Distribution characteristics of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust on the Weijia Guyot: Constraints from the human-occupied vehicle “Jiaolong submersible” near-bottom observation data

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2021.1.61

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper we analyzed the near-bottom observation video data obtained from the human-occupied vehicle “Jiaolong submersible” that has the high-precision underwater positioning capability. We report for the first time the distribution characteristics of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts (CFC) in the raised areas of the mountaintop platform, the transition zone from the mountaintop platform to the summit of the mountainous terrane, and the upper part of the mountain slope in the Weijia Guyot. These findings have great significance in the exploration and exploitation of CFC resources in China and are summarized below. (1) There is obvious difference in the distribution characteristics of CFCs in different topographic units. (2) The raised areas of the mountaintop platform have an continuous CFC distribution and can be used as the key exploration target area. (3) CFCs also distribute widely in the transition zone and in the upper part of the mountain slope, but are often fragmented by corrugated white sediments. (4) Cobalt nodules are less developed in the transition zone, in contrast to the flat top seamounts in the Marcus-Wake Seamounts.

Key words: ferromanganese crust, Weijia Guyot, Jiaolong submarine (Human Occupied Vehicle), the western Pacific Ocean

CLC Number:

YAO Huiqiang, LIU Yonggang, ZHANG Huodai, LIANG Donghong, REN Jiangbo, YU Miao, DENG Xiguang, HE Gaowen. Distribution characteristics of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust on the Weijia Guyot: Constraints from the human-occupied vehicle “Jiaolong submersible” near-bottom observation data[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2021, 28(6): 331-342.

References

[1] HEIN J R, KOSCHINSKY A.Deep-ocean ferromanganese crusts and nodules[M]∥HOLLAND H D, TUREKIAN K K. Treatise on geochemistry. 2nd ed. Oxford: Elsevier, 2014: 273-291.
[2] ISBA∥18/A/11. Decision of the assembly of the international seabed authority relating to the regulations on prospecting and exploration for cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts in the area, 2012[S/OL]. (2012-07-16)[2012-07-27]. https: ∥isa.org.jm/files/files/documents/isba-18a-11_0.pdf
[3] 何高文, 孙晓明, 薛婷. 太平洋多金属结核和富钴结壳地质地球化学特征与成矿机制对比[M]. 北京: 地质出版社, 2011: 1-171.
[4] ISBA/26/C/4. Status of contracts for exploration and related matters, including information on the periodic review of the implementation of approved plans of work for exploration, 2020[S/OL]. (2020-02-17)[2020-02-21]. https: ∥isa. org. jm/files/files/documents/isba-26c-4-en. pdf
[5] HEIN J R, CONRAD T A, DUNHAM R E.Seamount characteristics and mine-site model applied to exploration- and mining-lease-block selection for cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts[J]. Marine Georesources & Geotechnology, 2009, 27(2): 160-176.
[6] HE G W, MA W L, SONG C B, et al.Distribution characteristics of seamount cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts and the determination of the size of areas for exploration and exploitation[J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 2011, 30(3): 63-75.
[7] 何高文, 梁东红, 宋成兵, 等. 浅地层剖面测量和海底摄像联合应用确定平顶海山富钴结壳分布界线[J]. 地球科学: 中国地质大学学报, 2005, 30(4): 509-512.
[8] 梁东红, 何高文. 利用海底摄像观测剖面分析平顶海山富钴结壳分布规律[J]. 中南大学学报, 2011, 42(增刊2): 123-126.
[9] 杨永, 何高文, 朱克超, 等. 利用多波束回波强度进行中太平洋潜鱼海山底质分类[J]. 地球科学, 2016, 41(4): 718-728.
[10] USUI A, OKAMOTO N.Geophysical and geological exploration of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts: an attempt of small-scale mapping on a micronesian seamount[J]. Marine Georesources & Geotechnology, 2010, 28(3): 192-206.
[11] 程永寿. 西北太平洋海山区富钴结壳资源评价和矿区圈定[D]. 青岛: 中国海洋大学, 2014: 47-53.
[12] JOO J, KIM J, KO Y, et al.Characterizing geomorphological properties of western Pacific seamounts for cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust resource assessment[J]. Economic and Environmental Geology, 2016, 49(2): 121-134.
[13] USUI A, NISHI K, SATO H, et al.Continuous growth of hydrogenetic ferromanganese crusts since 17 Myr ago on Takuyo-Daigo Seamount, NW Pacific, at water depths of 800-5500 m[J]. Ore Geology Reviews, 2017, 87: 71-87.
[14] BAEK H, PARK J Y, SHIM H, et al.Operational improvement of Hemire ROV for deep-sea survey and application to exploration of ferromanganese crusts of western Pacific seamount[J]. Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology, 2018, 32(4): 287-295.
[15] 张旭. 海底摄像系统在中国大洋资源调查中的应用[J]. 机电工程技术, 2018, 47(4): 35-37.
[16] 刘永刚, 姚会强, 邓希光. 蛟龙号HOV在海山结壳资源勘查中的应用[J]. 地质论评, 2017, 63(增刊1): 231-232.
[17] YAO H Q, LIU Y G, YANG Y, et al.Assessment of acoustic backscatter intensity surveying on deep-sea ferromanganese crust: constraints from Weijia Guyot, western Pacific Ocean[J]. China Geology, 2020(2): 288-298.
[18] KOPPERS A A P, STAUDIGEL H, PRINGLE M S. Short-lived and discontinuous intraplate volcanism in the South Pacific: hot spots or extensional volcanism?[J]. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 2013, 4(10): 1089-1137.
[19] MEL'NIKOVA M E, PLETNEVB S P, SEDYSHEVAA T E, et al. New data on the structure of the sedimentary section on the Ita Mai Tai Guyot (Magellan Seamounts, Pacific Ocean)[J]. Russian Journal of Pacific Geology, 2012, 6(3): 217-229.
[20] ASAVIN A M, KUBRAKOVA I V, MEL'NIKOV M E, et al. Geochemical zoning in ferromanganese crusts of Ita-MaiTai guyot[J]. Geochemistry International, 2010, 48(5): 423-445.
[21] 张同伟, 刘烨瑶, 杨波, 等. 水下声学主动定位技术及其在载人潜水器上的应用[J]. 海洋技术学报, 2016, 35(2): 56-59.
[22] HEIN J R, ANHEIM F T, SCHWAB W C, et al.Ferromanganese crusts from Necker Ridge, Horizon Guyot and S. P. Lee Guyot: geological considerations[J]. Marine Geology, 1985, 69(1/2): 25-54.
[23] HEIN J R, SCHWAB W C, DAVIS A.Cobalt- and platinum-rich ferromanganese crusts and associated substrate rocks from the Marshall Islands[J]. Marine Geology, 1988, 78(3/4): 255-283.
[24] HEIN J R, SCHULZ M S, KANG J K.Insular and submarine ferromanganese mineralization of the Tonga-Lau region[J]. Marine Mining, 1990, 9(3): 305-354.
[25] 马维林, 金陈苏章. 中太平洋海山区富钴结壳地质特征[J]. 东海海洋, 2002, 20(3): 11-23.
[26] USUI A, GRAHAM I J, DITCHBURN R G, et al.Growth history and formation environments of ferromanganese deposits on the Philippine Sea Plate, Northwest Pacific Ocean[J]. Island Arc, 2007, 16(3): 420-430.
[27] SMITH D K.Shape analysis of Pacific seamounts[J]. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 1988, 90(4): 457-466.
[28] 章伟艳, 张富元, 胡光道, 等. 中西太平洋海山形态类型与钴结壳资源分布关系[J]. 海洋学报, 2008, 30(6): 76-84.
[29] 张伙带, 姚会强, 杨永, 等. 采薇平顶海山群的多级山顶平台及成因[J]. 海洋地质与第四纪地质, 2018, 38(6): 91-97.
[30] 马维林, 杨克红, 包更生, 等. 中太平洋海山富钴结壳成矿的空间分布规律研究[J]. 海洋学报, 2014, 36(7): 77-89.
[31] YAMAZAKI T, SHARMA R, TSURUSAKI K.Microtopographic analysis of cobalt-rich manganese deposits on a mid-pacific seamount[J]. Marine Georesources & Geotechnology, 1994, 12(1): 33-52.
[32] YAMAZAKI T, SHARMA R.Morphological features of Co-rich manganese deposits and their relation to seabed slopes[J]. Marine Georesources & Geotechnology, 2000, 18(1): 43-76.
[33] 邓希光, 杨永, 姚会强, 等. 中国大洋41B航次调查现场报告[R]. 广州: 广州海洋地质调查局, 2017.
[34] 杨永, 韦振权, 胡波, 等. 中国大洋51航次调查现场报告[R]. 广州: 广州海洋地质调查局, 2018.
[35] KIM J, KO Y T, HYEONG K, et al.Geophysical and geological exploration of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts on a seamount in the Western Pacific[J]. Economic and Environmental Geology, 2013, 46(6): 569-580.
[36] 马维林, 金翔龙, 初凤友, 等. 中太平洋海山区尖顶和平顶海山结壳成矿与分布的比对研究[J]. 海洋学报, 2013, 35(2): 90-112.