[Anchor Lead]
Research has begun at the lake at the top of Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island to study the origin and changes of the peak. An extensive operation to collect deep layers of sediment will provide new clues on how the iconic mountain was formed. Let’s take a look.
[Pkg]
Drilling work is well under way at Baengnokdam Lake on Hallasan Mountain in Jeju Island. An iron pipe retrieved from the ground unveils soil sediments. Officials are drilling a hole into the lake floor in efforts to shed light on the origin of Mount Hallasan. The depth from the soil surface to the bedrock is expected to be some 20 meters. Holes with a diameter of 8 centimeters will be drilled at six locations. Soil one meter deep reaching the bedrock will be dug out at one time, in order to collect sediments.
[Soundbite] Dr. Im Jae-soo(Researcher, KIGAM) : "By measuring the chronology of sediments from the lowest layers, we can find that the mountain was created before a certain time."
The sediments will be analyzed to see what particles and plants it contains as part of efforts to gain insight into the climate and vegetation of the old days. Based on the findings, Jeju Island will aim to discover trends in long-term climate change and set up a master plan to better preserve the mountain.
[Soundbite] Dr. An Woong-san(Jeju Special Self-Governing Prov.) : "Historical changes will be uncovered quantitatively. This way we can predict future changes and establish preservation measures for Mt. Hallasan."
By the time the first phase analysis results of the drilling operation are released at the end of the year, more secrets of Mount Hallasan are expected to be uncovered.
