Vol.57 No.4, August 30, 2024 Article TypeResearch PaperShort Note

• Research Paper 2024-08-30

  0 213 52

  Discussion on Detection of Sediment Moisture Content at Different Altitudes Employing UAV Hyperspectral Images

  Kyoungeun Lee, Jaehyung Yu, Chanhyeok Park, Trung Hieu Pham

  Econ. Environ. Geol. 2024; 57(4): 353-362

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Abstract : This study examined the spectral characteristics of sediments according to moisture content using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based hyperspectral sensor and evaluated the efficiency of moisture content detection at different flight altitudes. For this purpose, hyperspectral images in the 400-1000nm wavelength range were acquired and analyzed at altitudes of 40m and 80m for sediment samples with various moisture contents. The reflectance of the sediments generally showed a decreasing trend as the moisture content increased. Correlation analysis between moisture content and reflectance showed a strong negative correlation (r < -0.8) across the entire 400-900nm range.
  The moisture content detection model constructed using the Random Forest technique showed detection accuracies of RMSE 2.6%, R² 0.92 at 40m altitude and RMSE 2.2%, R² 0.95 at 80m altitude, confirming that the difference in accuracy between altitudes was minimal. Variable importance analysis revealed that the 600-700nm band played a crucial role in moisture content detection. This study is expected to be utilized in efficient sediment moisture management and natural disaster prediction in the field of environmental monitoring in the future.

• Research Paper 2024-08-30

  0 177 53

  Displacement of Geumwang Fault around the Pungam Basin Observed by Gravity and Aeromagnetic Field Interpretation

  Sungchan Choi, Sung-Wook Kim, Eun-Kyeong Choi, Younghong Shin

  Econ. Environ. Geol. 2024; 57(4): 363-370

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Abstract : To analyze the tectonic movements of the Geumwang Fault and its association with development of the Pungam Basin, the distributions of the gravity field and aeromagnetic field were interpreted. The low gravity zone (LGZ) around the Geumwang Fault shows an asymmetrical distribution, indicating sinistral (left-lateral) movement with the left side of the fault moving southeastward. The observed gravity anomaly suggests a displacement of approximately 9.3 km. The aeromagnetic distribution supports this horizontal displacement with very distinct magnetic characteristics. Using Euler deconvolution, the average depth of the Geumwang Fault was calculated to be about 1,000 meters, and it is estimated that the southwest side of the Pungam Basin is approximately 700 meters deeper than the northeast side. This strongly suggests that the Geumwang Fault has moved not only in a strike-slip but also in a dip direction. Such fault movement is characteristic of a hinge fault and has contributed to the formation of the basin through fault margin sag.

• Research Paper 2024-08-30

  0 252 48

  The Role of Organic Matter in Gold Occurrence: Insights from Western Mecsek Uranium Ore Deposit

  Medet Junussov, Ferenc Mádai, János Földessy, Mária Hámor-Vidó

  Econ. Environ. Geol. 2024; 57(4): 371-386

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Abstract : This paper presents analytical insights regarding into the occurrence of gold within organic matter, which is hosted by solid bitumen and closely associated with uranium ores in the Late Permian Kővágószőllős Sandstone Formation in Western Mecsek, South-West Hungary. The study utilizes a range of analytical techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) for comprehensive mineralogical and elemental analysis; organic petrography and electron microprobe analysis for characterizing organic matter; and an organic elemental analyzer for identifying organic compounds. A three-step sequential extraction method was used to liberate gold from organic matter and sulfide minerals, employing KOH, HCl, and aqua regia, followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to quantify gold contents.
  The organic matter is identified as comprising two vitrinite types (telinite V1 and reworked V2) and three solid bitumen forms: non-fluorescing (B1) and fluorescing (B2) fillings within the V1, as well as homogenous pyrobitumen (PB) occupying narrow cracks and voids within globular quartz. Despite the samples exhibiting low total organic carbon content (<1 wt%), they display high sulfur content (up to 6 wt%) and the sequentially extracted noble metal content from the organic matter is found to total 7.45 ppm gold.
  The research findings suggest that organic matter plays crucial roles in ore mineralization processes. Organic matter acts as an active component in the migration of gold, uranium, and hydrocarbons within sulfur-rich hydrothermal fluids. Additionally, organic matter contributes to the entrapment and enrichment of gold in hetero-atomic organic fractions, forming metal-organic compounds. Moreover, uranium inclusions are observed as oxide/phosphate minerals within solid bitumen and associated vitrinite particles. These insights into the occurrence and distribution of gold within organic matter highlight substantial exploration potential, guiding additional research activities focused on organic matter within the Kővágószőllős Sandstone Formation at the Western Mecsek deposit.

• Short Note 2024-08-30

  0 175 55

  Preliminary Study on the Jinju Formation in the Gyeongsang Basin to Evaluate Host Rock for High-level Radioactive Waste Geological Disposal: Focusing on Lithological and Mineralogical Characteristics

  Sung Kyung Hong, Kwangmin Jin

  Econ. Environ. Geol. 2024; 57(4): 387-396

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Abstract : The geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) involves permanently isolating the wastes in stable geological formations deep underground. Mudstone (siltstone and claystone) containing abundant clay minerals is proposed as a host rock for geological disposal of HLW because clay minerals have low permeability and high ion sorption/exchange capacity. Despite the widespread occurrence of sedimentary basins in Korea, there is a lack of evaluation of mudstone as host rocks for geological disposal. In this study, we utilized the JBH-1 borehole (7-754 m) obtained from the Jinju Formation to investigate the distribution trend and mineral compositions of mudstone. Additionally, we conducted comparative analyses with the Opalinus Clay in Switzerland considered as host rock of geological disposal of HLW. Claystone containing more than 40% clay minerals exhibit thick layers primarily in the upper section (7-350 m) of the JBH-1 borehole. While the clay minerals content of claystone does not show significant variation with depth, there are differences in the characteristics of feldspar and carbonate minerals. These mineralogical variations can led change in pore water chemistry and rock mechanical properties. The clay minerals content of claystone in the Jinju Formation is similar to that of the Opalinus Clay. However, there are notable differences in clay minerals composition. While the Opalinus Clay contains smectite-illite mixed-layer minerals, the Jinju Formation are dominated by illite indicating higher burial temperatures. This information will be useful for studying the host rock of HLW geological disposal site in Korea.

• Research Paper 2024-08-30

  0 152 49

  Evaluation of Hydrogeological Characteristic of Natural Barrier in Korea for Establishing Safety Guidelines of Deep Geological High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Site

  Suwan So, Jiho Jeong, Jaesung Park, Hyeongmok Lee, Subi Lee, Sujin Kim, Sinda Mbarki, Jina Jeong

  Econ. Environ. Geol. 2024; 57(4): 397-416

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Abstract : This study assessed the hydrogeological properties of the deep geological environment to develop safety criteria for the natural barriers used in the deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste in Korea. The assessment focused on the distribution and trends of hydraulic conductivity and permeability properties appropriate for the domestic geological environment, using various in-situ hydraulic test data collected for groundwater development and management. To develop a depth-hydrogeological property relationship model suitable for domestic conditions, the study reviewed various international research examples and applied a representative model that explains the trends of hydraulic conductivity and permeability with depth. The development of the model suitable for Korea involved applying ensemble regression analysis to account for the uncertainty of various factors in the collected data. The results confirmed that existing international depth-hydrogeological property relationship models adequately describe the characteristics of the domestic geological environment. Considering the preferred hydrogeological criteria suggested by countries like Sweden, Germany, and Canada, there is a high likelihood that a suitable geological environment exists in Korea. Additionally, the application of hydrogeological criteria indicative of low-permeability environments showed that suitable conditions for disposal construction increase at depths greater than 300 m, where the influence of fractures on groundwater flow might be minimal at depths exceeding 500 m. This research can serve as foundational information for establishing hydrogeological safety standards for natural barriers in Korea according to international regulatory guidelines.

• Research Paper 2024-08-30

  0 163 39

  The Effects of Organic, Inorganic, and Microbiological Stabilizers on the Transfer of Arsenic and Heavy Metals to Rice Plant

  Hui-Yeon Kim, Ga-Hyun Park, Yejin Choi, Eui-Jeong Hwang, Daeung Yoon, Jong-Un Lee

  Econ. Environ. Geol. 2024; 57(4): 417-429

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Abstract : To assess the effectiveness of stabilization techniques on the transfer of As and heavy metals in soil to rice plant, pot experiments were conducted using organic (biochar), inorganic (limestone-steel slag mixture), and microbiological (sulfate-reducing bacteria, SRB) stabilizers. The results showed that microbiological treatments, particularly when SRB and SO₄^2- were co-injected, achieved higher stabilization efficiencies for Pb, Cu, and Cd in soil solution by the end of the experiments (153 days). The transfer of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd to the rice stems, leaves, and husks was reduced across all stabilization treatments. Notably, in husks, the stabilization efficiencies of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd ranged from 30% to 65% for organic stabilizers and 23% to 69% for inorganic stabilizers, surpassing those achieved with microbiological stabilizers. This study highlighted the potential of SRB as an effective alternative or supplementary stabilizer to conventional options such as limestone, steel slag, and biochar in reducing the transfer of heavy metals to crops in paddy soils.

• Research Paper 2024-08-30

  0 133 50

  Supply Trends and Regional Distribution Analysis of the Domestic Natural Stone Industry in Korea

  Jin-Young Lee, Sei Sun Hong, Kun-Ki Kim

  Econ. Environ. Geol. 2024; 57(4): 431-447

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Abstract : This study aims to analyze the supply and demand trends and regional distribution characteristics of the stone industry through transaction records of the domestic natural stone market. The demand for natural stone is increasing globally, but domestic stone producers are facing financial difficulties due to the influx of low-cost stone, and the government is implementing various support policies, such as mandating the use of domestic stone. However, the influx of low-cost stones has led to management deterioration for domestic stone producers, prompting the government to implement various support policies such as mandating the use of domestic stones. An analysis of the natural stone transaction records from the Public Procurement Service revealed that granite was the main type of rock. The main trading items were natural stone curbs and natural stone slabs, with an average annual transaction amount of approximately 312.8 billion KRW from 2017 to 2021. A comparison of the stone distribution status between the metropolitan area and non-metropolitan areas showed that the metropolitan area had high demand, while non-metropolitan areas served as major supply sources. Cities such as Pocheon in Gyeonggi-do, Iksan in Jeollabuk-do, and Geochang in Gyeongsangnam-do play important roles as major stone suppliers. Based on these results, this study proposes fostering the stone industry tailored to regional characteristics, diversifying distribution channels, and establishing a sustainable supply chain for the sustainable development of the stone industry. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for close cooperation and support among the government, industry, and research institutions.

• Research Paper 2024-08-30

  0 418 64

  Numerical Ages and Petrological Characteristics of the Basalts designated as Natural Monument, Korea

  Yong-Un Chae, Cheong-Bin Kim, Sujin Ha, Jong-Deock Lim, Hyoun Soo Lim

  Econ. Environ. Geol. 2024; 57(4): 449-471

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Abstract : We investigated the radiometric ages and petrological characteristics of basaltic rocks with columnar joints, basalt gorge, pillow lava, and mantle xenolith, from the geoheritages designated as Natural Monuments of Korea in recognition of their historical, academic, and scenic excellence. A total of 7 Natural Monuments were selected. They are ‘Basalt gorge along Daegyocheon Stream of Hantangang River’, ‘Basalt gorge and Bidulginangpokpo Falls of Hantangang River, Pocheon’, ‘Pillow lava in Auraji, Pocheon’ distributed along the Chugaryeong Fault System, ‘Peridotite xenolith-bearing basalt in Jinchon-ri Baengnyeongdo Island, Ongjin’, ‘Columnar joint in Daljeon-ri, Pohang’, ‘Columnar joint in Yangnam, Gyeongju’, and ‘Columnar joint along Jungmun and Daepo Coasts, Jeju’. They ranged in age from the Cenozoic Neogene Miocene to the Quarternary Pleistocene. Based on the composition of major elements, Hantangang Basalt corresponded to trachybasalt, Daljeon Basalt to phonotephrite, Eoil Basalt to sub-alkaline basalt, and Daepodong Basalt to alkaline basalt. And in the composition of trace and rare earth elements, only Eoil Basalt showed the characteristics of arc basalt, while the others showed the characteristics of oceanic island basalt.