Understanding Mn-nodule distribution and evaluation of related deep-sea mining impacts using AUV-based hydroacoustic and optical data

Peukert, Anne; Schoening, Timm; Alevizos, Evangelos; Köser, Kevin; Kwasnitschka, Tom; Greinert, Jens

doi:https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-2525-2018

Articles | Volume 15, issue 8

https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-2525-2018

© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Special issue:

Assessing environmental impacts of deep-sea mining...

https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-2525-2018

© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 15, issue 8

Research article

|

27 Apr 2018

Research article |

| 27 Apr 2018

Understanding Mn-nodule distribution and evaluation of related deep-sea mining impacts using AUV-based hydroacoustic and optical data

Anne Peukert, Timm Schoening, Evangelos Alevizos, Kevin Köser, Tom Kwasnitschka, and Jens Greinert

Data sets

Swath sonar multibeam EM122 bathymetry during SONNE cruise SO239 with links to raw data files J. Greinert https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.859456

Seafloor images and raw context data along AUV tracks during SONNE cruises SO239 and SO242/1 J. Greinert, T. Schoening, K. Köser, and M. Rothenbeck https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.882349

Results of nodule detection along AUV track SO239_19-1_AUV2 (Abyss_168) during SONNE cruise SO239 T. Schoening https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.879868

Results of nodule detection along AUV track SO239_28-1_AUV3 (Abyss_169) during SONNE cruise SO239 T. Schoening https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.879990

Model code and software

Source code for the Compact Morphology-based Nodule Delineation (CoMoNoD) algorithm T. Schoening https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.875070

Short summary

Manganese nodules are a deep-sea mineral resource considered for mining. This paper provides insights into measuring the distribution of manganese nodules at meter resolution. Nodule abundance was determined by autonomous robots using cameras and echo sounders. Based on the meter-scale abundance measurements, environmental impacts of simulated deep-sea mining were assessed. The spatial extent of a sediment plume was determined and showed correlation to small variations in seafloor topography.