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

Abstract 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.

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