Interdisciplinary Mathematics and Sciences in Schematic Ocean Current Maps in the Seas Around Korea

The oceans are the largest reservoir of heat on the Earth as well as the most important regulator of climate change in a rapidly changing warming world. Ocean currents have long played a very important role in the distribution of uneven global energy distribution. Science textbooks are the most effective and efficient means of conveying accurate and up-to-date information about change in the ocean currents to students. Since the oceanic current map represents an extensive summary of a variety of complicated ocean currents, it should contain solid scientific knowledge on the representative ocean currents in the textbooks. This study presents the efforts of how Korean oceanographic community have tried to correct the erratic schematic maps on the ocean currents around the Korean peninsula in recent years. To compare objectively the ocean currents presented in scientific papers and earth science textbooks, all ocean current maps were numerically transformed with the same geographical mapping. A unified schematic map of the currents was produced by integrating all knowledge and insights of oceanographers and experts through various ways such as in-depth discussions, oceanographic conferences, intensive workshops, questionnaires, and so on. The process of this type is strongly related to science, technology, mathematics, engineering, and even artistic concepts. These maps are expected to be very useful for secondary school education, marine experts, the general public, etc. In addition, the methods and strategies proposed in this study are expected to contribute to revise the ocean current maps not only for local seas but also the global ocean.