Changes of Sedimentary Environments in the Southern Tidal Flat of Kanghwa Island

The southern tidal flat of Kanghwa Island with an area of approximately $90km^2$ is one of the biggest flats on the west coast of Korea. Surface sediments for sedimentary analyses were sampled at 83 stations in August 1997, September 1999 and August 2000. The very poorly-sorted mud sediments were predominant in the eastern part of the tidal flat, whereas the poorly-sorted sand-mud mixed sediments were dominant in the western part. The area of muddy sediment distribution diminished, but that of sandy mud sediment extended to southeastward tidal flat for three years. In the western part of tidal flat, deposition occurred during the period of spring to summer, whereas erosion occurred in winter. Sediment accumulation rates during three years indicated that the sediments deposited continuously in the eastern part of tidal flat, whereas eroded in the western part of tidal flat. Recently, construction of artificial structures such as new airport, island-connecting bridges and dikes near the tidal flat might change tidal current and river flow pattern. In order to reduce the ecological damage and to preserve tidal-flat environment, it is necessary to Investigate long-term impacts on sedimentary environment and ecology.