothermally altered clay minerals and volcanic activities, while enriched lithium in the low-pH Ca(Na)-HCO₃ type groundwater is due to enhanced weathering of basement rocks by ascending deep CO₂. This reconnaissance geochemical study provides valuable insights into hydrogeochemical evolution and economic lithium exploration in deep geologic environments.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.243-251
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• 2024

In this study, a surface geological survey was first conducted to investigate aggregate resources in the Yeongam area of Jeollanam-do, and a drilling survey was conducted in the lower part of the surface, which was difficult to identify through a surface geological survey, to determine the spatial distribution of aggregates. Drilling sites were selected considering the topographical development and Quaternary alluvium characteristics of the study area, and river aggregate drilling surveys were conducted at a total of 5 points and land aggregate drilling surveys were conducted at a total of 28 points. Borehole core sediments were classified into seven sedimentary units to determine whether they could be used as aggregates, and optically stimulated luminescence dating was performed on representative boreholes to measure the depositional period for each sedimentary unit. As a result of the study, most of the Yeongam area had a very wide river basin, so it was estimated that there would be a large amount of aggregate, but the amount of aggregate was evaluated to be very small compared to other cities and counties. Most of the unconsolidated sedimentary layers in the Yeongam area are composed of blue-grey marine clay with a vertical thickness of more than 10 m. The sand-gravel layer corresponding to the aggregate section is distributed in the lower part of the marine clay, thinly covering the bedrock weathering zone. This is because the amount of aggregates themselves is small and most of the aggregates are distributed at a depth of 10 m below the surface, which is currently difficult to develop, so the possibility of developing aggregates is evaluated to be very low. As a result of dating, it can be seen that the blue-grey marine clay layer is an intertidal sedimentary layer formed as the sea level rose rapidly about 10,000 years ago. The deposition process continued from 10,000 years ago to the present, and as a result, a very thick clay layer was deposited. This clay layer was formed very dominantly for about 6,000 to 8,000 years, and the sand-gravel layer in the section where aggregates deposited in the Pleistocene period can exist was measured to have been deposited at about 13.0 to 19.0 ka, and about 50 ka, showing that it was deposited as paleo-fluvial deposits before the marine transgression process.