The Study of Alluvial Fans in Korea

한국(韓國) 선상지(扇狀地) 연구(硏究)

Since earlier in 1947 the writer had been devoting part of his time to study alluvial fans in Korea based on his own interest in geomorphology. However, it was in 1958 when a new geography department was set up and the Research Center of National Lands was established in the university of Kyung Hee, the writer started scientific investigation for alluvial fans. The Following alluvial fans have been studied by the writer: those of Mt. Kwanak and Mt. Chungge in 1947; those of Pulkuksa in 1948; those of Suhnamsa, Suh Myun, Pusan in 1950; those of Shindonae, Mt. Kerrong, in summer of 1958; those of Hwaomsa, Kure and Yongsan Myun, Changhung, in winter of 1958. The article is the comparative study of the above mentioned alluvial fans including Suhkwangsa Fan, Chugaryng Rift Valley. Of course this is not the study covering all af alluvial fans in Korea. Within the limits of his surbey, the writer has com to a conclusion which may be helpful for the Korean alluvial fm study. 1. Korean alluvial fans are generally found in rift valleys or basins. 2. They are formed in places of below 220-meter contour line. 3. The slope from fna apex to river valley is 20-40 degree. The slope of fan surface is 5-20 degree, but most of them under 16 degree. A sudden change of slope is taken place or the fan apex and fan center. 4. Hills (100-200m) are developed on the surfaces of alluvial fans. 5. Most of rivers in alluvial fans are geyser rivers. 6. The depth of well : from ground surface to the well water surface is 4-8 m; water depth is 1-2m. 7. Land utilization; cultivated land 30%: non cultivatedland 70%. The area occupied by upland fields is twice of paddy field area. 8. Settlement : agglomerated settlement is developed on the top or the end of fan and surrounded by windbreakers. 9. Farming pattern at the top of fan fields are rectangular and parallel to flumes but at the center of fan, they are irregular and perpendicular to flumes.