Evaluation of Resuspended Sediments to Sinking Particles by Benthic Disturbance in the Clarion-Clipperton Nodule Fields

Abstract

The geochemical properties of sinking particles and sediments in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone were examined to develop a quantitative indicator with which to evaluate the contribution of sediment resuspended by nodule mining activity to sinking particles. The ratio of lithogenic material to organic carbon varies from similar to 3 in sinking particles to similar to 211 in sediments. This ratio is easily measured and is not easily affected by degradation and/or dissolution in the water column. A mixing model indicates that the ratio may be used as a potential proxy for estimating the contribution of resuspended sediment derived from mining operations to sinking particles.