In this study, we analyzed seasonal variations in carbon dioxide fluxes, concentrations, and soil temperatures over three years in unvegetated tidal flats in the Beolgyo area. We also investigated the correlations between carbon dioxide fluxes and influencing factors. The average carbon dioxide flux was positive in summer and autumn but negative in winter and spring. A positive correlation was observed between carbon dioxide flux and soil temperature in spring whereas a negative correlation was noted in summer. In summer and autumn, as the soil temperature increased, the carbon dioxide flux decreased. In contrast, in spring and winter, as the soil temperature decreased, the carbon dioxide flux increased. Overall, this study reveals the significant influence of soil temperatures on carbon dioxide fluxes between the surface layer of the tidal flat and atmosphere.

In this study, sediment cores from unvegetated tidal flats in the Hampyeong Bay (west coastal wetland) and Dongdae Bay (south coastal wetland) were sampled, the blue carbon stock in the sediments was calculated, and the characteristics of the blue carbon stock were analyzed based on particle size of the sediments. The sediments in the Hampyeong Bay tidal flat had large particle size and low mud content, and the Dongdae bay tidal flat had small particle size and high mud content. The organic carbon content and blue carbon stock in the sediments were higher in the Dongdae tidal flat than in the Hampyeong Bay tidal flat. As a result of the regression function, in both the Hampyeong Bay and Dongdae Bay tidal flats, the sediments had the smaller particle size and higher mud contents the higher the organic carbon content and blue carbon stock. The sediments with smaller particle size had the larger specific surface area, so were feasible to adsorb and store more organic matters.