Since the scale and disaster characteristics of volcanic eruptions are determined by their geological features, it is important not only to grasp the current states of the volcanoes in neighboring countries around the Korean Peninsula, but also to analyze the tectonic settings, tectonic regions, geological features, volcanic types, and past eruptional histories of these volcanoes. We created a database of 285 volcanoes around the Korean Peninsula, and then identified a high-risk groups of 29 volcanoes that are highly likely to affect the region, based on conditions such as volcanic activity, the type of rocks at risk of eruption, the distance from Seoul, and high VEI (volcanic explosivity index). In addition, we identified the 10 volcanoes that should be given the highest priority. We selected them through an analysis of data available in literature, such as volcanic ash dispersion results from previous Japanese eruptions, the definition of a large-scale volcano used by Japan’s Cabinet Office, and examination of cumulative magma layer volumes from Japan’s quaternary volcanoes.
This study aims at classifying and interpreting on the vegetation structure and analyzing the correlationship between communities and environmental conditions in Mt. Wolchulsan. We also predicted the succession possibility and the vertical distribution change of vegetations according to the global warming, through the pioneer species of a forest change and dominant species of canopy vegetations. We also analyzed the Raunkiaer's life-form. The communities in this ecotone are distributed vertically in the order of a Quercus acuta community, a Q. serrata-Q. variabilis community and a Q. serrata community. A Pinus densiflora community appears on the most of altitudes. The distribution of communities correlates highly with an altitude. The Q. serrata-Q. variabilis community will be succession to the Q. acuta community, and the Q. variabilis will be under natural selection gradually or remain locally. The Q. serrata community will possibly maintain as it is, and the P. densiflora community will be also under natural selection gradually. The valuable quantitative and numerical life-forms are confirmed and the layer structure of present vegetation will not be changed.