Characteristics of Alkanes in Ferromanganese Nodules of the Clarion–Clipperton Fracture Zone

This work presents the first results of a comparative study on the composition and distribution of organic matter (OM) (TOC, n-alkanes, pristane, phytane) in ferromanganese nodules and underlying sediments (0–1 cm) from three sites within the Clarion–Clipperton Fracture Zone, Pacific Ocean. Samples were collected during Cruise 120 of the RSS James Cook in 2015. The studied nodules differ in size, shape, and morphology. The TOC content in the nodules is 0.15% on average with insignificant variations which is less than in the sediments. The molecular composition of n-alkanes in the nodules is mainly determined by modern bacterial activity with high preservation of terrigenous n-alkanes in the environment of the ore deposit formation.     

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.     

Morphological Features of Co-Rich Manganese Deposits and Their Relation to Seabed Slopes

Abstract

The morphological features associated with Co-rich manganese deposits, the size variations of nodules, and the occurrence of different substrates have been analyzed, to evaluate the influence of various seabed slope angles on the distribution of these features. The coverage and size of the crusts depend on their surface morphology and seabed topography, resulting in cobble-type, lineated, or step-like outcrops. Small nodules (1–4 cm in diameter) dominate all seabed slopes, with a few locations having nodules ranging from 1 to 8 or 1 to 10 cm. Sediments invariably occur as substrates for nodules and as cover for crusts, their coverage being inversely proportional to that of the nodules and crust outcrops.

Steeper seafloor areas have large crust outcrops exposed with no or few nodules and sediments associated with them. The intermediate slopes have a combination of nodules, sediments, and crusts in various proportions, depending on topography and gradient. Large-scale nodule occurrences, followed by sediment fields and crust outcrops on seabed slopes of < 3°, 3–7°, and > 15°, respectively, represent typical morphological distribution zones of the Co-rich manganese deposits on a seamount in the central Pacific Ocean. A transition zone between nodule-dominated fields and large crust outcrops occurs for slopes from 7° to 15°. This detailed study on distribution of Co-rich deposits gives a better understanding for purposes of their exploitation.     

Phosphorite from the Continental Margin off Madras, Bay of Bengal

A recent survey reveals that phosphorites occur over an area of 800 km2 between 100 and 500 m depths on the outer continental shelf and upper slope ESE off Madras. Appreciable subsurface continuity of phosphorites is not indicated. They mostly occur over two terraces recorded between the 100 and 200, and 350 and 400m isobaths. Sampled phosphorites may be classified under four types: (1) dense conglomeratic phosphorites in the size range 2 5 cm, (2) dark gray phosphatic nodules in the size range 1 3 cm, (3) creamy white calcareous algal nodules with phosphatic laminations in the size range 0.5 3 cm, and (4) recent gastropod shells with phosphatic studs. Conglomeratic phosphorites confined mostly to the upper terrace were recov ered along with calcareous pelecypod and gastropod fossils belonging to Cretaceous to Oligocene age. Gray phosphatic nodules occur over upper as well as lower terraces. The algal nodules are mostly confined to the upper terrace and are less abundant. Acoustic profiles (3.5 kHz) and the recovery of fossils indicate that the upper terrace is a karstic surface of a carbonate platform, probably of Cretaceous to Oligocene age. Petrographic study of the conglomeratic phosphorite shows skeletal matter set in phosphatic matrix and what appears to be the phosphatized limestone. Selective phosphatization of foraminiferal tests is common. Dark gray phosphatic nodules show brownish-gray laminations containing phosphatized skeletal fragments set in phosphatic matrix. Creamy white calcareous algal nodules exhibit alternate gray phosphatic and white calcitic laminations. All the phosphorite types are composed of carbonate fluorapatite and calcite as major minerals, followed by quartz and aragonite. Phosphorous pentoxide content of conglomeratic type varies from 15% to 20%, dark gray nodules from 16% to 19.98%, and calcareous algal nodules from 8.10% to 17.54%. The significant enrichment of Mo and Pb in phosphorites is attributed to their fixation in organic matter under reduced condition. SEM studies indicate a microbial origin for the gray phosphatic and algal nodules. Studies suggest four episodes of phosphatization with intervening reworking and redoposition, probably commencing from the Eocene period. Phosphatization during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene period also can be ruled out.     

Regional Variability in Occurrence and Distribution of Polymetallic Nodules in the Central Indian Basin

Regional scale morphological studies on different-sized polymetallic nodules from the Central Indian Basin show that only 2–5 cm sized nodules have highest occurrence per station (92–94% along latitudes; 88–94% along longitudes). A nodule size shows an inverse relationship with the nodule distribution, grade, and abundance. Interestingly, only 3–4 and 4–5 cm sized nodules have highest grade, abundance, and distribution percentages along longitudes in P₁, first generation mine site and relinquished area, which further implies that the nodule mining along the longitude would be beneficial. Different-sized nodule groups suggest their formation under variable environmental conditions that existed in the Central Indian Basin. The coexistence of different-sized nodules suggests different environmental conditions existed in the Central Indian Basin.     

A new box corer design for the investigation of manganese-nodule distribution in a sediment column

A new, inexpensive and easy-to-handle box corer (47 × 47 × 114 cm³) is described. It is found to be extremely handy when operated from ships equipped with piston coring devices. The box corer uses the same piston core-head (～1000 kg) and the same trigger mechanism as used in piston coring. The whole operation is similar to that of piston coring. At three sites in the nodule-rich abyssal-hill province in the northwest Atlantic, the vertical distributions of the manganese nodules were obtained from the box cores. More than 75% of the nodules by weight is present in the top 10 cm of the sediment; 16–24% is present in the 10–20 cm interval and about 1% in the 20–30 cm interval. Very few nodules are found below 30 cm.     

Sedimentary processes on an estuarine marsh island within the turbidity maximum zone of the Yangtze River mouth

Sedimentary characteristics and processes on an estuarine marsh island in the Yangtze Estuary (East China Sea) show that (1) the mean grain size of the surficial sediments varies between 0.003 and 0.16 mm, the finest sediment being more enriched in the marsh center particularly under calm weather conditions during the flood season, and the coarsest sediment being more enriched on the low seaward tidal flats particularly after storms; (2) the sediment organic carbon content is generally less than 1.4 wt%; (3) the annual vertical marsh accretion is in the range of 20 cm, with a maximum value of 40 cm in the middle of the marsh; and (4) the seasonal cycle in plant growth strongly influences sediment grain size and erosion-accretion events. Received: 6 January 1999 / Revision accepted: 11 April 2000     

Organized bacterial assemblies in manganese nodules: evidence for a role of S-layers in metal deposition

Polymetallic/ferro-manganese nodules (Mn-nodules) reach sizes of up to 10 cm in diameter and are abundantly found on the seabed. To date, the origin of Mn-nodules remains unclear, and both abiogenic and biogenic origins have been proposed. In search of evidence for a contribution of microbial processes to the formation of Mn-nodules, we analyzed those spherical nodules which contain a concentrically banded texture in their interior. The Mn-nodules were collected at a depth of 5,152 m from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. Our high-resolution scanning electron microscopy analyses reveal first published evidence that endolithic microorganisms exist and are arranged in a highly organized manner on plane mineral surfaces within the nodules. These microorganisms are adorned on their surfaces with S-layers, which are indicative for bacteria. Moreover, the data suggest that these S-layers are the crystallization seeds for the mineralization process. We conclude that the mineral material of the Mn-nodule has a biogenic origin, and hope that these data will contribute to the development of biotechnological approaches to concentrate metals from seawater using bacteria in bioreactors.     

Sedimentary geology of the Columbia River Estuary

A multiyear study of the sedimentary geology of the Columbia River Estuary has provided valuable data regarding sediment distribution, bedform distribution, and suspended sediment distribution on spatial and temporal scales that permit delineation of sedimentary environments and insight into the sedimentary processes that have shaped the estuary. In comparison to other more-intensively studied estuaries in North America, the Columbia River estuary has relatively larger tidal range (maximum semidiurnal range of 3.6m) and large riverflow (6,700m³s⁻¹). Variations in riverflow, sediment supply, and tidal flow occur over a range of time scales, making the study of modern processes, as they relate to long-term effects, particularly challenging.Analyses of more than 2000 bottom-sediment grab samples indicate that the bed material of the estuary varies in a relatively narrow range between 0 and 8 phi (1.0 and 0.0039mm) with an overall mean size of 2.5 phi (0.177mm). Sediment size decreases generally in the downstream direction. Sediments from the upriver channels are coarse (1.5–2.0phi; 0.25–0.35mm) and moderately sorted; sediments in the central estuary show wider range and variation in grain size and sorting (1.75–6.0phi; 0.016–0.3mm). Sediment from the entrance region has a mean size of 2.75phi (0.149mm) and is well sorted. Seasonal changes in sediment size distributions occur and are best delineated by those samples containing more than 10% mud (silt plus clay). Sediments containing a significant fine fraction generally occur only in the peripheral bays and in channels isolated from strong currents. Thin deposits of fine sediments are occasionally found in main channels, and the ephemeral nature of these sediments suggest that they may erode and produce the silty rip-up clasts that appear intermittently in the same regions.The distribution of bedforms of various size and shape has been mapped with side-scan sonar during three seasons and at various tidal stages. The presence of bedforms with wavelengths of 6–8m and alternating slip faces about 40cm high indicates that the deeper portion of the entrance region is dominated by tidally reversing lower flow regime sediment transport. Bedforms in the upper reaches of the estuary are much larger, with heights of up to 3m and wavelengths of up to 100m. These bedforms, and the smaller, superimposed bedforms, imply downstream transport under fluvial conditions. In the central estuary, bedforms in the deep portion of the main channels are oriented upriver while those on the shallow flanks of the channels are oriented seaward. The landward limit of upriver bedform transport varies seasonally in response to riverflow fluctuations.A complex array of sedimentary environments exists in the Columbia River estuary. Each environment is influenced by the relative importance of waves, fluvial currents, and tidal currents, as modified by the presence or absence of estuarine circulation, vegetation, or human activity. The importance of these enviroments to the ecosystem of the estuary is discussed in subsequent papers in this volume.     

Possibilities of using the GLORIA system for manganese nodule assessment

The I.O.S. long range side-scan sonar GLORIA has been widely used over a variety of seabed types, but until recently had not been used over an independently authenticated field of manganese nodules. In the Eastern Atlantic Ocean at approximately 31°25 N 25°15 W, a field of nodules approximately 3–6 cm in diameter covering up to 18% of the seafloor was observed using an underwater camera. The nodule field occurred over approximately 2.8 km of the 8.3 km camera run. The corresponding GLORIA image shows an area of medium intensity backscattering, approximately 3.7 km in diameter. Considering the likely contrast in acoustic reflectivity between manganese nodules and deep sea sediments, we propose a correlation between the nodules observed in the photographs and the medium intensity echo target revealed by the GLORIA system.     

吕宋海峡纬向海流及质量输送

分析和计算了吕宋海峡PR21断面最近海洋调查的部分CTD资料和ADCP资料,再一次证明吕宋海峡常年存在纬向流。但对于天气尺度而言,该流型是多变的。根据高分辨率的海洋环流数值模式4a(1992～1996年)海平面高度(SSH)的输出值,运用地转关系估计了吕宋海峡纬向流的月平均值。研究表明;通过海峡流入、流出南海纬向流的深度一般达到500m左右,200m以上流速较大,平均流速为50cm/s,最大时达80cm/s以上。500m以下的纬向地转流流速较小,通常小于10cm/s.由大洋进入海峡的入流位置位于海峡的中部和南部,月平均入流最大值出现在11月,为50cm/s.位于海峡的北部和南部上层海洋的月平均出流,最大流速亦出现在11月,也为50cm/s,这与秋季北赤道流分叉位置最北(15°N),春季分叉位置最南(14°N)有关。上层流入、流出海峡的流量的月平均值分别约为10×106m3/s和5×106m3/s.当东北季风盛行时(从10月到翌年2月),流入海峡的流量远大于流出海峡的流量,两者的差可达8×106m3/s,而在其他季节两者的差仅为3×106m3/s.这说明东北季风盛行时,会有较多的水从南海南？     

Use of riverine through reef habitat systems by dog snapper (Lutjanus jocu) in eastern Brazil

The early life history of Western Atlantic snappers from the Southern hemisphere is largely unknown. Habitat use of different life stages (i.e. size categories) of the dog snapper (Lutjanus jocu) was examined across the largest South Atlantic reef–estuarine complex (Abrolhos Shelf, Brazil, 16–19° S). Visual surveys were conducted in different habitats across the shelf (estuary, inner-shelf reefs and mid-shelf reefs). Lutjanus jocu showed higher densities on inner-shelf habitats, with a clear increase in fish size across the shelf. Individuals <7 cm were associated with both the estuary (mangrove and rocky habitats) and inner-shelf reefs (particularly shallow fore-reefs and tide pools). Individuals ranging 10–30 cm were broadly distributed, but consistently more abundant on inner-shelf reefs. Individuals between 30 and 40 cm were more common on mid-shelf reefs, while individuals >40 cm were recorded only on mid-shelf reefs. Literature data indicate that individuals ranging 70–80 cm are common on deep offshore reefs. This pattern suggests that the dog snapper performs ontogenetic cross-shelf migrations. Protecting portions of the different habitats used by the dog snapper during its post-settlement life cycle is highlighted as an important conservation and management measure.     

Studies on diffusion and profiles of elements in deep-sea manganese nodules

Elemental compositions are measured in manganese nodules collected from the Northern Mid-Pacific floor by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (1CP-AES) and their growth rates are determined by radiometric methods. The result shows that depth distributions of elements in nodules vary with depth as follows; (i) increase, (ii) decrease and (iii) fluctuation. These internodule variations in elemental compositions are considered to be caused by diffusion and migration of elements in nodules and heterogeneities in textures of nodules. In the present paper, a diffusive model is used to elucidate the inward-increase profile of some elements in nodules. The effective diffusive coefficients are estimated to be of the order of 10-9 cm2/a for Ni, V and Zn in the nodules, which is less than the value reported for radionuclides.     

Size matters: experimental partitioning of the strength of fish herbivory on a fringing coral reef in Moorea,French Polynesia

While the importance of top‐down control by grazers in maintaining tropical reef community structure is well known, the effect of ‘fishing down the food web’, which simultaneously changes the abundance and size of herbivorous fishes, has received less attention. As many fishing practices target the biggest fish and regulations often set minimum size limits, understanding size‐dependency of this controlling force is important. We evaluated the hypothesis that reduction in the abundance and size of fish, regardless of species identity, reduces the role of herbivory in controlling algal abundance on reefs and assessed variation in efficacy of this top‐down control on different types of common macroalgae. We quantified herbivory rates within cages of differing opening sizes on assemblages of four common algal species (Padina boryana, Dictyota bartayresiana, Halimeda opuntia and Galaxaura fasciculata) on two fringing reefs in Moorea, French Polynesia. Small acanthurids (<15 cm length) were the dominant herbivorous fish while other herbivorous fish were rare. For the two most palatable algae, the majority of herbivory occurred in open plots, with herbivory reduced by >50% in the largest opening cages (6 × 6 cm) where the maximum size fish entering was 12 cm in length (mean = 7.6, SE = 0.4). Fish entering medium (4.5 × 4.5 cm openings, maximum fish length = 8 cm, mean = 6.3, SE = 0.4) and small (3 × 3 cm openings, no fish observed entering) cages had herbivory rates approximately equal to the control treatment (1 × 1 cm openings). Consumption varied among algal species, with minimal consumption of physically and chemically defended algae and no pattern across treatments. Our results demonstrate a need for management plans to not only maintain the overall abundance of herbivorous fish but to protect the largest sizes for effective top‐down control of algal communities.     

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.     

Growth conditions of manganese nodules comparative studies of growth rate, magnetization, chemical composition and internal structure

Twenty-four manganese nodules from the surface of the sea floor and fifteen buried nodules were studied. With three exceptions, the nodules were collected from the area covered by Valdivia Cruise VA 04 some 1200 nautical miles southeast of Hawaii.Age determinations were made using the ionium method. In order to get a true reproduction of the activity distribution in the nodules, they were cut in half and placed for one month on nuclear emulsion plates to determine the α-activity of the ionium and its daughter products. Special methods of counting the α-tracks resolution to depth intervals of 0.125 mm. For the first time it was possible to resolve zones of rapid growth (impulse growth) with growth rates, s > 50 mm/10⁶ yr and interruptions in growth. With few exceptions the average rate of growth of all nodules was surprisingly uniform at 4–9 mm/¹⁰ yr. No growth could be recognized radioactively in the buried nodules. One exceptional nodule has had recent impulse growth and, in the material formed, the ionium is not yet in equilibrium with its daughter products. Individual layers in one nodule from the Indian Ocean could be dated and an average time interval of t = 2600±400 yr was necessary to form one layer. The alternation between iron and manganese-rich parts of the nodules was made visible by colour differences resulting from special treatment of cut surfaces with HCl vapour. The zones of slow growth of one nodule are relatively enriched in iron.Earlier attempts to find paleomagnetic reversals in manganese nodules have been continued. Despite considerable improvement in areal resolution, reversals were not detected in the nodules studied. Comparisons of the surface structure, microstructure in section and the radiometric dating show that there are erosion surfaces and growth surfaces on the outer surfaces of the manganese nodules. The formation of cracks in the nodules was studied in particular. The model of age-dependent nodule shrinkage and cracking surprisingly indicates that the nodules break after exceeding a certain age and/or size. Consequently, the breaking apart of manganese nodules is a continuous process not of catastrophic or discontinuous origin. The microstructure of the nodules exhibits differences in the mechanism of accretion and accretion rate of material, shortly referred to as accretion form. Thus non-directional growth inside the nodules as well as a directional growth may be observed. Those nodules with large accretion forms have grown faster than smaller ones. Consequently, parallel layers indicate slow growth. The upper surfaces of the nodules, protruding into the bottom water appear to be more prone to growth disturbances than the lower surfaces, immersed in the sediment. Features of some nodules show, that as they develop, they neither turned nor rolled. Yet unknown is the mechanism that keeps the nodules at the surface during continuous sedimentation. All in all, the nodules remain the objects of their own distinctive problems. The hope of using them as a kind of history book still seems to be very remote.     

Morphological Features of Co-Rich Manganese Deposits and Their Relation to Seabed Slopes

The morphological features associated with Co-rich manganese deposits, the size variations of nodules, and the occurrence of different substrates have been analyzed, to evaluate the influence of various seabed slope angles on the distribution of these features. The coverage and size of the crusts depend on their surface morphology and seabed topography, resulting in cobble-type, lineated, or step-like outcrops. Small nodules (1 - 4 cm in diameter) dominate all seabed slopes, with a few locations having nodules ranging from 1 to 8 or 1 to 10 cm. Sediments invariably occur as substrates for nodules and as cover for crusts, their coverage being inversely proportional to that of the nodules and crust outcrops. Steeper seafloor areas have large crust outcrops exposed with no or few nodules and sediments associated with them. The intermediate slopes have a combination of nodules, sediments, and crusts in various proportions, depending on topography and gradient. Large-scale nodule occurrences, followed by sediment fields and crust outcrops on seabed slopes of greater than 3 degrees, 3 - 7 degreees, and less than 15 degrees, respectively, represent typical morphological distribution zones of the Co-rich manganese deposits on a seamount in the central Pacific Ocean. A transition zone between nodule-dominated fields and large crust outcrops occurs for slopes from 7 degrees to 15 degrees. This detailed study on distribution of Co-rich deposits gives a better understanding for purposes of their exploitation.     

Size at first maturity in females of the spiny lobster jasus verreauxi (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae)

The carapace length and total length size at first maturity in females of Jasus verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards, 1851) has been investigated by a detailed study of (a) the detection of the smallest size class with external eggs, and (b) the incidence of egg‐carrying females per size‐class interval. For the study 834 females were measured and examined at Spirits Bay, New Zealand, during mid October and late December 1966. The specimens ranged in carapace length from 12.0 cm to 23.9 cm, and in total length from 29.0 cm to 56.9 cm.

The results of the study show clearly that the females reach first maturity at a carapace length or a total length larger than the present minimum legal size, i.e. a carapace length of 10.2 cm (4.02 in.), or a total length of 25.4 cm (10.0 in.). No mature females were found less than 13.5 cm carapace length, or 32.0 cm total length. First maturity was attained by the majority (50% or more) of the J verreauxi females at a carapace length of 15.3 cm or larger, or at a total length of 38.0 cm or larger.

No undersized (smaller than the minimum legal size) females were present in the collections—yet 10.3% of the specimens were found to be immature. Immature females ranged in carapace length from 12.0 cm to 16.9 cm, or in total length from 29.0 cm to 41.9 cm. Being larger than the minimum legal size, all of the immature specimens examined were “harvested"—without having reached first maturity. It appears therefore that the stocks of small, immature female J. verreauxi are not protected by the present New Zealand minimum size regulation.     

深海多金属结核物理特性及其对采输过程的影响概述

文章旨在确定深海多金属结核的物理特性,并分析其对采输过程的影响,以指导工程应用。总结了深海多金属结核开采的最新研究进展,通过对数据进行统计整理、回归分析,确定了结核形成机理及主要成分、在海底的分布特性、结核形态及构造、结核尺寸与重量关系、含水量、密度、孔隙特性及结核强度等关键物理特性。研究表明：结核形状多样,质松多孔隙,含水率高,近似均匀分布在海床上或浅泥层中。颗粒质量和尺寸联合概率分布具有长右尾特性,需使用更广义的联合概率密度函数copula才能准确建模。结核抗拉强度随结核直径增大按对数函数递减。此外,深海高压环境下结核的开采需更多能耗,且结核表现出更高的延性。结合固液两相流分析和颗粒沉降理论,分析了结核形状、尺寸、密度等主要参数对水力举升过程的影响,确定了颗粒破碎的主要方式和规律,总结了不同粒径级配输运造成堵塞的可能原因。     

Ferromanganese nodules from the East Siberian Sea near Bennett Island

Ferromanganese nodules recovered from the bottom of the East Siberian Sea near Bennett Island are studied by coupled ultramicroscopic and ICP-MS methods. The majority of nodules are flattened dense formations 2.5 to 10 cm in cross section and circled by a thick rim, which is common in nodules from other Arctic basins. The major components of nodules are iron and manganese oxides in the form of ferruginous vernadite and magnetite, as well as accessory minerals, including apatite and titanomagnetite. The major and trace element compositions of nodules are comparable to Arctic nodules from other Arctic seas, but somewhat different compared to those from the Mendeleev Rise. A specific feature of these nodules is that they contain high amounts of mercury in all samples and a positive europium anomaly in one sample, along with gold; this may be related to the influence of endogenous gas-and-vapor exhalations.