KHOA-led research activity based on Ieodo Ocean Research Station

Abstract

The Ieodo Ocean Research Station (Ieodo ORS), a steel-framed tower-type platform has been constructed in the vicinity of a submarine rock called Ieodo in June 2003 to improve our understanding of oceanic and atmospheric phenomena and theirinteractions in the East China Sea. The station is characterized by an internationally unique station due to the open-sea location which is about 149 km away from Jeju Island. To vitalize studies based on the Ieodo ORS, the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency(KHOA) has run several research projects divided by three categories: utilization of Ieodo ORS observation data, understanding ocean and atmospheric environments via monitoring and observation, and developing monitoring equipment fit for observing environmental conditions. Further, the KHOA has run a program of ‘Ieodo ORS field trip’ since 2014, supporting a dedicated ship to service the Ieodo ORS and use of Ieodo ORS’s facilities. Ultimately, the KHOA aims to establish the Ieodo Ocean ORS as an international scientific station through a variety of international research collaboration, together with Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology.