By Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program June 17, 2019
- Overview
- Science
The seafloor contains deposits of minerals that we we use in everyday life such as copper, zinc, nickel, gold, silver, and phosphorus. These deposits occur as crusts on volcanic and other rocks and as nodules on abyssal plain sediment that are typically about 3 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) in diameter.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
The seafloor contains deposits of minerals that we use in everyday life such as copper, zinc, nickel, gold, silver, and phosphorus. These deposits occur as crusts on volcanic and other rocks and as nodules on abyssal plain sediment that are typically about 3 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) in diameter.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Many nodules that are rich in manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt are particularly widespread in the deep basins of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Crusts that mainly contain iron and manganese can also have significant concentrations of cobalt, rare earth elements, nickel, tellurium, and platinum; they are found on seamounts (extinct submarine volcanoes that are found throughout the ocean) and other seafloor promontories. Muds that contain rare earth elements—widely used in consumer electronics such as smart phones and green technologies such as wind turbines and hybrid and electric cars—are found in the deep ocean. These muds are a relatively new discovery. Phosphorites, which occur in the ocean as crusts or nodules, are a critical source of phosphate for fertilizer and are also being evaluated as a potential source for rare earth elements.
The U.S. government, international and nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders depend on CMHRP expertise to characterize and assess seafloor mineral deposits and to evaluate the environmental impact of mining techniques. International collaborations will continue to play a critical role in providing the CMHRP with access to ships and samples, particularly in remote areas of the Pacific Ocean.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Because offshore resources could provide greater self-sufficiency for U.S. industries, the CMHRP will continue to upgrade its seafloor minerals database and evaluate developments in offshore mining practices that may become relevant if supplies of critical metals or rare earth elements were to be disrupted. For more information on seafloor mineral deposits, visitthe USGS Global Ocean Mineral Resources project site.
Explore the CMHRP Decadal Strategic Plan
The CMHRP Decadal Science Strategy 2020-2030
This geonarrative constitutes theDecadal Science Strategyof the USGS's Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program for 2020 to 2030.
link
The CMHRP Decadal Science Strategy 2020-2030
This geonarrative constitutes theDecadal Science Strategyof the USGS's Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program for 2020 to 2030.
Learn More
Global Marine Mineral Resources
Researching seafloor mineral resources that occur within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and areas beyond national jurisdictions.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
link
Global Marine Mineral Resources
Researching seafloor mineral resources that occur within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and areas beyond national jurisdictions.
Learn More
- Overview
The seafloor contains deposits of minerals that we we use in everyday life such as copper, zinc, nickel, gold, silver, and phosphorus. These deposits occur as crusts on volcanic and other rocks and as nodules on abyssal plain sediment that are typically about 3 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) in diameter.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
The seafloor contains deposits of minerals that we use in everyday life such as copper, zinc, nickel, gold, silver, and phosphorus. These deposits occur as crusts on volcanic and other rocks and as nodules on abyssal plain sediment that are typically about 3 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) in diameter.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Many nodules that are rich in manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt are particularly widespread in the deep basins of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Crusts that mainly contain iron and manganese can also have significant concentrations of cobalt, rare earth elements, nickel, tellurium, and platinum; they are found on seamounts (extinct submarine volcanoes that are found throughout the ocean) and other seafloor promontories. Muds that contain rare earth elements—widely used in consumer electronics such as smart phones and green technologies such as wind turbines and hybrid and electric cars—are found in the deep ocean. These muds are a relatively new discovery. Phosphorites, which occur in the ocean as crusts or nodules, are a critical source of phosphate for fertilizer and are also being evaluated as a potential source for rare earth elements.
The U.S. government, international and nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders depend on CMHRP expertise to characterize and assess seafloor mineral deposits and to evaluate the environmental impact of mining techniques. International collaborations will continue to play a critical role in providing the CMHRP with access to ships and samples, particularly in remote areas of the Pacific Ocean.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.
Because offshore resources could provide greater self-sufficiency for U.S. industries, the CMHRP will continue to upgrade its seafloor minerals database and evaluate developments in offshore mining practices that may become relevant if supplies of critical metals or rare earth elements were to be disrupted. For more information on seafloor mineral deposits, visitthe USGS Global Ocean Mineral Resources project site.
- Science
Explore the CMHRP Decadal Strategic Plan
linkThe CMHRP Decadal Science Strategy 2020-2030
This geonarrative constitutes theDecadal Science Strategyof the USGS's Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program for 2020 to 2030.
link
The CMHRP Decadal Science Strategy 2020-2030
This geonarrative constitutes theDecadal Science Strategyof the USGS's Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program for 2020 to 2030.
Learn More
linkGlobal Marine Mineral Resources
Researching seafloor mineral resources that occur within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and areas beyond national jurisdictions.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
link
Global Marine Mineral Resources
Researching seafloor mineral resources that occur within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and areas beyond national jurisdictions.
Learn More
As an enthusiast with in-depth knowledge of marine mineral resources, I find the information provided in the article fascinating and critical for understanding the vast potential lying beneath our oceans. The Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program (CMHRP) plays a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries of seafloor mineral deposits, and their Decadal Science Strategy for 2020-2030 is a testament to their commitment and expertise.
The seafloor, as highlighted in the article, is a treasure trove of minerals essential for our everyday lives. Deposits of copper, zinc, nickel, gold, silver, and phosphorus are not only abundant but are crucial components in various industries. These minerals exist as crusts on volcanic rocks and as nodules on abyssal plain sediment, ranging from 3 to 10 centimeters in diameter.
The article emphasizes the prevalence of nodules rich in manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt in the deep basins of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Additionally, crusts containing iron and manganese showcase significant concentrations of cobalt, rare earth elements, nickel, tellurium, and platinum. The discovery of muds in the deep ocean containing rare earth elements adds a new dimension to our understanding, with potential applications in consumer electronics, green technologies, and more.
Phosphorites, occurring as crusts or nodules in the ocean, are not only a critical source of phosphate for fertilizers but are also being evaluated as a potential source for rare earth elements. The CMHRP's expertise is vital for characterizing and assessing these seafloor mineral deposits, ensuring a balance between resource utilization and environmental impact.
International collaborations are highlighted as crucial, providing the CMHRP with access to ships and samples, particularly in remote areas of the Pacific Ocean. The goal of achieving greater self-sufficiency for U.S. industries through offshore resources underscores the importance of continually upgrading the seafloor minerals database and evaluating advancements in offshore mining practices.
In conclusion, the exploration of seafloor mineral resources is a dynamic field with vast implications for various industries. The CMHRP's dedication and strategic approach outlined in their Decadal Science Strategy position them as key players in advancing our understanding of these valuable marine resources. For those interested in delving deeper, exploring the USGS Global Ocean Mineral Resources project site is recommended for further insights.
