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Comparison of the characteristics of manganese micronodules from the equatorial and South-West Pacific

Vergleichende Untersuchungen von Mikromanganknollen des äquatorialen und des südwestlichen Pazifik

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Summary

The abundance, morphology, internal structure, mineralogy and composition of manganese micronodules from seven areas in the equatorial and South-West Pacific have been evaluated and compared. Micronodule abundance appears to be inversely related to sedimentation rate with highest abundances occurring in dark brown clays where sedimentation rates are low. Morphology and internal structure are dependent on the nature of the seed material in which the micronodule forms, of which calcareous tests, siliceous tests and volcanoclastic material are the most important. SEM studies show quite marked variations in the external and internal characteristics of the micronodules from different areas. The mineralogy and composition of the micronodules tend to follow those of macronodules from the same location with biogenic processes leading to the formation of todorokite and high Ni + Cu contents in equatorial Pacific micronodules, for example. Nonetheless, significant differences are apparent in composition between micronodules and macronodules from the same location. Diagenetic processes lead to remobilization of manganese within the sediment column. This influences the distribution and composition of micronodules within the various sediment size fractions and with depth in the sediment column. The characteristics of the micronodules studied here are strongly influenced by the nature of the sedimentary environment in which they form. Micronodules are therefore seen not to have a uniform mode of formation but rather to reflect a variety of influences on their growth.

Zusammenfassung

Manganmikroknollen aus 7 verschiedenen Gebieten des Pazifischen Ozeans werden untersucht und miteinander verglichen. In Abhängigkeit von der Sedimentfazies lassen sich deutliche Unterschiede in der Häufigkeit, der Morphologie und inneren Struktur sowie in der Mineralogie und chemischen Zusammensetzung der Mikroknollen beobachten. Die Menge an Manganmikroknollen im Sediment scheint umgekehrt proportional der Sedimentationsrate zu sein. Höchste Gehalte an Mikroknollen finden sich in extrem langsam abgelagerten braunen pelagischen Tonen (z.B. Südwest-Pazifisches Becken). Die Morphologie und die innere Struktur der Mikroknollen hängt entscheidend vom Nukleusmaterial (kieselige, kalkige Organismen, vulkanoklastisches Material) ab. Biogene Anreicherung, hydrogenetische und hydrothermale Metallzufuhr sowie diagenetische Mobilisationsprozesse bestimmen, ähnlich wie bei Manganmakroknollen, die Mineralogie und chemische Zusammensetzung der Manganmikroknollen, wobei diagenetische Prozesse von größter Bedeutung sind. Sie erklären die Unterschiede in der chemischen Zusammensetzung zwischen Mikro- und Makromanganknollen aus dem gleichen Untersuchungsgebiet. Diagenetische Mobilisierung von Mangan und anderen Elementen im Sediment bestimmt Verteilung und Chemismus der Mikroknollen in tieferen Sedimentschichten. Mikroknollen lassen sich nicht durch einen einfachen Bildungsprozeß erklären. Ihr Auftreten wird durch eine Reihe von Einflüssen wie Redoxpotential, Sedimentationsrate, Nukleusmaterial, biogene Anreicherungsprozesse, Diagenese und Tiefenwasserströmungen kontrolliert.

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Author notes

  1. P. Stoffers

    Present address: Institut of Sedimentology, University of Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany

  2. G. Frenzel

    Present address: Institut of Mineralogy-Petrography, University of Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany

  3. G. P. Glasby

    Present address: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, The New Zealand Oceanographic Institute, P.O. Box 12-346, Wellington, New Zealand

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    1. P. Stoffers
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    3. G. Frenzel
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    Stoffers, P., Glasby, G.P. & Frenzel, G. Comparison of the characteristics of manganese micronodules from the equatorial and South-West Pacific. TMPM Tschermaks Petr. Mitt. 33, 1–23 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01082299

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