• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.335-344
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• 2008

The acid rock drainage (ARD) production potential of rock was assessed for a tunnel construction area, Kimhae and the damage reduction strategy was discussed based on the ARD risk evaluation. The geology of the studied area consisted of Mesozoic quartz porphyry, sandstone, tuff and granite. Sulfides occurred as a disseminated type in quartz porphyry and granite, and a vein type in sandstone. Quartz porphyry and sandstone with a high content of sulfide were classified as a potentially ARD forming rock. The drainage originated from those rocks may acidify and contaminate the surrounding area during the tunnel construction. Therefore, the drainage should be treated before it is discharged. A slope stability problem due to the ARD was also expected and the coating technology was recommended for the reduction of ARD generation before the application of supplementary work for enhancing slope stability such as shotcrete and anchor. From the ARD risk analysis, those rocks should not be used as aggregate and be used as bank fill material with the system for the minimum contact with rain water and ground-water.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.535-550
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• 2014

The origins and varieties of natural radioactive materials, including uranium and radon-222, were examined in a drilled borehole extending to a depth of 120 m below the surface in the Goesan area. In addition to core samples, eight groundwater samples were collected at different depths, using a double packer system and bailer, and their geochemical characteristics were determined. Most of the rock samples from the drilled core consisted of granite porphyry, with sedimentary rocks (slate, carbonate, or lime-silicates) and pegmatite occurring in certain sections. The pH of samples varied from 7.8 to 8.4, and the groundwater was of a Na-$HCO_3$type. Uranium and thorium concentrations in the core were < 0.2-14.8 ppm and 0.56-45.0 ppm, respectively. Observations by microscope and an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) showed that the mineral containing the natural radioactive materials was monazite contained in biotite crystals. The uranium, which substituted for major elements in the monazite, appeared to have dissolved and been released into the groundwater in a shear zone. Concentrations of Radon-222 in the borehole showed no close relationship with levels of uranium. The isotopes of noble gases, such as helium and neon, would be useful for analyzing the origins and characteristics of the natural radioactive materials.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.121-132
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• 2010

The Bukjiri Maaeyeoraejwasang (National Treasure No. 201) consists of two-mica granite in medium size, which was the simbol of power in the region of the Silla period. Magnetic susceptibility of the host rock was measured as 0.41(${\times}10^{-3}$ SI unit), which has the similar range with surrounding outcrop. The Buddha developed parallel discontinuous plane of NE to SW strike and damaged seriously by exfoliation, granular disintegration and brown discoloration as 41.5%, 16.7% and 40.0%, respectively. As a result of the ultrasonic velocity, which was relatively weak values as 1,629m/s (Buddha area) and 1,549m/s (surrounding outcrop), improved about 900m/s compared to last treatment. From the results of the evaluation for slope stability, identified the possibility of toppling failure in the Buddha, and planar and wedge failure in host rock. Therefore, we suggest for the safely conservation of the Buddha, continuance monitoring for understand behavior of discontinuity system of the surface, and necessitate foundation reinforcement method for the rock which has the danger of collapse.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.321-328
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• 2006

A basic research was conducted on the mineral weathering and geochemical characteristics in the KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel), which was recently constructed at a site in KAERI. Some rock samples exposed during the KURT construction were examined using a microscope and chemical analysis for some micro-changes of the rocks caused by the chemical weathering. The weathered granite has some small and fine cracks around the rock-forming minerals. In particular, there are a characteristic weathering of feldspar mineral and a preferential leaching of Ca component from the mineral dissolution. In addition, by the dissolution of biotite containing $Fe^{2+}$ component there were iron-oxides precipitates as secondary products into the microcracks of around minerals. The results also show that the micro-cracks initiated from the mineral interior are extended and connected into the larger cracks along the grain boundary with the progress of the weathering. Thus, it is considered that some chemicals dissolved from the fresh rock would be involved in the formation of secondary minerals and migrate interacting with them.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.407-420
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• 2002

The Buddhist Triad Cave in Gunwi (National treasure No. 109) consists of porphyritic biotite granite, and it has been deteriorated into microorganic smears, white films, brown rusts, granular decay, color changes, and joints by the same weathering factors as rain, moisture, temperature variation and microorganic living. Main origin is probably the rain that leaks into the cave along joints in Palgongsan granite, and then its moisture grows many microorganism and is frozen over during winter. The granites around the cave regularly develop two NEE and NWW joint sets that are conjugate to be a joint system. The NEE set extends far away with narrow joint spacings and affects the leakage of the rains, and is divided into 4 joint zones, among which J$_{m}$ and J$_{3}$ immediately affect the leaking water into the cave. An extensional Joint, in northern wall of the cave, was formed by toppling of the block between J$_{m}$and J$_{3}$joint zones from widening the Jm aperture by roots of a big pine tree, and passes through the J$_{m}$joint zone. This bypass allows no circulation of small rain, but a good circulation of heavy rain from influx to the cave for a long pathway. Many Joints and cracks, in the ceiling near the cave entrance, immediately get through the J$_3$ joint zone, and have a good circulation of small rain 10 mm. Both J$_{m}$and J$_{3}$ joint zones are, therefore, chief influxes that cause leakage of the rains.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.279-289
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• 1997

Dark to pale green-colored, Cr-bearing sericites from hydrothermal alteration zone of the Narim gold deposit were investigated mineralogically and geochemically. The alteration zone is composed mineralogically of quartz, carbonate minerals and green sericite with minor amounts of chlorite, barite and sulfide minerals (pyrite, sphalerite, galena). The zone is enriched in As (967 to 1520 ppm), Cu (31 to 289 ppm), Ni (1027 to 1205 ppm), Pb (0.20 to 1.24 wt.%) and Zn (1.03 to 1.07 wt. %) compared with fresh rocks such as granitic gneiss, porphyritic biotite granite and basic dyke. The Cr, probably the chromophore element, is highly enriched in the alteration zone (1140 to 1500 ppm), host granitic gneiss (1200 ppm) and porphyritic biotite granite (1200 ppm). Occurrence and grain size of sericite are diverse, but most of the Cr-bearing sericites (150 to $200{\mu}m$ long and 20 to $30{\mu}m$ wide) occur along the boundaries between ore veins and host rocks (especially basic dyke and granitic gneiss). X-ray diffraction data of the sericite show its monoclinic form with unit-cell parameters of $a=5.202{\AA}$, $b=8.994{\AA}$, $c=20.103{\AA}$, ${\beta}=95.746^{\circ}$ and $V=935.83{\AA}^3$, which are similar with the normal 2M1-type muscovite. Representative chemical formula of the sericite is ($K_{1.54}Ca_{0.03}Na_{0.01}$)($Al_{3.42}Mg_{0.38}Cr_{0.14}Fe_{0.06}V_{0.02}$)($Si_{6.69}Al_{1.31}$)$O_{20}(OH)_4$. The Cr content increases with decrease of the octahedral Al content, and ranges from 0.36 to 2.58 wt.%. DTA and TG curves of the sericite show endothermic peaks at $342^{\circ}$ to $510^{\circ}$, $716^{\circ}$ to $853^{\circ}$ and $1021^{\circ}C$, which are due to the expulsion of hydroxyl group. The total weight loss by heating is measured to be about 8.8 wt. %, especially at $730^{\circ}C$. Infrared absorption experiments of the sericite show broad absorption band due to the O-H bond stretching vibration near the $3625cm^{-1}$, coupled with the 825 and $750cm^{-1}$ doublet. The vibration bands related with the H-O-Al and Si-O-Al bonds occur at $1030cm^{-1}$ and 500 to $700cm^{-1}$, respectively. Based on paragonite content of the sericite, the formation temperature of the Narim gold deposit is calculated to be $220{\pm}10^{\circ}C$.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.313-324
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• 2017

Tsogttsetsii area, an intrusive complex associated with Cu mineralization, is located in the South Gobi, Mongolia. We performed the cross geochemical and extended exploration survey in Tsogttsetsii area. Cu mineralization in Tsogttsetsii area is porphyry Cu type related with alkali granite intruded in Late Carboniferous to Early Permian. In the concentrated occurring to malachite appears extensively prophylitic alteration zone having a chlorite and epidote. As results of the survey, Cu contents of potable XRF and of chemical composition for altered rocks ranges 1.08 to 18.3% in the 30 points and 1.08 to 32.9% in the 13 points, respectively. Ore minerals identified in XRD analysis and polarizing microscope that samples of copper oxides were composed mainly of malachite, azurite, permingeatite and cuprite and the other minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrargyrite, dickite, calcite, chlorite and epidote. Mineralization can be considered occurring to selectively some granite of the surrounding aplite and faults in the only upper part coming up the hydrothermal solution of the remaining residual magma after the aplite intrusion.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.357-368
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• 2015

Brittle failure of Mesozoic granite in the Daejeon region is predicted using empirical analysis and numerical modeling techniques. The input parameters selected for these techniques were based on the results of laboratory tests, including damage-controlled tests. Rock masses that were considered to be strong during laboratory testing were assigned to "group A" and those considered to be extremely strong were assigned to "group B". The properties of each group were then used in the analyses. In-situ stress measurements, or the ratio of horizontal to vertical stress (k), were also necessary for the analyses, but no such measurements have been made in the study area. Therefore, k values of 1, 2, and 3 were assumed. In the case of k=1, empirical analysis and numerical modeling show no indication of brittle failure from the surface to1000 m depth. When k=2, brittle failure of the rock mass occurs at depths below 800 m. For k=3, brittle failure occurs at depths below 600 m. Although both the Cohesion Weakening Friction Strengthening (CWFS) and Mohr-Coulomb models were used to predict brittle failure, only the CWFS model performed well in simulating the range and depth of the brittle failure zone.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.137-147
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• 2002

Natural geological and environmental processes reflect to element abundances in geological materials on the surface. This study aims to elucidate a possibility of geostatistical application to differentiate geochemical anomalies affected by anthropogenic and geogenic factors. A regional geochemical map was produced using 'inverse distance weight interpolation' method for analytical results of stream sediments «150 11m) which were collected from 2,290 first- to second-order streams over the whole Gyeonggi Province. The Jurassic granitic batholith in the southeastern province was selected as a target for the geostatistical examination. Factor analysis was conducted using 22 elements for stream sediments from 445 drainage basins over the granitic body. Co, Cr, Sc, MgO, Fe$_{2}$O$_{3}$, V, and Ni were grouped with high correlation coefficients and the depletion of the components may reflect the whole-rock chemistry of the granite. Regression analysis was done using Co, Cr, and Sc as dependent variables and other six components as independent variables, and the results were drawn as maps. The maps acquired generally show quite similar distribution patterns with those of concentrations of each variable. The similarity in the spatial patterns between the two maps indicates that the application of regression statistics can be valid for the interpretation of regional geochemical data. However, some components show local discrepancies which may be influenced by secondary factors regardless of the basement lithology. The regression analysis may be effective in extracting local geochemical anomalies which may reflect rather anthropogenic pollutions than geogenic influences.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.167-174
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• 1993

Limited geochemical components have been detected in fluid inclusions from ore deposits in south Korea by non-destructive and destructive analytical methods. Review of fluid inclusion studies display that the homogenization temperatures and salinities are in direct proportion. W and Cu ore deposits tend to show higher homogenization temperatures and salinities than Au ore deposits. Abundant halite-bearing fluid inclusions from the Eonyang Granite producing precious amethyst crystals may indicate that the initial fluid originated from magma is highly saline as shown by the quartz from the granite. Raman Laser microprobe detected $CO_2$, $N_2$ and $CH_4$ in a gold deposit, while these components are hardly detected from other deposits, even though destrucive analysis has dectected $CO_2$, $N_2$, $CH_4$, $H_2S$, and $SO_2$ from most of ore deposits. Individual fluid inclusion shows quite different components. These results suggest that large numbers of fluid inclusions should be analysed by Raman Laser microprobe to gain reliable data. Halite-bearing inclusion is hardly found in fluid inclusions from epithermal gold deposits in south Korea. Geochemistry, homogeinzation temperature and salinity of fluid inclusions may be useful to apply for exploration to find a concealed orebody.