Spatial Characteristics of Mean Particle Sizes, Organic Carbon, and Pore-water Salinity in the Surface Sediments of the Ujeon Tidal Flats, Jeungdo, Sinangun, West Coast of Korea

Higher clay and mud content in surface sediments of the Ujeon Tidal Flats, part of the UNESCO-listed Getbol Korean Tidal Flats, correlates with increased Total Organic Carbon (TOC) levels. This spatial relationship suggests that sediment texture plays a key role in organic carbon distribution, with muddy areas showing significantly higher TOC concentrations (averaging 0.44%, range 0.00–1.42%) compared to sandbars. The study analyzed 124 surface sediment samples using drone technology and digital elevation models to map orthometric heights, mean particle sizes (ranging from coarse sand to clay), pore-water salinity (average 48.09 psu), and other physical properties in June 2023. These findings provide critical insights for coastal management and conservation efforts along the West Coast of Korea, particularly in monitoring sedimentation changes in this ecologically significant region.

Lee, J.-H., Jung, H.-S., Ryu, H., Jang, Y., Ryu, J.-H., Woo, H. J., & Kim, K. (2024). Spatial Characteristics of Mean Particle Sizes, Organic Carbon, and Pore-water Salinity in the Surface Sediments of the Ujeon Tidal Flats, Jeungdo, Sinangun, West Coast of Korea. Journal of Coastal Research, 113(sp1), 824–828. https://doi.org/10.2112/jcr-si113-162.1