Relationship Between Manganese Nodule Distribution and Deep-Sea Sediment Properties in the Northeastern Pacific

In order to identify a potential 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 properties of deep-sea sediments and photos of sea-floor are analyzed. In general, sediment types in the area show dramatic changes with latitude. Compared to the middle sector (8–12°N) covered with biogenic siliceous sediments, the northern (16–17°N) and southern (5–6°N) areas are dominated by pelagic red clays and calcareous sediments, respectively. Such a difference in sediment types probably produces regional-scale variations in Mn-nodule occurrence with latitude (5–17°N) along longitude (131.5°W). According to the photographic examination, manganese nodules are well exposed on the sea floor in the latitude of >8°N. In connection with the dominant oceanic environment, such observation indicates that calcareous sediments cover the diagenic nodules due to higher primary productivity and sedimentation rate in the latitude of <8°N. In addition, sediments in the latitude of 8–12°N show relatively high shear strength. Considering the operation of miner and environmental effect, highly consolidated B2 and C1 areas (8–12°N), showing higher nodule contents and relatively lower primary productivity, are the most plausible site for commercial mining.