Conservation and Application Scheme of Hominid and Other Vertebrate Footprints from Jeju Island, Korea

Abstract

This study intended to the optimal conservation method and to make an application scheme for the fossil locality of the Quaternary Hamori Formation at the northeastern coast of Mt. Songak. Many kinds of innumerable fossils are found from the Hamori Formation in the study area: Footprints of hominid, trace fossils of invertebrates, bird, artiodactyla, proboscidea, carnivores, unclassified footprints, and body fossils (arthropoda, gastropoda, mollusca, and plants). The formation has been outcropped and eroded out with innumerous fossils by the strong wave action of storm and typhoon. Korean government recognized the dangerous situation of the important fossils and decided to conserve the formation for the national heritage. Method D1 (conservation hall or museum on the fossil locality) may be the best way to protect the fossil locality from all the natural activities and to do the research, exhibition, education, and sightseeing together. The application of the geologic materials from the fossil locality should preferentially focus on the collection and research which should be accompanied by exhibition, education, and sightseeing. The application scheme may be stepped into three stages during 10 years: (1) systematic conservation and publicity during 2005-2007, (2) establishment of wellorganized museum during 2008-2010, and (3) international museum with the optimized roles 2011-2014.