Relationship between Mn nodule abundance and other geological factors in the Northeastern Pacific: Application of GIS and probability method

Abstract

The aims of this study are 1) to construct a database using geostatistics and Geographic Information System (GIS), and 2) to derive the spatial relationships between manganese nodule abundance and other geological factors such as metal grade, slope, water depth, topography, and acoustic characteristics of the sub-bottom. Using GIS, it is possible to analyze a large amount of data efficiently, and to maximize the practical application, to increase specialization, and to enhance the accuracy of the analyses. The greater the copper and nickel grade, the higher the rating. The distribution pattern of nickel grade is similar to that of copper grade. The slopes are generally less than 3° except for seamounts and cliff areas. The rating shows no correlation with slope. The rating is highest for slopes between 2.5 and 3.5° in block N1 and between 4.0 and 4.5° in block N3. The topography is classified into five groups: seamount, hill crest, hill slant, hill base or plain, and seafloor basin or valley. The rating proves lowest for seamount and hill crest. Our results show that the rating increases with the water depth in the study area. Nodule abundance dose not show any significant relationship with the thickness of the upper transparent layer in the study area.