“The Lung
of Jeju”
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| Cheonjiyeon Waterfall on Jeju Island, South Korea, and one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. |
Covering an area of 86 square miles, the Gotjawal Forest has remained untouched until the mid 20th century. The base of the forest is a mixture of Pahoehoe (smooth, billowy, ropy surface) and ‘A’a (rough, jagged and clinkery surface) lava, both of which were created during the development of Mt. Hallasan
The lava mixture makes for a beautiful landscape. On the other
hand, the Pahoehoe and ‘A’a lava have made it difficult to develop the land for
agriculture. The rainwater on the island penetrates into their groundwater
aquifer (an underground layer of water
bearing rock where groundwater can be removed) through the cracks of the
Pahoehoe and ‘A’a lava under the forest floor making it the most active aquifer
in Korea.
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| (Side view of the aquifer cycle) This is what happens in Gotjawal Forest when precipitation occurs. |
Maintaining a balance of the water usage is essential to avoid
drawdown, which is the process of depleting groundwater before it has time to
recharge (the replenishing ground water
as precipitation allows). This also creates a cone of depression (water levels around the well decrease).By successfully maintaining this balance achieves
dynamic equilibrium (the balance between drawdown
and recharge).
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| Example of a drawdown pump and the development of a cone of depression. |
The Gotjawal Forest was named an Internationally Important Wetland in 2011 under the Ramsar Convention (intergovernmental treaty that works to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and plan for the sustainable use of all the wetlands in their territories); because it is a habitat for unique plant species and a main source for groundwater.
References:
http://www.jejuweekly.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=301
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| Saturated surface of the forest floor. |
The Gotjawal Forest was named an Internationally Important Wetland in 2011 under the Ramsar Convention (intergovernmental treaty that works to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and plan for the sustainable use of all the wetlands in their territories); because it is a habitat for unique plant species and a main source for groundwater.
 |
| Indian Pitta |
Unfortunately, due to the development of the Gotjawal Forest
in the 1980’s for golf courses and resorts researches say that development is
the main cause for groundwater exhaustion and pollution. However, the only information
shown to support this hypothesis is the decreasing habitats of birds and plant
life. There are currently no efforts to protect the streams, plants, or the
natural habitats of the birds; even some species like Indian Pittas who are
classified as endangered by the Korean Government.
