Relationship between manganese nodule distribution and deep-sea sediment properties in the northeastern Pacific

Abstract

In order to identify the relationship between the spatial distribution of Mn-nodule and deep-sea sediment properties in the Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone of the northeastern Pacific, physico-chemical data of deep-sea sediments and photos of sea-floor are analyzed for data collected over twelve years (1997 ; 2009). We also try to find the expected controlling factors for their potential connections. In general, sediment types in the area show dramatic changes with latitude. Compared to the middle sector (8;12캮) covered with biogenic siliceous sediments, the northern (16;17캮) and southern (5;6캮) areas are dominated by pelagic red clays and calcareous sediments, respectively.otos of sea-floor are analyzed for data collected over twelve years (1997 ; 2009). We also try to find the expected controlling factors for their potential connections. In general, sediment types in the area show dramatic changes with latitude. Compared to the middle sector (8;12캮) covered with biogenic siliceous sediments, the northern (16;17캮) and southern (5;6캮) areas are dominated by pelagic red clays and calcareous sediments, respectively.