A Simple Method for Preserving Underground Water Resources in Volcanic Island (Jeju)

Researchers identified a promising method to significantly reduce the permeability of stream beds on Jeju Island, which is primarily composed of highly permeable basalt and volcanic ash soil. This approach aims to preserve underground water resources by allowing streams to carry water year-round instead of only during precipitation. The study demonstrated that layering volcanic ash soil and Jumunjin sand on porous basalt dramatically decreased water permeability in controlled experiments. This finding offers a practical solution for addressing Jeju Island's water scarcity issues, potentially providing a realistic method for conserving its critical underground water resources.

Hwang, J., & Ban, H. (2016). A Simple Method for Preserving Underground Water Resources in Volcanic Island (Jeju). Journal of the Korean GEO-Environmental Society, 17(9), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.14481/JKGES.2016.17.9.29