Distribution characteristics of Co-rich manganese deposits on a seamount in the central Pacific Ocean

Distribution characteristics of cobalt-rich manganese deposits were evaluat ed ffrom stereo photographs and video data on a seamount in the central Pac ific Ocean by image analysis, photogrammetric technique, and visual observa tions. The results show that many locations have high crust coverages with highly undulating microtopography. High nodule coverages occur on relativel y flat seafloor and the nodule size distribution varies from uniform to inh omogeneous among different locations. Distribution of these deposits along detailed topographic sections show that the seafloor can be divided into no dule dominant zones between 0 degrees and 3 degrees slopes, with sediment p atches up to 4 degrees slopes; and crust dominant zones, which occur on slo pes higher than 15 degrees. The transition zone, between 4 degrees and 15 d egrees slopes, has many locations, where nodules and crusts co-occur in var ying percentages The observation of crust outcrops among sediments and nodu les, as well as in the gravity core samples, indicates the presence of shal low buried crusts as well, which can substantially enhance resource evaluat ion of the deposits.