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.     

中太平洋海山富钴结壳成矿的空间分布规律研究

海山是富钴结壳主要的成矿载体,结壳成矿分布不仅受到海洋最低含氧带、碳酸盐补偿深度、生物生产力、物质来源、海水氧含量等大尺度宏观因素的影响,同时也受到海山地形、沉积作用和底层海流冲刷等小尺度微观因素的控制。通过对以中太平洋R海山为主的水下结壳成矿与分布的深入研究,发现结壳富集区以海山浅水区域为主;地形地貌上的尖顶高地区、顶坡过渡带、山体鞍部、山脊、斜坡上部等区域结壳质量较好,覆盖率高;下斜坡、山谷、山顶平坦区和斜坡区平缓台地是结壳贫乏区,结壳厚度小、覆盖率也低;15°以下的小坡度地形结壳成矿较好,3°~7°最佳,15°以上的大坡度区质量有所下降,陡崖区最差。地形对结壳分布和成矿起基础性影响作用,沉积作用和底流冲刷分别起到阻滞和促进作用,海流是保持低坡度区结壳长期稳定生长的关键因素,地形控矿本质上是和底层流联合对抗沉积堆积作用的过程。     

中国开辟区多金属结核覆盖率分布特征

利用深拖系统多金属结核光学图像所计算的覆盖率数据,在对东太平洋中国开辟区东、西区多金属结核覆盖率大小分相的基础上,研究了各相覆盖率的连续分布总长度、平均连续分布长度和相与相之间的过渡变化,表明中国多金属结核开辟区东区与西区之间结核覆盖率连续分布特征存在明显的差别.     

CC区多金属结核分布特征及其与地质地理环境因素之间的关系

根据１９８７、１９８８、１９９０年东北赤道太平洋ＣＣ区的３个航次多金属结核调查资料的统计分析，结果表明，ＣＣ区自西向东，从北向南，多金属结核丰度，覆盖率、形态、粒径和化学组分等具明显的区域分布规律，但在这一区域性分布背景上，结核的局部分布很复杂。     

东太平洋CC区板块构造和多金属结核资源效应探讨

利用东太平洋CC区多波束海底地形测量、结核覆盖率深拖系统探测、结核丰度地质采样和地球物理地震勘探资料,运用板块构造和沉积动力学理论,并与丰度趋势面和神经网络分析结果对比,对东太平洋CC区构造与多金属结核资源效应关系进行了探讨,并认为:(1)富集在研究区约200亿t结核的最主要控制因素是东太平洋海隆、莱恩山脉、克拉里昂-克利伯顿大断裂(Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone),东、西、南、北的四个构造单元为结核大量富集起到了框架性的关键作用;(2)本区经历了和遵循着海底扩张的基本过程,这个过程对结核物质来源、成矿作用、结核分布有重大影响,结核丰度、覆盖率与地形变化非常一致,重大相变距离为10～15km,基底自形成以来一直影响着地表结核;(3)地球深部地质作用过程对结核成矿作用也有一定影响,影响因素可能涉及基底岩浆房及其大小等.     

国际海底矿产资源勘查与研究进展

随着调查和研究的深入,世界各国对国际海底区域分布的多金属结核、富钴结壳、多金属硫化物和深海稀土几种深海固体矿产资源的关注程度日益增高,越来越多的国家为占有国际海底资源,加快了资源调查和评价的步伐,国际海底区域矿产资源的竞争形势愈加紧迫。通过调研的方式收集了大量资料,对国际海底区域多金属结核、富钴结壳、多金属硫化物和深海稀土几种深海矿产资源的分布和勘察现状进行评述,从而对国际海底矿产资源的研究趋势有所了解和把握。     

中太平洋海盆多金属结核分布及其与CC区中国多金属结核开辟区多金属结核特征对比

在综合分析航次调查资料的基础上,总结了中太平洋海盆多金属结核的矿产资源特征与分布规律,并与CC区中国多金属结核开辟区结核特征进行对比。结果发现:CP区多金属结核以S型水成成因为主,具有较高的丰度与覆盖率,但品位较低;而CC区结核S型(西区)、S+R型、R型(东区)三者均有,以混合成因和成岩成因为主,尽管丰度、覆盖率稍低,但品位较高。多金属结核中锰相矿物差异、表层沉积物类型及南极底流的影响是造成两区多金属结核差异的主要因素。     

利用人工神经网络方法研究多金属结核分布与水深的关系

以东太平洋 Ｃ Ｃ 区的一个矿区为例, 建立人工神经网络模型, 分析水深变化对多金属结核分布的影响。结果表明多金属结核丰度、覆盖率和品位的变化与水深关系密切, 同时为该区 Ｃ Ｃ Ｄ 界面深度的确定提供又一佐证。     

深海多金属结核结壳资源和开发前景分析

世界各大洋约有15%海底被多金属结核结壳所覆盖,但各海区地质环境不同,其结核结壳富集度和品位有巨大差别.印度洋、大西洋和南太平洋多金属结核分布广泛,品位与富集度不成正比.而太平洋多金属结核的金属品位和富集度不仅高,而且分布广,成为深海多金属资源开发前景区.克拉里昂与克里帕顿两断裂带之间也为世界的多金属结核富集带,总储量达150亿吨.     

太平洋多金属结核勘查——DY85—1航次简介

DY85—1航次(1992年5月24日—11月21日)由地矿部广州海洋地质调查局利用《海洋四号》船实施的我国“八五”期间在东太平洋我国申请区的开辟区(东太平洋海盆西部,夏威夷岛东南海域,其地理坐标大致是8°52.5′—11°22.5′N,151°7.5′—153°22.5′W)内进行的第一个航次调查,也是我国以中国大洋矿产资源研究开发协会(简称大洋协会)的名义,向联合国国际海底管理局筹委会申请作为先驱投资者并获批准后实施的首次调查,其目的是在“七五”调查工作的基础上,对开辟区西部进行进一步的勘探,圈定出区内富矿区,计算出多金属结核的资源量,对多金属结核资源进行评价,同时为“海洋”地质科学研究和采矿,选矿与冶炼试验研究采集样品,具体任务有: 1.通过地质取样、海底照相、多频探测和其它地球物理方法的调查,以及结核样品的测试分析,查明多金属结核类型、形状、丰度、覆盖率、品位及其分布规律,计算出资源量。 2.通过较详细的测深资料,查清区内地形、地貌特征,以及区内结核分布(丰度、品位变化)与宏观、微观地形,地貌、水深的关系,依照调查精度,圈出坡度大于5°的地形障碍物。 3.采集足够的结核和沉积物样品,查清区内沉积物类型、结构、分布特征及其工程地质特征。     

Image analysis of seafloor photographs for estimation of deep-sea minerals

Factors such as non-uniform illumination of seafloor photographs and partial burial of polymetallic nodules and crusts under sediments have prevented the development of a fully automatic system for evaluating the distribution characteristics of these minerals, necessitating the involvement of a user input. A method has been developed whereby spectral signatures of different features are identified using a software ‘trained’ by a user, and the images are digitized for coverage estimation of nodules and crusts. Analysis of >20,000 seafloor photographs was carried out along five camera transects covering a total distance of 450 km at 5,100–5,300 m water depth in the Central Indian Ocean. The good positive correlation (R² > 0.98) recorded between visual and computed estimates shows that both methods of estimation are highly reliable. The digitally computed estimates were ∼10% higher than the visual estimates of the same photographs; the latter have a conservative operator error, implying that computed estimates would more accurately predict a relatively high resource potential. The fact that nodules were present in grab samples from some locations where photographs had nil nodule coverage emphasises that nodules may not always be exposed on the seafloor and that buried nodules will also have to be accounted for during resource evaluation. When coupled with accurate positioning/depth data and grab sampling, photographic estimates can provide detailed information on the spatial distribution of mineral deposits, the associated substrates, and the topographic features that control their occurrences. Such information is critical for resource modelling, the selection of mine sites, the designing of mining systems and the planning of mining operations.     

西北太平洋多金属结核铂族元素地球化学特征

Polymetallic nodules and cobalt (Co)-rich crusts are enriched in platinum-group elements (PGEs),especially platinum (Pt) and may be important sinks of PGEs.At present,little information is available on PGEs in polymetallic nodules,and their geochemical characteristics and the causes of PGEs enrichment are unclear.Here PGEs of polymetallic nodules from abyssal basin in the Marcus-Wake Seamount area of the Northwest Pacific Ocean are reported and compared with the published PGEs data of polymetallic nodules and Co-rich crusts in the Pacific.The total PGEs (ΣPGE) content of polymetallic nodules in study area is 258×10~(–9) in average,markedly higher than that of Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) nodules (ΣPGE=127×10~(–9)) and lower than that of Co-rich crusts in the Marcus-Wake Seamount (ΣPGE=653×10~(–9)),similar to that of Co-rich crusts in the South China Sea(ΣPGE=252×10~(–9)).The CI chondrite-normalized PGEs patterns in different regions of polymetallic nodules and cobalt-rich crusts are highly consistent,with all being characterized by positive Pt and negative Pd anomalies These results,together with those of previous studies,indicate that PGEs in polymetallic nodules and Co-rich crusts are mainly derived directly from seawater.Pt contents of polymetallic nodules from the study area are negatively correlated with water depth,and Pt/ΣPGE ratios in nodules there are also lower than those of the Corich crusts in the adjacent area,indicating that sedimentary water depth and oxygen fugacity of ambient seawater are the possible important controlling factors for Pt accumulation in crusts and nodules.     

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.     

Global Exploration Models for Polymetallic Sulphides in the Area: An Assessment of Lease Block Selection under the Draft Regulations on Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Sulphides

Draft regulations for prospecting and exploration of polymetallic sulphides in the “Area” are currently being considered for implementation by the International Seabed Authority. This paper examines possible models for allocation of lease blocks for exploration and the proposed schedule for relinquishing blocks during the exploration phase. One model for granting of exploration licenses under the proposed regulations involves contiguous lease blocks, similar to that being considered for nodules and crusts; another model involves non-contiguous blocks. An analysis of the occurrence and distribution of known polymetallic sulphides in 32 training areas shows that the regulations for prospecting and exploration of crusts likely cannot be applied equally to polymetallic sulphides.     

南海多金属结壳(核)铁锰矿物/海水界面效应与成矿元素的富集

海底铁锰结壳和结核是重要的海底矿产资源,蕴含着丰富的金属元素并且具有巨大的经济价值。本文主要以南海多金属结壳（核）为研究对象,采用X射线粉晶衍射（XRD）、激光拉曼光谱、红外光谱分析（FTIR）以及X射线光电子能谱对铁锰矿物的矿物学和谱学特征进行了系统的分析和研究。粉晶衍射和拉曼光谱分析结果表明,南海多金属结壳的矿物组成为水羟锰矿、石英和长石,结核的矿物组成为钡镁锰矿、水羟锰矿、石英和长石,铁相矿物均为无定形铁氧化物/氢氧化物,并且锰相矿物和铁相矿物的结晶程度均较差。红外光谱分析结果显示多金属结核和结壳中的铁锰矿物具有大量表面羟基,这些含质子表面羟基官能团,可为海水中各成矿元素的络合提供丰富的活性位点。XPS分析表明多金属结核和结壳中铁锰矿物表面以Fe、Mn和O元素为主,其中Fe呈正三价态,Mn以正四、正三价为主,可能还含有少部分正二价态。对比南海多金属结壳（核）与太平海山结壳,南海多金属结壳（核）具有更为显著的表面羟基氧（-OH）含量,而太平洋海山结壳则以晶格氧（O^2-）为主,表明太平洋海山结壳铁锰矿物结晶程度较南海多金属结壳（核）高。综合研究表明,在海底铁锰结壳和结核中（氢）氧化锰/铁矿物与海水之间界面效应对金属离子的富集机理主要有：（1）金属离子与矿物表面羟基进行络合反应,形成以配位键相连的羟基络合物,或与表面的质子交换生成稳定的内层络合物;（2）矿物的带电表面与金属离子通过静电作用形成双电层,生成外层络合物;（3）金属离子与矿物结构中的Mn、Fe离子同晶置换而成为结构阳离子。     

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.     

多金属结核瞬时生长速率及其意义

本文用Ｘ射线荧光光谱分析，沿结核壳层的生长方向逐点扫描测定铁锰含量，计算结核壳层的瞬时生长速率，划分结核壳层的生长阶段，计算各生长阶段的生长速率，并在结构壳层中建立高分辨率的时间标尺，重建多金属结核生长历史。