Late quaternary paleoceanographic changes in the northeastern Ulleung Basin, East Sea, inferred from variations in biogenic components

Two piston cores (DD09-ST21, DD09-ST39B) from the northeastern Ulleung Basin in the East Sea were obtained to investigate variations in the biogenic components (calcium carbonate, organic carbon) and biogeochemical processes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N). The two cores had distinctive characteristics in terms of surface production, preservation and dissolution capacity of carbonate, and redox conditions of bottom-water. Core DD09-ST21 was characterized by an oxygen-depleted condition from 15 ka (MIS 2) to 60 ka (MIS 3). Core DD09-ST39B, on the other hand, showed oxic bottom-water conditions, possibly due to shallow water depth. These two cores with different redox condition showed opposite trends in terms of CaCO₃, TOC, and C₃₇ alkenone concentrations. CaCO₃ and C₃₇ concentrations were higher during the LGM in DD09-ST21 while lower contents were observed in DD09-ST39B in the same period. Moreover, consistently low TOC in DD09-ST39B and higher fluctuation of organic matters in DD09-ST21 may suggest difference in primary productivity, preservation capacity, or a potential dissolution effect. During the Holocene, the surface productivity of both cores increased, probably due to renewed ventilation and vertical mixing in the East Sea. Therefore, this study suggests spatial variation in production and preservation of biogenic components in the two cores since last 50 ka for DD09-ST39B and 80 ka for DD09-ST21 due to difference in environmental conditions such as water depth, bottom-water conditions, surface productivity and preservation.     

Molecular identification of anisakid nematodes third stage larvae isolated from common squid (Todarodes pacificus) in Korea

The occurrence of Genus Anisakis nematode larvae in marine fishes and cephalopods is epidemiologically important because Anisakis simplex larval stage can cause a clinical disease in humans when infected hosts are consumed raw. Common squid (Todarodes pacificus) from Korean waters were investigated for anisakid nematodes infection during 2009～2011. In total, 1,556 larvae were collected from 615 common squids and 732 of them were subsequently identified by PCR-RFLP analysis of ITS rDNA. Depending on the sampling locations, the nematode larvae from common squid showed different prevalence, intensity and species distribution. A high prevalence (P) and mean intensity (MI) of infection were observed in the Yellow Sea (n = 250, P = 86.0%, MI = 5.99 larvae/host) and the southern sea of Korea (n = 126, P = 57.1%, MI = 3.36 larvae/host). Anisakis pegreffii was dominantly found in common squid from the southern sea (127/ 140, 90.7%) and the Yellow Sea (561/565, 98.9%). In contrast, the P and MI of infection were relatively low in the East Sea (n = 239, P = 8.37%, MI = 1.25 larvae/host). A. pegreffii was not found from the East Sea and 52.0% (13/25) of the nematodes were identified as A. simplex. Most of them were found in the body cavity or digestive tract of common squid, which are rarely consumed raw by humans. Considering the differenences in anisakid nematode species distribution and their microhabitat in common squid, it remains unclear whether common squid plays an important role in the epidemiology of human anisakis infection in Korea. Further extensive identification of anisakid nematodes in common squid, with geographical and seasonal information will be necessary.     

Uncertainty analysis using the WRF maximum likelihood ensemble filter system and comparison with dropwindsonde observations in Typhoon Sinlaku (2008)

In this study, the maximum likelihood ensemble filter (MLEF) is applied to a tropical cyclone case to identify the uncertainty areas in the context of targeting observations, using the WRF model. Typhoon Sinlaku (2008), from which dropwindsonde data are collected through THORPEX Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (TPARC), is selected for the case study. For the uncertainty analysis, a measurement called the deep layer mean (DLM) wind variance is employed. With assimilation of conventional rawinsonde data, the MLEF-WRF system demonstrated stable data assimilation performance over multiple data assimilation cycles and produced high uncertainties mostly in data-void areas, for the given tropical cyclone case. Dropwindsonde deployment through T-PARC turned out to occur inside or near the weak uncertainty areas that are identified through the MLEF-WRF system. The uncertainty analysis using the MLEF method can provide a guide for identifying more effective targeting observation areas.     

Observation system experiments for Typhoon Jangmi (200815) observed during T-PARC

In this study, the impact of various types of observations on the track forecast of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Jangmi (200815) is examined by using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the corresponding three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) data assimilation system. TC Jangmi is a recurving typhoon that is observed as part of the THORPEX Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T-PARC). Conventional observations from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) and targeted dropsonde observations from the Dropwindsonde Observations for Typhoon Surveillance near the Taiwan Region (DOTSTAR) were used for a series of observation system experiments (OSEs). We found that the assimilation of observations in oceanic areas is important to analyze environmental flows (such as the North Pacific high) and to predict the recurvature of TC Jangmi. The assimilation of targeted dropsonde observations (DROP) results in a significant impact on the track forecast. Observations of ocean surface winds (QSCAT) and satellite temperature soundings (SATEM) also contribute positively to the track forecast, especially two- to three-day forecasts. The impact of sensitivity guidance such as real-time singular vectors (SVs) was evaluated in additional experiments.     

Restoration of an inner-city stream and its impact on air temperature and humidity based on long-term monitoring data

Spatiotemporal changes in air temperature and humidity associated with the restoration of an inner-city stream in Seoul, Korea, are investigated based on long-term monitoring data. The Cheonggye stream, covered under a concrete structure for 46 years, was restored in 2005 and runs 5.8 km eastward through a central region of Seoul. Long-term monitoring of the air temperature and relative humidity was made along the stream throughout the restoration and across the stream after the restoration. The area along the stream had a higher air temperature than the entire metropolitan area. The temperature anomaly between the monitoring area and the surrounding metropolitan area was 0.13^oC lower on average at the center of the stream after the restoration. The stream's effect on the air temperature was also evident in the temperature distribution along a street traversing the stream. The relative and specific humidities were increased due to the restoration. The restored stream modified the nearby urban climate in the opposite direction compared to urbanization. The results could be used as a model case in mitigating urban climate by a stream in future urban planning practices.     

Seasonal climate predictability with Tier-one and Tier-two prediction systems

In this study seasonal predictability of Tier-one and Tier-two predictions are evaluated and compared. Through the comparison of these two predictions, it is demonstrated that the air–sea coupled process is an important factor not only for climatological simulation but also for seasonal predictability. In particular, the air–sea coupling plays a crucial role over the warm pool region, as the atmosphere tends to lead the ocean in anomalous variability. In this region, the Tier-one prediction has better climatology compared to the Tier-two prediction despite the presence of a climatological SST bias. Furthermore, the Tier-one has a relatively higher seasonal predictive skill than that of the Tier-two although its SST prediction skill is relatively poor. It is suggested that the air–sea coupled process plays a role to reduce both the climatological and anomalous biases in the uncoupled AGCM by means of the negative feedback of the SST-heat flux-precipitation loop. Using the CliPAS and DEMETER seasonal prediction data, the robustness of these results are demonstrated in the multi-model frame works. This paper is a contribution to the AMIP-CMIP Diagnostic Sub-project on General Circulation Model Simulation of the East Asian Climate, coordinated by W.-C. Wang.

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Geothermal gradient of the upper mantle beneath Jeju Island, Korea: Evidence from mantle xenoliths

Abstract Ultramafic xenoliths found in alkali basalts from Jeju Island, Korea are mostly spinel lherzolites accompanied by subordinate amount of spinel harzburgites and pyroxenites. The combination of results from a two-pyroxene geothermometer and Ca-in-olivine geobarometer yields temperature–pressure (T–P) estimates for spinel peridotites that fall in experimentally determined spinel lherzolite field in CaO-Fe-MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-Cr₂O₃ (CFMASCr) system. These T–P data sets have been used to construct the Quaternary Jeju Island geotherm, which defines a locus from about 13 kbar at 880°C to 26 kbar at 1040°C. The geothermal gradient of Jeju Island is greater than that of the conventional conductive models, and may be as a result of a thermal perturbation by the heat input into the lithospheric mantle via the passage and emplacement of magma. Spinel–lherzolite is the main constituent rock-type of the lithospheric mantle beneath Jeju Island. Pyroxenites may be intercalated in peridotites at similar depth and temperature as re-equilibrated veins or lenses.     

Finite-element computation of wave impact load due to a violent sloshing

A nonlinear sloshing problem is numerically simulated. During excessive sloshing, the sloshing-induced impact load can cause a critical damage on the tank structure. Recently the problem becomes an important research topic in LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Tanker and FPSO (Floating Production Storage Offloading) design. In this study, the wave impact load on the structure is obtained numerically by imposing the exact nonlinear free surface conditions and compared with that predicted by Morison's formula. As a theoretical model, a three-dimensional free surface flow in a tank is formulated in the scope of potential flow theory with the exact nonlinear free-surface conditions. A finite-element method based on Hamilton's principle is employed as a numerical method. The problem is treated as an initial-value problem. The nonlinear problem is numerically solved through an iterative scheme at each time step.