POLYMETALLIC NODULES DISTRIBUTION IN THE CENTRAL PACIFIC BASIN AND COMPARISON WITH NODULES IN CHINA PIONEER AREA, CC ZONE

The distribution pattern of polymetallic nodules in the Central Pacific is summarized in this paper based on several cruise reports of geological investigation. The results show that the polymetallic nodules in the CP Zone mainly belong to S-types. They are hydrogenetic with higher abundance and coverage, but lower grades. On the contrast, the nodules from China Pioneer Area, CC Zone are mainly diagenetic or in mixed origin, with lower abundance and coverage, but higher grades. The polymetallic nodules from the two areas owe their difference to the factors of manganese mineralogy, types of surface sediment and Antarctic Bottom Water.