Influence of regional and local topography on the distribution of polymetallic nodules in Central Indian Ocean Basin

Detailed bathymetric surveys from part of the Central Indian Ocean revealed several bathymetric features such as hills, slopes, valleys, and plains. Areas with a local relief of a few to hundreds of meters generally have a high abundance of polymetallic nodules with a patchy distribution. Areas with less relief have lesser abundance but a regular distribution. North-south topographic profiles have a smoother sea floor than the east-west ones. Near the minor faults, the abundance is high. Mn,Ni,Mn/Fe levels are higher in the plain areas, and rough terrains have high Fe,Co and low Mn/Fe levels.     

南海铁锰结核(壳)的元素地球化学研究

本文利用南海11个铁锰结核(壳)样品的化学分析资料,研究了铁锰结核(壳)中Fe,Mn,Cu,Co,Ni,Pb,Zn,Cr,K,Na,Ca,Mg,Si,P,Al,Ti,Sr,Ba及∑REE的元素地球化学特征。结果表明:(1)铁锰结核(壳)以高Fe,∑REE,低Mn,Cu,Co,Ni等元素为主要特征;(2)铁锰结核(壳)中Fe,Mn间无明显相关,而Fe与∑REE,∑Ce,∑Y呈弱的正相关,Mn与∑REE,∑Ce,∑Y呈明显的正相关,结壳中Fe,Mn与Si,Al,Cu Co Ni呈负相关;(3)结核(壳)中Mn/Fe与Cu/Ni,Ce/La呈负相关,Mn/Fe主要受Mn控制;(4)结核(壳)中Fe,∑REE等元素主要来自南海陆源中酸性岩类的风化、淋滤和沉积。     

Ferromanganese Nodules and Crusts from the Christmas Island Region,Indian Ocean

A sampling expedition has shown that largely hydrogenetic marine ferromanganese deposits occur in the Christmas Island region south of Java (~10°S), as small nodules on seamount slopes and abyssal plains (red clay), and as thick crusts on volcanic ridges and seamounts. Vernadite is dominant, with birnessite, jacobsite and todorokite common. Nodules were recovered in 25% of free-fall grab stations in water 4600-5900 m deep, and are not abundant where present. The nodules average 9.6% Fe, 19.7% Mn, 0.51% Ni, 0.49% Cu, and 0.12% Co. Crusts are common in water 1450-3700 m deep, with average deposition rates of 1-1.5 mm / m.y. The crusts average 13.9% Fe, 16.2% Mn, 0.35% Ni, 0.11% Cu, and 0.44% Co. Cobalt grades are higher (~0.8%) in shallower water ( < 2500 m), so future exploration should concentrate on depths of 500-1500 m near the oxygen minimum zone.     

Evidence for the formation of different‐sized nodules by different accretionary processes

Abstract

Studies on different‐sized polymetallic nodules from the Central Indian Ocean Basin reveal that chemical composition is largely related to the nodule diameter which show systematic decrease in Mn, Cu, and Ni content with increase in nodule size. S and I type nodules are more abundant than B, L, and V types. Nodules grouped according to their size have common morphological, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics and all six groups have distinguishing properties. There is evidence which suggests that the smaller (M and I) nodules are diagenetic and the larger (S, B, L, and V) are hydrogenetic, exhibiting variations in todorokite abundance and in chemical composition. There is also substantial evidence that the nodules of high economic value (Cu + Ni + Co%) can be sorted out on the basis of simple morphological parameters.     

东太平洋多金属结核分布的二维趋势面分析

对规则网的 469个测站的多金属结核丰度和 93个测站的 Mn、 Cu、 Co、 Ni元素进行趋势面分析 ,经 F检验 ,各变量的变异性显著 ,拟合度较低 ,表明多金属结核丰度及 Mn、Cu、Co、Ni金属元素的控制因素比较复杂。趋势面分析结果与相关分析结果一致 ,Mn、Cu、Ni元素有极相似的趋势特征 ,有两个轴向分布 ,一个为东西向轴 ,高值区在东部 ,另一个为北西向轴 ,高值区在北西部 ;结核丰度与 Co也有极相似的趋势特征 ,高值区在西部。应用逐次趋势面分析的结果将结核丰度的地质特征分解成各种简单控制因素的叠加 ,使对多金属结核的控矿因素、分布规律和物质来源的研究方法多样化     

Characteristics of Seafloor Morphology and Ferromanganese Nodule Occurrence in the Korea Deep-sea Environmental Study (KODES) Area, NE Equatorial Pacific

Seafloor morphology and ferromanganese nodule occurrence were studied using a multibeam side scan sonar (SeaBeam, 2000) and a deep-sea camera system in the Korea Deep-sea Environmental Study (KODES) area, northeast equatorial Pacific. Seafloor morphology and nodule abundance are highly variable even in this small study area. The NNE-SSW oriented hills are parallel and about 100-200 m high. Valleys are very flat-floored, while hilltops are rugged with depressions of tens of meters. Cliffs to about 100 m bound the valleys and the hills. The study area can be classified into three types based both on nodule occurrence and seafloor morphology, mostly G- and B-types and some M-type. G-type is characterized by high nodule abundance, ubiquitous bioturbation, and flat seafloor morphology, while B-type is characterized by irregular-shaped nodules, variable nodule abundance, occurrence of giant nodules and sediment lumps, rugged bottom morphology with depressions, and white calcareous surface sediments. Medium nodule abundance and a generally flat seafloor characterize M-type. G-type occurs mostly in the valley regions, while B-type is on the hilltop areas. M-type is located between the hilltop and the valley. Tectonic movement of the Pacific plate resulted in the elongated abyssal hills and cliffs. The rugged morphology on hilltops resulted from erosion and redistribution of surface siliceous sediments on hilltops by bottom currents, outcropping of underlying calcareous sediments, and dissolution of the carbonate sediments by corrosive bottom water undersaturated with CaCO 3 . Sediment eroded from the hills, which is relatively young and organic-rich, is deposited in the valleys, and diagenetic metal supply to manganese nodules in the valley area is more active than on the hills. We suggest that tectonic movement ultimately constrains morphology, surface sediment facies, bottom currents and sediment redistribution, bioturbation, thickness of the sedimentary layer, and other conditions, which are all interrelated and control nodule occurrence. The best potential area for mining in the study area is the G-type valley zones with about 3-4 km width and NNW-SSE orientation.     

Characteristics of Seafloor Morphology and Ferromanganese Nodule Occurrence in the Korea Deep-sea Environmental Study (KODES) Area,NE Equatorial Pacific

Abstract

Seafloor morphology and ferromanganese nodule occurrence were studied using a multibeam side scan sonar (SeaBeam, 2000) and a deep-sea camera system in the Korea Deep-sea Environmental Study (KODES) area, northeast equatorial Pacific. Seafloor morphology and nodule abundance are highly variable even in this small study area. The NNE-SSW oriented hills are parallel and about 100–200 m high. Valleys are very flat-floored, while hilltops are rugged with depressions of tens of meters. Cliffs to about 100 m bound the valleys and the hills. The study area can be classified into three types based both on nodule occurrence and seafloor morphology, mostly G- and B-types and some M-type. G-type is characterized by high nodule abundance, ubiquitous bioturbation, and flat seafloor morphology, while B-type is characterized by irregular-shaped nodules, variable nodule abundance, occurrence of giant nodules and sediment lumps, rugged bottom morphology with depressions, and white calcareous surface sediments. Medium nodule abundance and a generally flat seafloor characterize M-type. G-type occurs mostly in the valley regions, while B-type is on the hilltop areas. M-type is located between the hilltop and the valley. Tectonic movement of the Pacific plate resulted in the elongated abyssal hills and cliffs. The rugged morphology on hilltops resulted from erosion and redistribution of surface siliceous sediments on hilltops by bottom currents, outcropping of underlying calcareous sediments, and dissolution of the carbonate sediments by corrosive bottom water undersaturated with CaCO₃. Sediment eroded from the hills, which is relatively young and organic-rich, is deposited in the valleys, and diagenetic metal supply to manganese nodules in the valley area is more active than on the hills. We suggest that tectonic movement ultimately constrains morphology, surface sediment facies, bottom currents and sediment redistribution, bioturbation, thickness of the sedimentary layer, and other conditions, which are all interrelated and control nodule occurrence. The best potential area for mining in the study area is the G-type valley zones with about 3–4 km width and NNW-SSE orientation.     

多金属结核生长过程中元素通量的变化规律

本文主要研究太平洋ＣＣ区多金属结核ＣＣＡ３３，ＣＣＢ２９，ＣＣＣ５０，ＣＣＣ１４生长过程中锰、铁、镍、铜的通量（ＦＭｎ），ＦＦｅ，ＦＮｉ，ＦＣｕ）的变化规律．研究表明：１．结核生长过程中Ｍｎ，Ｆｅ，Ｎｉ和Ｃｕ的通量都是波动性的；２．ＦＭｎ与ＦＦｅ，ＦＮｉ，ＦＣｕ均呈正相关性；３．结核的元素通量与结核的成因类型和生长阶段密切相关，并记录了海底缺氧事件；４．结核的元素通量存在区域性差异，是沉积环境不同的反映。     

Distribution pattern and morphochemical relationships of manganese nodules from the Central Indian Basin

In the Central Indian Basin manganese nodule abundance was variable in all sediment types. Mean abundance varied from 1.5 in calcareous ooze to 10.2 kg/m² in terrigenous-siliceous ooze sediments. Nodule grade and growth rates are positively correlated only up to 10 mm/My (million years), and grade shows no distinct relationship with abundance. Relationships between the morphochemical characteristics of the nodules and host sediment types are subtle. Both hydrogenetic and diagenetic nodules (with smooth and rough surfaces respectively) occur on almost all sediments, but in variable proportions. Thus, the overall distribution pattern shows that small nodules (<4-cm diameters) of lower grade (average value Ni+Cu+Co=1.21%) with smooth surfaces are more common on red clay, terrigenous, and terrigenous-siliceous ooze transition-zone sediments. By contrast, large nodules (>4-cm diameters) of higher grade (average value Ni+Cu+Co=1.80%) with rough surfaces are more prevalent on siliceous ooze, siliceous ooze-red clay, and calcareous ooze-red clay transition-zone sediments. This implies an enhanced supply of trace metals from pore waters to rough-surface nodules during early diagenesis.     

海洋软泥水成矿金属组分存在形式及其溶解-沉淀的定量研究

依据溶液化学平衡反应模型理论,对海盆和洋盆软泥水的成矿金属组分存在形式及其溶解-沉淀作用进行了定量研究,结果表明,软泥水中除Fe存在部分高价态外,Mn、Cu、Ni、Co均以低价态的形式存在,它们不可能通过化学沉淀作用生成以高价态锰矿物为主的结核。实验证明Mn、Fe主要以胶体和微粒形态存在,其浓度比溶解态的浓度要高出百倍至千倍。这些胶状的金属微粒直接参与了结核的生成。胶体化学作用是结核生成的主要成矿作用。     

Geochemical variation in ferromanganese nodules and associated sediments from the Pacific Ocean

The major and minor element compositions of a suite of abyssal sea-floor ferromanganese nodules and associated sediments from the eastern central Pacific have been used to examine inter-element relationships and the mineralogy of the nodules, the relationship between the composition of nodules and their associated sediments and regional variations in composition with respect to likely modes of formation of such deposits. Apart from Mn and Fe, significant proportions of the total Ti, Ca, Mg, K, Ba, Sr, Th and Y and almost all the P, As, Ce, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn and Zr are present in the oxide fractions of the nodules. The Mg, Ba, Cu, Mo, Ni and Zn contents are significantly correlated with the Mn content, while Ti, P, As, Pb, Sr, Y and Zr are similarly correlated with the total Fe content.Nodules from the northeastern tropical Pacific have Mn/Fe ratios higher than those in the oxide fractions of their associated sediments, todorokite as the principal Mn phase and relatively high concentrations of minor elements associated with Mn. Nodules from the south central Pacific have Mn/Fe ratios similar to those in the oxide fractions of the associated sediments, δ-MnO₂ as the only Mn-phase, and relatively high concentrations of minor elements associated with Fe. There appears to be a smooth gradation in composition in the tropical Pacific between these two end members.The regional compositional variation is interpreted as a reflection of different sources of metals for, and different growth mechanisms of, sea-floor nodules. The oxide precipitate from sea water consists of δ-MnO₂, has a relatively low Mn/Fe ratio and minor element contents related to the total Fe and Mn(δ-MnO₂) content. The oxide precipitate forming in areas of very low sedimentation as a result of diagenetic remobilisation in the surface sediment consists of todorokite, and has a high Mn/Fe ratio and enhanced metal content in the Mn-(todorokite)phase. Available information on the morphology and compositional variation of individual nodules from the tropical Pacific corroborates these contrasting metal sources and suggests that they can be resolved on the scale of an individual oxide concretion.     

Impact of depositional and biogeochemical processes on small scale variations in nodule abundance in the Clarion‐Clipperton Fracture Zone

Manganese nodules of the Clarion–Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ) in the NE Pacific Ocean are highly enriched in Ni, Cu, Co, Mo and rare-earth elements, and thus may be the subject of future mining operations. Elucidating the depositional and biogeochemical processes that contribute to nodule formation, as well as the respective redox environment, in both water column and sediment, supports our ability to locate future nodule deposits and to evaluate the potential ecological and environmental effects of future deep-sea mining. For these purposes we studied the local hydrodynamics and pore-water geochemistry with respect to the nodule coverage at four sites in the eastern CCFZ. Furthermore, we carried out selective leaching experiments at these sites in order to assess the potential mobility of Mn in the solid phase, and compared them with the spatial variations in sedimentation rates. We found that the oxygen penetration depth is 180–300 cm at all four sites, while reduction of Mn and NO₃⁻ is only significant below the oxygen penetration depth at sites with small or no nodules on the sediment surface. At the site without nodules, potential microbial respiration rates, determined by incubation experiments using ¹⁴C-labeled acetate, are slightly higher than at sites with nodules. Leaching experiments showed that surface sediments covered with big or medium-sized nodules are enriched in mobilizable Mn. Our deep oxygen measurements and pore-water data suggest that hydrogenetic and oxic-diagenetic processes control the present-day nodule growth at these sites, since free manganese from deeper sediments is unable to reach the sediment surface. We propose that the observed strong lateral contrasts in nodule size and abundance are sensitive to sedimentation rates, which in turn, are controlled by small-scale variations in seafloor topography and bottom-water current intensity.     

东太平洋海盆多金属结核生长历史的重建

依据多金属结核ＣＣＣ１４剖面上Ｍｎ、Ｆｅ、Ｎｉ、Ｃｕ的含量和有关的公式，本文计算该结核生长过程中瞬时生长速率和Ｍｎ、Ｆｅ、Ｎｉ、Ｃｕ的瞬时通量，并在结核中建立时间标尺，划分和对比结核生长阶段，重建结核ＣＣＣ１４８．７９３Ｍａ，Ｂ．Ｐ．以来的生长历史。研究结果表明，采用由铁、锰含量计算结核生长速率的公式，可详细了解结核生长过程，并能识别与提取强核中古海洋信息记录。     

A comparative analysis of compositional variations in and between marine ferromanganese nodules and crusts in the South Pacific and their environmental controls

Regional variation of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu in ferromanganese oxides (nodules and crusts) in the central south Pacific is related to primary productivity, oxygen minimum layer, and calcium carbonate compensation depth. The largely latitudinal influence of these environmental parameters on nodule and crust composition reflects their predominantly latitudinal variation. Primary productivity is the principal regional environmental control, influencing diagenetic enrichment of these elements in nodules through its effect, mediated by the CCD, on supply and concentration of labile organic matter vs. carbonate remains to the sediments. It influences hydrogenetic enrichment of these elements in nodules and crusts through its effect, mediated by the oxygen minimum layer (mainly in the case of crusts), on their export from surface waters.The elements’ varying susceptibility to being scavenged or organically bound influences the contrasting composition of diagenetic vs. hydrogenetic ferromanganese oxides, which is further influenced by depth. Hydrogenesis is the fundamental process governing nodule and crust formation, superimposed on which is diagenesis under specific circumstances; both are subject to intermittent interruption, diminution and augmentation by changes in environmental parameters. Application of regionally operative environmental controls locally explains local compositional variations and helps refine exploration criteria for economically viable nodules and crusts.     

The Role of Primary-Producer-Mediated Organic Complexation in Regional Variation in the Supply of Mn,Fe, Co,Cu, Ni and Zn to Oceanic,Non-Hydrothermal Ferromanganese Crusts and Nodules

Oceanic, non-hydrothermal ferromanganese crusts and nodules are variably enriched in Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ni and Zn. Comparison of the content of these elements in crusts and nodules with the level of primary productivity in the South Pacific Ocean suggests that primary-producer-mediated complexation of several of these elements by organic ligands in solution may contribute to explaining a pattern of distinctive associations observed between compositional variations for these elements in these deposits and variations in the level of primary productivity.     

GEOCHEMISTRY OF MANGANESE NODULES IN THE NORTHERN CENTRAL PACIFIC

The contents of Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb and Zn in manganese nodules and associated pelagic sediment from the Northern Central Pacific have been measured, and the correlations between the elements of the nodules and between the chemical composition and the sedimentary environments have been analyzed. It has been found that Cu, Ni and Zn are preferentially enriched in the Mn-oxide phases while Co and Pb in the Fe-oxide phases of the nodules. The elements within the same phase are positively correlated and the elements within different phases are negatively correlated. It is concluded that the elements in the Fe-oxide phase may have directly deposited from seawater while Mn-oxide phase elements are mainly derived from interstitial waters.     

GEOCHEMISTRY OF ABYSSAL SEDIMENT IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN

The contents of Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb and Zn in the seaiment associated with manganese nodules from the Northern Central Pacific Ocean and in their acid-soluble fractions were determined and correlations among the elements and between the trace metals and environmental parameters were discussed. It has been found that the contents of Mn, Cu and Ni in the sediment are one order of magnitude higher than those in the common sediment. As shown in the manganese nodules, they may mainly derive from seabed. The contents of all trace metals in the sediment are obviously governed by Fe-and Mn-oxides, organic matter, seawater depth, particle size and Eh. Multi-element correlation equations were developed for all trace metals. The trace metals in acid-soluble fraction of the sediment were also much higher than ihose of common sediment and negatively correlated with water depth, implying the possible influence of carbonate speciation.     

Quantitative estimation of seafloor features from photographs and their application to nodule mining

Methods developed for quantitative estimation of seafloor features from seabed photographs and their application for estimation of nodule sizes, coverage, abundance, burial, sediment thickness, extent of rock exposure, density of benthic organisms, and their lebensspuren have been presented. Digitization of the photographs shows variable nodule size (< 1 to 10 cm), coverage (< 1 to 75%) and abundance (< 1 to 20 kg/m²). Nodule population is inversely proportional to the coverage of the sediment (10–100%) and its thickness (0 to > 10 cm), which causes differential burial (0–100%) of nodules. Correlation between nodule parameters (diameter and coverage) in the photographs and grab recovery is used to evolve empirical relationships for estimating nodule abundance in different seabed settings. The rock outcrops (basalts) with a coverage of 6–100% are the sources of nuclei for the nodules, the distribution of which is controlled by the local topography. Higher concentrations of nodules are observed along the slopes, followed by the crests of seamounts, and are lowest in the valleys and plains. A population density of 6–7 benthic organisms per 100 m² belonging to 7 different phyla is observed, with a high frequency of lebensspuren (4–12 traces/m²) in association with nodules. Estimation of these parameters can be used as important inputs in the design of the nodule collector, as it will have to encounter a variety of seafloor conditions, such as patchy nodule distribution, rock outcrops, steep slopes, and frequent microtopographic changes, as well as benthic life. The distribution and relation of various features with one another can also be used to understand the possible impact of nodule mining on the seabed. Estimates show that for a yield of 3 million tonnes of nodules per year, the volume of sediment disturbed will be between 200 × 10⁷ and 500 × 10⁷ m³over an area of 300–600 km², depending upon the average abundance of nodules. Hence, the nodule collector will have to be a self‐propelled system, with photographic and acoustic sensors, to enable selective mining and avoid unfavorable areas.     

Trace elements in ferromanganese nodules from the central indian ocean basin

Thirty-three bulk ferromanganese nodules from the sediment–water interface of siliceous sediment domain from the Central Indian Ocean Basin were analyzed for 50 elements including 6 new (Be, As, Se, Sn, Sb, and Bi) using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer. The Mn/Fe ratio and triangular plot (Fe-Mn-{Cu+Ni+Co?×?10}) suggest that ferromanganese nodules are of hydrogenetic, early diagenetic, and diagenetic origin. In the ferromanganese nodules, Mo, Sb, Bi, and As are highly enriched ～320, 160, 90, and 50 times compared with upper continental crust, respectively. A majority of the elements such as Be, Sc, Ti, V, Co, As, Se, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Sn, rare earth elements (REEs), Pb, Bi, P, Th, U, Hf, and Ta are associated with Fe, whereas, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mo, Li, Ga, Sb, Mg, and Cs are associated with Mn in the ferromanganese nodules. Redox proxies such as U/Th (0.14) and Mo/Mn (0.0019) ratio in the ferromanganese nodules suggest their formation under oxic conditions.     

太平洋东马里亚纳海盆多金属结核成因及品位控制因素

本文选取东马里亚纳海盆与CC区中国多金属结核合同区西区的多金属结核样品,采用ICP-OES、ICP-MS以及XRD等测试方法对结核表层进行了地球化学与矿物学分析,并探讨了东马里亚纳海盆结核成因以及其主要成矿元素含量的控制因素。结果表明,结核具备水成型结核的主、微量元素特征,并受到成岩作用的影响。结核上下表层各元素含量差异明显,上表层Fe、Co、P等多数主量元素及∑REYs含量均高于下表层,而Mn、Cu、Ni等元素含量在下表层明显增加。根据结核矿物学以及海洋环境特征,并结合前人数据统计分析认为,东马里亚纳海盆结核样品中Mn、Ni、Cu、Co、Fe、Ce的品位主要受控于Mn矿物组成、底层海水溶解氧和表层海水初级生产力,La、Y等稀土元素品位还受到洋中脊热液活动的制约。