• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.37-48
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• 2006

HF radar-derived current data obtained in 2002 and 2004 are analyzed to examine the effects of the completion of the Saemangeum 4th tidal dyke in June 2003, connecting Gogunsan-Gundo and Bieung-Do, on the coastal surface $M_2$ current pattern. Comparison between the currents by HF radar and current meter mooring showed good agreements. Counterclockwise rotation of the $M_2$ current in the observed area did not change with the dyke construction. Strong westward ebb jet from the gap of the dyke was observed in 2002 but disappeared in 2004. The complete closing of the dyke gap caused the current speed increase around the mouth of the Kem River estuary, decrease around Gogunsan-Gundo and the dyke, the changes in the direction of maximum current to north-ward from eastward and the delay of the maximum flood current occurrence around Gogunsan-Gundo and the dyke. Around Yeon-Do, the maximum flood current directed more clockwise and occurred rather earlier. These changes of the $M_2$ current ellipse characteristics imply that the effects of the dyke construction reached the area connecting Mal-Do and Yeun-Do.