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.     

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.     

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.     

Restoration of Deep-Sea Macrofauna after Simulated Benthic Disturbance in the Central Indian Basin

ABSTRACT

Macrofaunal communities of the Central Indian Basin (CIB) were sampled with a spade before (June 1997), and immediately after (August 1997), and 44 months (April 2001) after a simulated benthic disturbance for polymetallic nodule mining. The average density recorded down to a sediment depth of 40 cm ranged from 89 to 799 ind·m^?2 (mean: 373 ± 221 SD; n = 12) and 178–1066 ind·m^?2 (mean: 507 ± 489 SD; n = 3) in the test and reference area, respectively. Most of the macrobenthic animals (64%) were concentrated in the upper 0 to 2 cm sediment layers, whereas, sizeable fauna (6%) inhabited the 20–40 cm sediment section and the deepest 5 cm section from 35–40 cm contributed only about 2% to the total population density. The fauna, comprised of 12 groups, were dominated by the nematodes, which constituted 54% of the total population. The macrofaunal density in the test site showed a significant increase (x:400 ind·m^?2) in the 44 months postdisturbance sampling (x:320 ind·m^?2). The population of nematodes and oligochaetes was nearly restored after 44 months, but the polychaetes and crustaceans did not reach the baseline populations measured in June 1997. The top 0–2 cm sediment layer was severely affected by the disturber, and the study suggests that physically disturbed deep-sea macrofauna may require a longer period for restoration and resettlement than normally believed.     

Inter-relationship between Nuclei and Gross Characteristics of Manganese Nodules,Central Indian Ocean Basin

More than 200 samples of manganese nodules from the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) were studied for their different parameters. The study included various aspects such as morphology, texture, mineralogy, and composition of the nodules. The nuclei of the nodules were also examined along with the oxide layers. We attempt to correlate the nucleus (their type and abundance) with the nodule parameters such as their external morphology, chemical composition, and suitable location of formation, amongst others. We found various nucleating materials and these include rock fragments (fresh and altered), clay, pumice and sharks' teeth. In a majority of the cases, rock fragments are dominant in the core of the nodules and these conform to that of the seafloor basalts. The shape of the nuclei influences that of the nodules, especially during their initial period of growth. Irrespective of the kind of nuclei, todorokite is the main mineral of the nodules. The nodules of the CIOB were formed mostly due to hydrogenous accretion of ferromanganese oxides while diagenetic contribution of metals is less common.     

Distribution of Deep-Sea Benthos in the Proposed Mining Area of Central Indian Basin

Abstract

During the first stage of the project work on the Indian Deep-Sea Environment Experiment (INDEX), the abundance and distribution of deep-sea benthos were surveyed in the Central Indian Basin for the collection of baseline data. The deep-sea community of the sediment was characterized by a moderately high standing crop and diverse fauna. The macrofaunal component was dominated by polychaetes (100% prevalence) and peracarid crustaceans, whereas the meiofauna was dominated by nematodes and harpacticoid cope-pods. The results of this study conform to the general distribution reported elsewhere. The macrofaunal abundance showed an inverse relation to the abundance of polymetallic nodules. However, the relation between meiofaunal vertical distribution and the vertical profile of the total organic matter and total labile matter was positive.     

Distribution of Deep-Sea Benthos in the Proposed Mining Area of Central Indian Basin

During the first stage of the project work on the Indian Deep-Sea Environment Experiment (INDEX), the abundance and distribution of deep-sea benthos were surveyed in the Central Indian Basin for the collection of baseline data. The deep-sea community of the sediment was characterized by a moderately high standing crop and diverse fauna. The macrofaunal component was dominated by polychaetes (100% prevalence) and peracarid crustaceans, whereas the meiofauna was dominated by nematodes and harpacticoid copepods. The results of this study conform to the general distribution reported elsewhere. The macrofaunal abundance showed an inverse relation to the abundance of polymetallic nodules. However, the relation between meiofaunal vertical distribution and the vertical profile of the total organic matter and total labile matter was positive.     

Nature and distribution of manganese nodules from three sediment domains of the Central Indian Basin,Indian Ocean

Manganese nodules from the Central Indian Basin (5°–10°S) vary in abundance, morphology, mineralogy, and chemistry with water depth and sediment type. Nodules from the southern region, dominated by siliceous sediment, differ markedly from northern and central regions, dominated by terrigenous and terrigenous-siliceous mixed sediments, respectively. Effects of lysocline and sediment diagenesis are envisaged for trace metal enrichment in rough nodules of the southern region. Influence of deep ocean bottom currents have been postulated for the atypical trace metal enrichment of the smooth nodules from other regions. While nodules from other areas of sub-equatorial CIB are grown hydrogenetically, present area nodules show diagenetic influence.     

Ferromanganese Nodules and their Associated Sediments from the Central Indian Ocean Basin: Rare Earth Element Geochemistry

Abstract

The rare earth element (REE) distribution in nine deep-sea ferromanganese nodules and their associated siliceous sediments from the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) have been studied to elucidate the REE relationship among them. Total REE concentration varies from 398–928 ppm in the nodules and 137–235 ppm in the associated sediments, suggesting two- to four-fold enrichment in the nodules compared to associated sediments. REE of nodules and their associated sediments show a positive correlation, suggesting REE are supplied from a common source such as seawater. The positive correlation between REE of nodules and sediments from the CIOB is contrary to the competitive scavenging of REE between nodules and sediment in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. REEs in the nodules are carried by Fe, P, and Ti, whereas in the sediment they are carried by P and Mn phases. A similar REE fractionation pattern with middle REE enrichment over heavy and light REE in both the nodules and their associated sediment suggest fractionation is independent of REE abundance and their carrier phases.     

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.     

Optimum sampling interval for evaluating ferromanganese nodule resources in the central Indian Ocean

A study to estimate manganese nodule abundance (weight of nodules in kg/m²) was carried out in a small area of the abyssal plains covering a one-degree square block in the central Indian Basin. Abundance was assessed at various intervals by progressively reducing the grid spacing. Sampling the corners of the 1° survey block (approximately110-km spacing), i.e., four stations with 5-7 free-fall operations (sampling locations) in each case, indicated a nodule abundance of 3.50 kg/m². By reducing the sampling spacing to four grid units (0.5° survey blocks) and sampling the entire block at eight stations (25 locations), the average abundance of the block was 3.36 kg/m². Further reduction of the grid to 0.25° survey blocks and sampling in 16 grid units (70 sampling locations) increased the abundance to 4.41 kg/m². For 64 grid units in the one-degree block (sampling in 0.125° survey blocks), a substantially higher value was recorded, i.e., 5.31 kg/m² or about 1.5 times the abundance obtained at a 1° spacing. Adding 25 more stations in 0.0625° survey blocks (intervals of sampling locations approximately 500 m) resulted in a negligible change in abundance, the average value of the one-degree block being 5.23 kg/m². These data demonstrate that, for estimating nodule resources in the region, it is important to adopt a close-grid sampling strategy, so that areas with lower abundance can be relinquished and areas with higher abundance can be confidently identified. To ascertain exact nodule abundance for mine-track selection, it may be sufficient to restrict detailed grid surveys to areas with marked variations in topography and nodule abundance, rather than carrying out such detailed (albeit less cost effective) surveys at a very narrow spacing (0.0625°) over the entire pioneer area.     

Manganese nodule distribution in different topographic domains of the Central Indian Basin

Manganese nodule distribution is primarily influenced by seafloor topography. Nodule distribution at 479 locations vis‐à‐vis seabed topography is studied by superimposing sampling location on the topographic profile and assigning appropriate domain (hilltop, valley, slope, or plain) for the sampling location. Highest mean abundance is observed at the valleys (6.94 kg /m²), followed by hilltops, slopes, and least on plains. Frequency distributions are regular (Gaussian) on plains, whereas on valleys and hilltops they are irregular (Rayleigh type). Fe and Co content is highest in nodules from hilltops and lowest in those from plains. Conversely, Mn, Cu, and Ni content is highest on plains and least on valleys. Fe: Mn and Co: Mn are negatively correlated in all the domains. Mn and total metal content (Ni + Cu + Co) show direct relationship in all the domains. An inverse relation between nodule abundance and composition is found. Cluster analysis on chemical and abundance data shows two distinct groups in all domains. Abundance and Fe and Co content typically form one group, while all other elements form another group. Genesis of nodules depends on the availability of supply of transition elements to the abyssal environment, maintenance of nodules in the sediment‐water interface, and sedimentation rates.     

Resource Assessment of Polymetallic Nodules Using Acoustic Backscatter Intensity Data from the Korean Exploration Area,Northeastern Equatorial Pacific

A high level of confidence in resource data is a key prerequisite for conducting a reliable economic feasibility study in deep water seafloor mining. However, the acquisition of accurate resource data is difficult when employing traditional point-sampling methods to assess the resource potential of polymetallic nodules, given the vast size of the survey area and high spatial variability in nodule distribution. In this study, we analyzed high-resolution acoustic backscatter intensity images to estimate nodule abundance and increase confidence levels in nodule abundance data. We operated a 120 kHz deep-towed sidescan sonar (DSL-120) system (1×1 m resolution) across a 75 km² representative area in the Korean Exploration Area for polymetallic nodules in the Northeastern Equatorial Pacific. A deep-towed camera system was also run along two tracks in the same area to estimate the abundance of polymetallic nodules on the seafloor. Backscatter data were classified into four facies based on intensity. The facies with the weakest and strongest backscatter intensities occurred in areas of high slope gradient and basement outcrops, respectively. The backscatter intensities of the two other facies correlated well with the nodule abundances estimated from still-camera images. A linear fit between backscatter intensity and mean nodule abundance for 10 zones in the study area yielded an excellent correlation (r² = 0.97). This allowed us to compile a map of polymetallic nodule abundance that shows greater resolution than a map derived from the extrapolation of point-sampling data. Our preliminary analyses indicate that it is possible to greatly increase the confidence level of nodule resource data if the relationship between backscatter intensity and nodule abundance is reliably established. This approach has another key advantage over point sampling and image analyses in that detailed maps of mining obstacles along the seafloor are produced when acquiring data on the abundance of polymetallic nodules. The key limitation of this work is a poor correlation between nodule coverage, as observed from photographs, and nodule abundance. Significant additional ground truth sampling using well located box cores should be completed to determine whether or not there is a real correlation between the backscatter and abundance.     

Cerium anomaly variations in ferromanganese nodules and crusts from the Indian Ocean

Fifty analyses of rare earth elements as well as mineralogical studies have been carried out on a suite of manganese nodules and crusts from the Central Indian Basin and the Western Indian Ocean. The aim was to identify the processes controlling the REE patterns of the phases hosting the REE in the manganese nodules, with an emphasis on an understanding of the Ce anomaly. This has involved separating the encrusting layers and nuclei physically as well as Fe-Mn oxides from the aluminosilicate phase chemically (using a 2 M HCl leach) prior to analysis.

The presence of nodule nuclei seems to have little influence (mostly <5% to a maximum of 30%) on the overall magnitude of the Ce anomalies in these nodules. The ratios of concentrations of elements in the acid leachates and the corresponding bulk values yield flat REE patterns indicating that the aluminosilicate phase contributes very little to the Ce anomalies. Interelement relations indicate that the Ce anomalies are largely controlled by the amorphous mineral phase FeOOH.xH₂O. The relationship of Fe, Ce anomaly and δ-MnO₂ further suggests that Ce is chemisorbed onto iron oxyhydroxides which are epitaxially intergrown with δ-MnO₂.

The regional distribution of the Ce anomaly values appears to depend on many of the factors responsible for the uptake of other minor metals in nodules and crusts.     

地形坡度对多金属结核分布的控制作用

选取我国东太平洋多金属结核开辟区内的一个区域作为研究区,利用人工神经网络中应用最为广泛的BP网络,建立控制多金属结核分布的地质因素与多金属结核分布之间的映射关系,探讨地形坡度对多金属结核分布的控制作用.结果表明,在经度、纬度、水深、坡度四个因素中,坡度对结核分布影响程度最大;多金属结核主要分布于坡度小于5°的地方;当坡度小于5°时,丰度与地形坡度呈正相关,品位与地形坡度呈负相关,丰度与品位呈负相关;品位与坡度似呈指数关系,坡度增大,品位降低.     

Ferromanganese Nodules and their Associated Sediments from the Central Indian Ocean Basin: Rare Earth Element Geochemistry

The rare earth element (REE) distribution in nine deep-sea ferromanganese nodules and their associated siliceous sediments from the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) have been studied to elucidate the REE relationship among them. Total REE concentration varies from 398-928 ppm in the nodules and 137-235 ppm in the associated sediments, suggesting two- to four-fold enrichment in the nodules compared to associated sediments. REE of nodules and their associated sediments show a positive correlation, suggesting REE are supplied from a common source such as seawater. The positive correlation between REE of nodules and sediments from the CIOB is contrary to the competitive scavenging of REE between nodules and sediment in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. REEs in the nodules are carried by Fe, P, and Ti, whereas in the sediment they are carried by P and Mn phases. A similar REE fractionation pattern with middle REE enrichment over heavy and light REE in both the nodules and their associated sediment suggest fractionation is independent of REE abundance and their carrier phases.     

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.     

Selection of Test and Reference Areas for the Indian Deepsea Environment Experiment (INDEX)

The Indian Deepsea Environment Experiment (INDEX) was conducted in the Central Indian Ocean Basin, to assess the effects of a simulated disturbance on the marine ecosystem and to collect data to predict the effects of large-scale mining. To select the Test and Reference areas for benthic disturbance, detailed studies were carried out for a better understanding of the topgraphic undulations and nodule distribution in five preselected areas of 10 ×10 nautical miles each. Flat topography was one of the important considerations for selection of the areas, because this would allow further dispersion of sediment plume and offer easier maneuverability of the benthic disturber. Relatively low nodule abundances were also preferred, to prevent clogging of the suction device used for resuspension of sediment. On the basis of morphological analysis and nodule distribution, two areas, T1 and A1, were selected as the best suited pair for the disturbance and monitoring experiment.     

Morphological variations in the polymetallic nodules from selected stations in the central Indian Ocean

Polymetallic nodules from the Central Indian Ocean largely range in size from 2 to 6 cm. The smaller nodules (<4 cm) are subspheroidal to spheroidal in shape and with the increase in size, nodules become more discoidal and elongated. The size and relief of mammillae vary with the size of nodules. Polynucleate nodules are more abundant in larger size classes (>6 cm) and in stations closer to the oceanic ridge. Density varies significantly with shape; less rounded nodules are denser than well-rounded ones.     

Spatial variation in low-level <Superscript>134</Superscript>Cs in the coastal sediments off central Honshu in the Sea of Japan: implications for delivery,migration, and redistribution patterns

In 2014 and 2015, we examined the spatial distribution of cesium-134 (half-life: 2.06 years) from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) in marine sediments within coastal–basin areas (water depths of 40–520 m) off central Honshu Island (the main island of Japan) in the Sea of Japan. The ¹³⁴Cs concentrations in both the surface sediment (0–1 cm depth) and whole-core inventory exhibited wide variations, and were highest at the site closest to the Agano River Estuary area (6.7 Bq/kg-dry and 886 Bq/m², respectively). This indicates that ¹³⁴Cs in coastal areas was delivered by riverine suspended solids (SS). Given the spatial variation in ¹³⁴Cs concentrations, we believe that ¹³⁴Cs partially migrated northeastward within ~50 km along Honshu Island (at water depths shallower than ~140 m), and southwestward, including the Sado Basin area. This is predominantly attributable to the transport of SS by bottom currents and unsteady downward delivery onto the steep slopes of the basin. The total amount of ¹³⁴Cs in the study area in 2014 was estimated at approximately 0.6 TBq (decay-corrected to March 11, 2011, date of FDNPP accident).