Publications
Microphytobenthic biomass and primary production in Korean tidal flats: Trends and variability
Korean tidal flats exhibit moderate microphytobenthic (MPB) biomass but comparatively high primary productivity, particularly in estuarine systems and during spring. A 40-year review of MPB research in Korea revealed notable spatiotemporal variability in biomass and production, with seasonal decoupling observed despite limited mechanistic understanding. The study synthesized data from published studies to examine regional and tidal zone patterns, while also highlighting gaps in standardized, process-oriented research. Pigment-based community composition analyses showed broad-scale spatial coherence, independent of geographic proximity, suggesting complex underlying ecological dynamics.
Environmental factors on microalgal resuspension and dynamics in tidal flats on the west coast of Korea
A dynamic balance exists between microalgal biomass exchange and tidal cycles in Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats. Environmental factors such as strong winds, waves, and heavy rainfall significantly enhance resuspension, while site-specific sedimentary settings and diel cycles influence microalgal flux. This near-equilibrium highlights the complex interplay of environmental conditions shaping coastal carbon cycling. The study employed a combination of field observations and modeling to elucidate these processes, offering insights into the ecological dynamics of tidal flats.
Evaluation of the diagnostic reliability of the gill-based Ray’s fluid thioglycollate medium assay for Perkinsus olseni infections in Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) across Korean tidal flats
A study evaluating the diagnostic reliability of gill-based Ray’s fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) assays for detecting Perkinsus olseni infections in Manila clams across Korean tidal flats found that while gills are a strong proxy for whole-body infection in high-prevalence areas, their accuracy drops significantly in low-infection environments. The research analyzed six tissues from clams collected at six sites, revealing that the visceral mass consistently harbored the highest parasite loads (27.8%-49.0%), followed by the mantle and gills. At most sites, gill infection levels correlated strongly with whole-body infection intensity (r²=0.6-0.95), but at Padori—where infection prevalence was lowest—the gill assay's efficacy plummeted to 56%, leading to a 44% false negative rate. These findings highlight the limitations of relying solely on gill tissue for diagnostic purposes and advocate for a dual-tissue approach combining gill and whole-body samples to enhance accuracy in surveillance efforts.
Site-Specific Net Suspended Sediment Flux and Turbidity–TSM Coupling in a UNESCO Tidal Flat on the Western Coast of Korea: High-Resolution Vertical Observations
A UNESCO-listed tidal flat on Korea's west coast exhibits a strong linear relationship (R² = 0.94) between turbidity and total suspended matter, validating optical sensors for real-time sediment monitoring in dynamic macrotidal environments. High-resolution observations over a 13-hour period revealed a net seaward suspended sediment flux of approximately 5503 kg·m⁻¹, with ebb-dominant residual currents indicating localized sediment transport patterns. While this single-station study provides a baseline for digital twin modeling and coastal management, its findings should be interpreted as time-specific rather than representative of the entire bay. The research contributes to the preservation and monitoring of Gomso Bay, part of the globally significant 'Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats' UNESCO site.
Tidal Zonation Shapes Microbial Communities and Sediment Properties in a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Gomso Bay, Korea)
Tidal zonation significantly shapes microbial communities and sediment properties in Gomso Bay, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats. Research reveals distinct spatial variations along the intertidal gradient, with inner zones featuring finer sediments, higher organic carbon (TOC), acid volatile sulfide (AVS), and metal concentrations, while outer zones exhibit coarser sediments with lower values. Microbial composition varies, with aerobic organisms dominating high tidal flats and anaerobic taxa prevailing in low tidal flats. Chemolithotrophs thrive in the inner zone, whereas heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria are more abundant in the outer zone. The study used sediment sampling, chemical analysis, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to confirm that tidal exposure drives these ecological patterns, underscoring the complexity of intertidal ecosystems.
Morphodynamics of macrotidal channels in Korean tidal flats: implications for the role of monsoon precipitation and the stratigraphic architecture of tidal point bars
Korean tidal channels exhibit significant seasonal variability in migration rates, reaching up to 80 meters per year during the summer monsoon when heavy rainfall intensifies ebb tidal asymmetry and promotes headward erosion. This study reveals that meander bends are primarily landward-skewed and shift downstream, indicating that ebb currents dominate long-term channel morphodynamics. Tidal point bars in these channels display ebbward dipping, inclined heterolithic stratification (IHS), which is dominated by bedforms formed by subordinate flood tidal currents. The research combines multiannual observations with analysis of current patterns to elucidate the complex interplay between monsoon precipitation and tidal dynamics, offering new insights into the stratigraphic architecture of tidal point bars in macrotidal environments.
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.
Spatiotemporal variations in migratory bird diversity and abundance along the coast of Gochang getbol
A study on Gochang getbol, a Korean tidal flat and center of clam production, reveals significant spatiotemporal variations in migratory bird diversity and abundance, influenced by human activities. Zones with lower human activity (zone1 and zone4) exhibited higher species richness, Shannon diversity, and abundance, particularly for conservation-related species like sandpipers. The research used bird monitoring data from five zones to analyze distribution patterns, employing ANOVA tests and fourth corner analysis. Findings suggest that natural or semi-natural habitats are crucial for migratory bird conservation, with zone4 emerging as a key area due to its low disturbance levels. While the study does not establish direct causal links between human activity and bird distribution, it highlights the potential negative impacts of intensive aquaculture on these ecosystems.
Using the Heavy Metal Indices and Benthic Indices to Assess the Ecological Quality in the Tidal Flats of Garolim Bay, South Korea
A comprehensive assessment of the ecological quality in Garolim Bay's tidal flats reveals that despite low concentrations of heavy metals and total organic carbon, 63% of the stations exhibit unacceptable ecological conditions. The study utilized two heavy metal indices and five benthic indices to evaluate the ecosystem's health robustly. Notably, the Benthic Opportunistic Polychaetes Amphipods Index (BOPA) showed strong performance in correlation and kappa analyses, though it had some limitations. The research underscores the importance of using multiple indices for a more accurate ecological assessment, providing critical insights into the impacts of anthropogenic activities on tidal flat ecosystems.
International importance of tidal flats in the Republic of Korea as shorebird stopover sites in the East Asian–Australasian flyway
Korean tidal flats, particularly those in the Getbol region, remain critically important as stopover sites for migratory shorebirds in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF), supporting an estimated 20% of the populations of key species like the Eurasian Curlew and Spoon-billed Sandpiper. A study analyzing surveys from 2014–2015 and 2019–2020 confirmed that these habitats host between 230,000 and 270,000 shorebirds during northward migration and around 120,000 during southward migration. All surveyed areas met international criteria for significance due to their high species diversity and population concentrations. The findings underscore the need for expanded protection of these sites to mitigate habitat loss and declining shorebird populations.
Population Characteristics of the Mud Shrimp Upogebia major (De Haan, 1841) (Decapoda: Gebiidea: Upogebiidae) on Korean Tidal Flats in the Eastern Yellow Sea
A study on the mud shrimp Upogebia major in Korean tidal flats revealed significant population differences between two sites, Seonjaedo and Jugyo. Shrimp density was higher in Seonjaedo (265/m²) compared to Jugyo (118/m²), with male dominance in both locations. Growth rates were slower than other East Asian populations, likely due to colder water temperatures and altered food conditions from high shrimp density. The study also found varying parasitism rates (6.0% in Seonjaedo vs. 37.1% in Jugyo) and annual mortality rates of 77.2% in Seonjaedo and 67.4% in Jugyo, with estimated lifespans of 10 years in Seonjaedo and 8 years in Jugyo. Recruitment success varied annually, with a notable cohort emerging in Jugyo in 2014. The research analyzed population parameters from 2012 to 2015, providing insights into the ecological dynamics of this ecologically important species.
Pseudomonas aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment
Researchers have identified a novel species of Pseudomonas, named Pseudomonas aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment in the UNESCO-listed Getbol, Republic of Korea. This discovery was made through polyphasic characterization, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, fatty acid profiling, and DNA-DNA hybridization analysis. The strains SA3-5T and SA3-6 exhibited unique phenotypic traits, such as Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped morphology with peritrichous flagella, and distinct fatty acid profiles dominated by C16:1 ω6c/ω7c and Q-9 as the predominant respiratory quinone. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high similarity (98.3%) to Pseudomonas taeanensis, but below the species delineation thresholds for average nucleotide identity (75.9–89.1%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (21.3–38.7%). The type strain SA3-5T (=KCTC 92395T=JCM 35697T) was deposited, solidifying its classification as a novel species. This finding expands the diversity of known Pseudomonas species and contributes to understanding microbial ecology in tidal flat ecosystems.
Spatial distribution of meiofaunal and macrofaunal assemblages in the tidal flats of the southern Korean coast in relation to natural and anthropogenic impacts
A study on the tidal flats of Geum River (Getbol) in South Korea reveals that sediment-related variables and heavy metals are the primary environmental factors influencing the spatial distribution of macrofaunal and meiofaunal assemblages. While macrofauna, dominated by Annelida, were mainly affected by these factors, meiofauna, particularly Nematoda, showed additional sensitivity to sea surface temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. This research provides critical ecological data for understanding the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic pressures on tidal flat ecosystems, offering a foundation for marine environmental management strategies in the region.
Effects of larval trematode parasitism on the reproductive capacity of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in a sandy-mud tidal flat on the west coast of Korea
A study on the Korean Tidal Flats, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Getbol, reveals that larval trematode parasitism significantly impairs the reproductive capacity of Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum). Approximately 5.4% of the clam population was infected by three types of larval trematodes, with severe infections (heavy to very heavy) affecting about a third of these clams and potentially preventing reproduction during spawning periods. The research used histological analysis to categorize infection levels and found that heavily infected clams had significantly lower condition indices compared to uninfected ones. This highlights the detrimental impact of parasitism on economically important marine bivalves in tidal flat ecosystems.
Community Structure and Health Assessment of Macrobenthos in Tidal Flats along the West Coast of Korea in Spring and Summer
Korean tidal flats along the west coast exhibit good ecological health, with high ISEP and BHI indices indicating favorable conditions. However, pollution indicator species like Theora lata and Capitella capitata suggest localized environmental stress, necessitating periodic monitoring and intervention to prevent deterioration. The study analyzed macrobenthos communities across spring and summer seasons (2017–2018) from Ganghwa-do to Mokpo, identifying four distinct groups based on sediment grain size and species dominance—such as Ruditapes phillipinarum in clam farm areas and Eteone longa in finer sediments. Cluster similarity analysis revealed regional variations, with coarser sediments in Chungcheongnam-do and finer sediments in Gyeonggi-do, Incheon, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do. The findings underscore the resilience of these ecosystems while highlighting vulnerabilities that require proactive management.
Endophytic Fungi of Emersed Halophytes in River Deltas and Tidal Flats of the Korean Ramsar Wetlands
A study of the Korean Ramsar wetlands reveals distinct diversity and distribution patterns of endophytic fungi in river deltas and tidal flats, with higher morphological diversity and variance observed in delta marshes compared to tidal flats. The research isolated 324 endophytes from two halophyte species, Phragmites australis and Suaeda japonica, across different ecotones. Dominant fungal genera such as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium, along with Epicoccum, Paraconiothyrium, Septoriella, and Talaromyces, were widely distributed regardless of environmental conditions or host species. These findings underscore the ecological significance of marine endophytes in coastal protection and provide valuable data for future restoration efforts of coastal wetlands.
Slippery ontologies of tidal flats
Tidal flats, such as South Korea's getbol, exhibit 'slippery ontologies'—dynamic and ambiguous materialities that resist modern attempts to classify or measure them. This study reveals how their in-between nature, neither land nor sea, frustrates efforts to place them within structured knowledge systems. Through interviews with scientists and comparative analysis of land-water spaces, it highlights the contributions of both non-human elements (e.g., sediment, organisms) and human practices to this slipperiness. The research underscores that embracing tidal flats' fluid ontologies could mitigate their endangerment, as over half of South Korea's tidal flats have been lost to reclamation in the past century.
Spatial Macrobenthos Habitat on Ganghwa Tidal Flat, Korea: Part I - Spatial Relationship between Potamocorbula laevis and Spatial Variables
Potamocorbula laevis, the dominant macrobenthic species on Ganghwa tidal flat—the largest intertidal flat on South Korea's west coast—prefers specific spatial conditions. It thrives in areas with elevations of 407–498 meters, gentle slopes (<14 degrees), northern aspects, proximity to channels (within 30 meters), and high channel density. This species also favors substrates rich in silt and clay but low in sand. Researchers used a frequency ratio (FR) analysis via GIS to quantify these relationships, providing critical insights into intertidal estuarine ecosystems. The findings serve as a baseline for future spatiotemporal comparisons of macrobenthos distributions.
New Records of the Diatom Species (Bacillariophyta) from the Seaweed and Tidal Flats in Korea
Research conducted from February to December 2016 uncovered 21 previously unrecorded diatom species (Bacillariophyta) in Korea, expanding the country's known diatom flora. These discoveries were made through extensive sampling across 28 coastal sites on the west coast of Korea and Jeju Island, with a focus on tidal flats, seaweed, and macrophytes. Diatom specimens were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing species from 9 orders, 12 families, and 16 genera. The study provides detailed morphological descriptions and distribution records, contributing valuable data to the understanding of Korea's marine biodiversity.
Emergy Valuation of Tidal Flat Ecosystems in Korea: I. Characteristics of Environmental Emergy Inputs
Korean tidal flats receive environmental emergy inputs worth $4.98×10^21 sej/yr, equivalent to 1.14 trillion won annually, forming the foundation for ecosystem services like fishery production. Regional analysis revealed higher emergy inputs per hectare in the Incheon-Gyeonggi region compared to Busan, reflecting tidal range patterns along the Korean coast. While no clear correlation was found between emergy input and fishery production across all regions, western coastal tidal flats with greater emergy inputs produced more fishery products than southern counterparts, suggesting emergy valuation as a rapid tool for assessing ecosystem service potential. The study employed emergy analysis to quantify environmental energy contributions (sunlight, wind, waves, precipitation, tides) sustaining tidal flat ecosystems.
Seasonal Changes in Sediment Characteristics on the Tidal Flat in Geunso Bay, West Coast of Korea
Geunso Bay, a semi-enclosed tidal flat in the western Korean Peninsula, exhibits seasonal variations in sediment characteristics driven primarily by suspended sediment supply and tidal current circulation. Research conducted between winter and summer of 2009 revealed that while erosion dominates the middle part of the bay with an annual net erosion rate of -15.0 mm/year, deposition occurs in the western tidal flat during winter and spring at a net rate of 10.8 mm/year. Sediments were classified into five facies, predominantly muddy sand, with suspended sediments supplied in larger quantities during winter and spring, transported anti-clockwise. Winter waves had limited influence due to the bay's southwestward-opening mouth. The study highlights the critical role of sediment supply and tidal dynamics in shaping seasonal sedimentation patterns on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Textural facies and distribution of surface sediments and morphology on Korean tidal flats
Fine-grained sediments from the Han and Keum rivers are transported southward along Korea's western and southwestern coasts by coastal currents, accumulating on tidal flats. This study analyzed 1027 sediment samples from 74 tidal flats across four sectors—Gyeonggi (GG), Chungcheong (CH), Western Jeonnam (WJ), and Southern Jeonnam (SJ)—revealing distinct textural facies and morphological patterns. The CH sector, with coarser sediments and steeper slopes, reflects stronger wave influence due to geomorphic conditions, while the WJ and SJ sectors exhibit finer, muddier sediments and gentler slopes, often featuring tidal channels. The findings suggest that regional sediment distribution is governed by coastal currents and tidal dynamics, providing insights into sedimentation processes in Korean tidal flats.
A novel psychrophilic alkaline phosphatase from the metagenome of tidal flat sediments
Researchers have identified and characterized a novel psychrophilic alkaline phosphatase (mAP) from the metagenome of tidal flat sediments in Getbol, Korea. This enzyme, distinct from classical PhoA family members, exhibits high catalytic activity at low temperatures and remarkable thermal instability, with optimal activity at 37°C and complete inactivation by 65°C within 15 minutes. mAP demonstrates broad substrate specificity, efficiently removing terminal phosphates from linearized plasmid DNA, a capability comparable to commercially available alkaline phosphatases. This discovery marks the first thermolabile AP found in cold-adapted marine metagenomes, offering potential applications in molecular biology for dephosphorylation processes.
Morphodynamics of Tidal Channels In the Open Coast Macrotidal Flat, Southern Ganghwa Island In Gyeonggi Bay, West Coast of Korea
A study on the Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats, reveals that monsoonal weather significantly influences the stratigraphic architecture of inclined heterolithic stratification (IHS) in macrotidal environments. Researchers observed rapid point-bar migration and sediment accumulation during the summer rainy season, with rates exceeding 40 meters per month, compared to minimal migration during winter. Enhanced ebb currents due to heavy precipitation and rill erosion accelerated these processes, while wave activity during winter facilitated deposition on the upper part of the point bar. The research highlights that IHS geometry can provide insights into depositional settings and climate regimes, suggesting a strong monsoonal influence even in macrotidal environments.
Tidal flats of the Y ellow S ea: A review of ecosystem status and anthropogenic threats
Yellow Sea tidal flats, spanning over 4000 km along the coasts of China, North Korea, and South Korea, are classified as endangered according to IUCN Red List criteria due to significant areal decline (50-80%) in the last 50 years. This degradation is marked by increased algal blooms, hypoxic dead zones, jellyfish blooms, and declines in commercial fisheries and migratory bird populations. The study applies standardized remotely sensed habitat data and historic topographic maps to assess ecosystem status, highlighting urgent threats from pollution and coastal exploitation. Mitigation strategies proposed include improved regional and national coastal planning, expansion of protected areas, and enhanced management to curb illegal land reclamation.
Long-term Changes of Sediment and Topography at the Southern Kanghwa Tidal Flat, West Coast of Korea
A 15-year study of the Southern Kanghwa Tidal Flat, part of Korea's UNESCO-listed Getbol tidal flats, reveals significant sedimentary and topographic changes driven by human interventions. The research found that while mud-dominated sediments decreased in area, sand-mud mixed sediments expanded eastward between 1997 and 2011. Topographically, deposition occurred at Tongmakri and Yeochari tidal flats, whereas erosion was observed at Changhwari. These changes are attributed to the construction of artificial structures near the tidal flat since the 1990s, which altered local hydrodynamic conditions. The study compared surface sediment distributions in summer 1997 and 2011, as well as elevations from April 1998 and March 2013, providing a comprehensive assessment of long-term environmental shifts in this ecologically significant coastal ecosystem.
Continental Scale Mapping of Tidal Flats across East Asia Using the Landsat Archive
Researchers have developed a novel method to map tidal flats over large continental scales, addressing a critical gap in understanding their global distribution and status. By leveraging the Landsat Archive, they mapped 86.8% of the coastline across China, North Korea, and South Korea with an accuracy exceeding 85%. The approach involves predicting tide heights at the time of image acquisition using a validated regional tide model, selecting images from the upper and lower 10% of the tidal range, and applying the Normalized Differenced Water Index (NDWI) to classify land and water. Subtracting high-tide from low-tide classified images delineates tidal flats, enabling large-scale coastal morphology mapping and monitoring. This method provides essential data for coastal adaptation to sea level rise, habitat loss monitoring, and ecosystem-based conservation efforts.
Diversity and Characterization of Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Tidal Flat Plants and their Antagonistic Effects on Oomycetous Plant Pathogens
A study of endophytic bacteria from tidal flat plants revealed a surprising diversity of strains with antagonistic effects against oomycete plant pathogens, including Phytophthora capsici and Pythium ultimum. Nine percent of the 256 isolated root-colonizing bacteria exhibited inhibitory activity in vitro. Phylogenetic analysis identified these antagonistic strains across four bacterial classes (Firmicutes, α-Proteobacteria, γ-Proteobacteria, and Actinomycetes) and ten genera, with some belonging to potential new species of α-Proteobacteria. The research highlights the untapped potential of tidal flat plants as a source of novel antimicrobial compounds and biocontrol agents, suggesting their ecological significance in suppressing oomycete pathogens. The study analyzed surface-disinfected root tissues from six plant species (Rosa rugosa, Suaeda maritima, Vitex rotundifolia, Carex scabrifolia, Glehnia littoralis, and Elymus mollis) in Namhae Island, Korea.
The conservation value of the Shinan Tidal Flat in Korea: a contingent valuation study
Korean households show significant willingness to pay for the conservation of Shinan Tidal Flat, with an average annual contribution of KRW 3100 (USD 2.75) per household, totaling approximately KRW 54.5 billion (USD 48.3 million) annually over five years. This study employs contingent valuation (CV) method to monetarily assess the conservation value of tidal flats, addressing the growing public demand for their protection and providing critical data for policymakers evaluating conservation measures.
Tidal-flat islands in Korea: Exploring biocultural diversity
Korean tidal-flat islands, particularly those along the western and southern coasts, exhibit unique ecological and biocultural diversity. These islands are surrounded by extensive tidal flats, which serve as rich habitats for marine organisms and have significantly influenced local island cultures. The study highlights that Korea's maritime culture emerged from a harmonious spatial relationship between tidal flats and islands, shaped by human adaptation to the environment. This cultural structure is sustained by the preservation of ecosystem balance. The research integrates ecological, biological, and anthropological perspectives to explore these interactions, emphasizing the importance of understanding both natural processes and human activities in shaping island cultures.
Prediction of macrozoobenthic species distribution in the Korean Saemangeum tidal flat based on a logistic regression model of environmental parameters
A study on the Saemangeum tidal flats, Korea, successfully predicted the distribution of 15 intertidal macrobenthic species with high accuracy (65–92%) using logistic regression models based on environmental parameters such as shore level, mud content, and organic content. The research demonstrated that these models could effectively map species occurrence probabilities, revealing significant variability in how closely associated species respond to habitat changes. While the ecological processes driving these distributions were not fully determined, the strong agreement between modeled predictions and field observations underscores the practical utility of this approach for tidal flat management under an ecosystem-based framework.
Depositional Environment of Sandy Tidal Flat in Anmyeondo, Western Coast of Korea
Research on the depositional environment of Anmyeondo, a UNESCO-listed tidal flat in Korea, reveals distinct sediment transport patterns across its zones. The study found that supratidal and intertidal flats exhibit mixed bedload and graded suspension transport, characterized by coarse, well-sorted sediments with positive skewness. In contrast, subtidal flats show finer, poorly sorted sediments with negative skewness, transported via graded or uniform suspension. A bimodal distribution in the lower subtidal flat indicates two sediment transport modes. The analysis of 142 surface sediments and 12 transects provided these insights, offering a detailed understanding of tidal flat dynamics in this ecologically significant site.
Effect of tidal flat on seawater temperature variation in the southwest coast of Korea
Seawater temperature near macrotidal flats exhibits distinct semidiurnal variations, with ranges of 2–4°C during clear spring days. A developed model verified that heat exchange between shallow seawater zones and tidal flats significantly alters seawater temperature, regardless of season. Heat content changes can reach up to 581 J m−3 s−1 (0.5°C h−1). The study found maximum heat gain from the tidal flat (835 W m−2) in June 2004 and minimum heat loss to it (316 W m−2) in February 2004, highlighting seasonal dynamics of thermal energy exchange in these ecosystems.
Seasonal Variation of Fish Assemblages on Jangbong Tidal Flat, Incheon, Korea
Jangbong Tidal Flat, part of the UNESCO-listed Getbol Korean Tidal Flats, exhibits distinct seasonal variation in fish assemblages, driven primarily by water temperature fluctuations. Cold-water specialists like Acanthogobius hasta and Triaenopogon barbatus dominate during cooler months, while warm-water species such as Johnius grypotus and Sebastes schlegeli thrive in warmer periods. The study, conducted through monthly trawling from 1999 to 2001, identified 36 fish species with notable dominance shifts between cold- and warm-water groups. Cluster analysis and nMDS ordination revealed these seasonal trends, highlighting the ecological sensitivity of tidal flat ecosystems to environmental changes.
Temporal Variation of the Macro-crustacean Assemblages on Jangbong Tidal Flat, Incheon, Korea
Macro-crustacean assemblages on Jangbong Tidal Flat, Incheon, Korea, exhibit distinct seasonal variation, with two primary species groups dominating different times of the year. Winter (December–April) is characterized by palaemonid and crangonid shrimps, while spring, summer, and autumn see higher abundances of portunid crabs and penaeid shrimps. The study, conducted from November 1999 to January 2001 using a modified otter trawl, identified 32 species totaling 7,741 individuals and 29,211.3 gWWt, with three shrimp species (Palaemon carinicauda, Crangon affinis, Metapenaeus joyneri) and two crab species (Charybdis japonica, Portunus trituberculatus) numerically dominant. Clustering analysis confirmed seasonal shifts in tidal flat usage by these crustaceans, highlighting temporal patterns critical for understanding coastal ecosystem dynamics.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats