regions. The second major question is what controls the areal 

 density of nodules, especially in regions where the nodules have a 

 high copper-nickel content. A high density of nodules at the 

 sediment surface is one of the conditions that determines whether a 

 nodule field can be regarded as being of potential economic value. In 

 the program study area in the northern equatorial Pacific, it has been 

 observed that significant areal density variations occur over 

 distances ranging from a few meters to a few kilometers. In a related 

 effort, NOAA's Sea Grant Program is studying shallow-water 

 nodules. Shallow nodule deposits were discovered near Hawaii in 

 early 1970. Initial findings indicate that these deposits are far more 

 extensive than previously recognized and many contain higher 

 concentrations of noble metals than those reported for deep-sea 

 nodules. 



Some of the possible environmental effects of deep-sea mining of 

 the manganese nodules include destruction of bottom-dwelling 

 organisms; a general stirring up of sediment from the ocean floor; 

 and the introduction of sediment, organisms, and bottom water into 

 the water column and surface waters. These impacts are not 

 necessarily all damaging; the introduction of nutrient-rich bottom 

 waters into surface waters could, for example, lead to an increase in 

 growth of various surface organisms. 



NOAA is managing a study (Project DOMES] in the equatorial 

 Pacific south of Hawaii to provide baseline measurements and to 

 gain an understanding of physical, biological, and chemical 

 mechanisms in the study area and how they might be affected by 

 mining. If the investigation indicates that environmental effects are 

 minimal, the investigators will formulate guidelines for future large- 

 scale mining operations and establish standards for monitoring 

 during these operations. 



USGS has a lead role in the Circum-Pacific Map Project, an 

 international effort to assemble information on the distribution and 

 relations of mineral resources in and adjacent to the Pacific Basin, 

 including manganese nodules, petroleum, and other mineral com- 

 modities of the sea floor. Using data supplied by the Navy, 

 universities engaged in ONR- and NSF-supported compilations, and 

 other sources, USGS has prepared two series of base maps for use in 

 plotting the information. International teams of government, 

 university, and industry scientists have begun assembling data on 

 many aspects of the geology, geophysical properties, and resources 

 of the sea-floor and coasts for use in preparing overlays to the maps 

 when issued and to identify gaps in existing knowledge. Through its 

 International Decade of Ocean Exploration (IDOE) and IPOD 

 programs, NSF is supporting much of the university participation. 

 NASA is sponsoring compilations of data obtained from satellites 



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