Statistical Classification of Sand Beaches in the Taean Region and Applications for Disaster Prevention

Abstract

Bahk, J. and Kim, C.W., 2021. Statistical classification of sand beaches in the Taean region and applications for disaster prevention. In: Lee, J.L.; Suh, K.-S.; Lee, B.; Shin, S., and Lee, J. (eds.), Crisis and Integrated Management for Coastal and Marine Safety. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 114, pp. 231–235. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749–0208. This study applied cluster analysis and multidimensional scale analysis using nine variables to 20 beaches in South Korea for statistical classification. According to the method of cluster analysis, four clusters were classified, and individual clusters exhibited different characteristics. By plotting the results of cluster analysis as a function of the multidimensional scale analysis, it was confirmed that beaches were mostly appropriately clustered. From the perspective of policymaking and disaster management, beach hazard assessment and oil spill sensitivity of beaches in the Taean region were calculated based on the research results. The study provides insights into the beach classification process and proves that classification using statistical analysis can be used as basic data for policymaking and implementation.