Deep-sea nematode assemblage has not recovered 26 years after experimental mining of polymetallic nodules (Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, Tropical Eastern Pacific)

We investigated nematode assemblages inhabiting the 26-year-old track created by experimental deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules, and two adjacent, undisturbed sites, one with nodules and one without nodules. The aim was to compare density, assemblage structure, and diversity indices in order to assess the process of recovery of the nematode assemblage inhabiting the disturbed site. This experimental dredging was conducted in 1978 by the Ocean Minerals Company (USA) in the area of a French mining claim in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (Tropical Eastern Pacific) at a depth of about 5000 m. The nematode assemblage had not returned its initial state 26 years after the experimental dredging: the total nematode density and biomass within the dredging track were significantly lower than outside the track; the biodiversity indices showed significantly lower nematode diversity within the track; and the structure of the nematode assemblage within the track differed significantly from those in the two undisturbed sites outside the track. However, there were no significant differences in the mean body volumes of adult nematodes and adult-juvenile ratios between the track and reference sites. Parameters such as the rate of sediment restoration (which depends on local hydrological conditions) and the degree and character of the disturbance appeared to be of considerable importance for the recovery rate of the deep-sea nematode assemblages and their ability to recolonize disturbed areas. The rates of recolonization and recovery may vary widely in different deep-sea regions.     

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.     

An Image Analysis Technique for Exploration of Manganese Nodules

In order to develop the mineral resources contained in manganese nodules of the deep sea, the Korea Ocean Research & Development Institute (KORDI) has explored the area allocated by the United Nations in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone in the northeastern Pacific. During research cruises, the seabed surface was photographed every 30 s by the KORDI Deep Tow Imaging System (DTIS). Features such as the coverage and size distribution of manganese nodules on the photographs serve as the essential information to determine the potential mining areas. This article presents (semi)automatic procedures to extract the useful features from the photographs of the seabed surface using digital image processing techniques. The 35-mm films are first digitized by the film scanner. The depth information written on the film is then recognized to compensate for distortions due to nonuniform illumination. The nodule areas on the digitized image are recognized and separated from the background based on the characteristics of the nodules. The nodule coverage and distribution of nodule diameters are then calculated from the processed image. The proposed technique has been applied to sample photographs of the seabed surface. Experimental results indicate that the technique could be utilized as an efficient tool to process the massive collection of photographs of the seabed surface.     

中国的大洋多金属结核及沉积物标准物质系列

1986～1996年间我国研制了两批共６个海洋地质标准物质：3个多金属结核标准物质GSPN-1～3和3个深海沉积物标准物质GSMS-1～3,形成了两个标准物质系列。与美国、俄罗斯、印度和日本的同类标准物质相比,这些标准物质的主要特点是：①实用性强：这些样品主要取自世界上锰结核最富集、也是各国“先驱投资者”开辟区最集中的太平洋CC区;②系列性好：这些样品还可与美、俄的标准物质构成既具有较大的元素浓度范围又具有适当浓度梯度的标准系列;③被测定组分多（达79个）,定值组分达63个。其中包括58个组分的保证值和5个组分的参考值,全组分的加和均在99.5％～100.1％之间;④参加合作的国家数和实验室多:有18个国外实验室和包括台湾大学在内的14个国内实验室参加了合作分析。这就使这些标准物质具有较大的国际影响。     

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.     

1998 Compilation of Analytical Data for Five GSJ Geochemical Reference Samples: The "Instrumental Analysis Series"

Analytical data for five GSJ (Geological Survey of Japan) reference samples, the "Instrumental analysis series" received by October 1998, are compiled. The data reported in publications and personal communications were evaluated statistically, taking into account the analytical method and sample preparation. Based on the selected available data, recommended and preferred values for fourteen major and fifty one minor and trace elements are proposed.     

Determination of Precious Metal Concentrations in a Polymetallic Nodule Reference Sample from the Indian Ocean by ICP-MS

A polymetallic nodule reference sample (No. 2388)collected from the Indian Ocean, and seven other samples, two from the United States Geological Survey, USA (Nod-A-1 and Nod-P-1), three from Russia (OOPE 601, OOPE 602, and OOPE 603), and two from China (GSPN-2 and GSPN-3), collected from different loca tions, are available for calibration purposes and as control samples in the analytical programs for polymetallic nodules and associated sediments to ensure accurate measurements. They are not certified for precious metal concentrations, however, and the data available are very scanty. An attempt has been made to provide working values for platinum, palladium, gold, and silver and indicative values for osmium, iridium, and ruthenium in these eight ferromanganese nodule reference samples, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). To assess the accuracy of the method, certified reference materials, WPR-1, WMS-1, WMG-1, and WGB-1 Canadian Certified Materials Project (CCRMP, Canada) were analyzed, and the data obtained were compared with the certified values. The estimate of analytical reproducibility was found to be better than 15 % RSD for most elements with comparable accuracy. The data presented for this set of manganese nodule reference samples may be useful in geochemical studies of manganese nodules and associated sediments.     

Book review

Ocean Floor Mining by John S. Pearson. Noyes Data Corporation, Park Ridge, New Jersey, 1975. 201 pp., $24.00.

Offshore Drilling Technology by Frank R. Carmichael. Noyes Data Corporation, Park Ridge, New Jersey, 1975. 392 pp., $36.00.